Student Life

A collage of photos of Ryan Murray

Ryan Murray: Using music to build the teacher-student connection

For Ryan Murray of Scarborough, Maine, music is a medium that bridges the teacher-student connection. Murray recently graduated from the University of Maine with a bachelor’s in music education and a vocal concentration. He is a strong proponent of the importance of music education. “I definitely think it’s a little bit niche. It’s not something […]

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A photo of Jose Eduardo Meireles

Meireles to illuminate centuries of biodiversity data with $1M award from NSF

Jose Eduardo Meireles, assistant professor of plant evolution and systematics at the University of Maine, has received a National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award to develop faster, cheaper methods to study biodiversity and plant function. The CAREER, or Faculty Early Career Development, awards are among NSF’s most prestigious and support research and education activities led […]

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BDN, PenBay Pilot report on $250K donation for UMaine graduate students

The Bangor Daily News and Penobscot Bay Pilot reported on the $250,000 in philanthropic funding from an anonymous donor to support graduate students whose degree progress has been jeopardized by the loss of federal research funding. Approximately 20 students will receive awards of up to $10,000 each, with priority given to doctoral students nearing degree […]

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A photo of Joan Alexander

Joan Alexander: Earning a degree six decades after she started

In the late 1950s, Joan Alexander was studying at the University of Maine in hopes of becoming a teacher. At the time, career options for women were limited to education, English and home economics. Yet Alexander was prevented from earning her degree because she wasn’t allowed to student teach while pregnant. In addition to her […]

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A photo of two grad students and a professor in a lab

$250,000 in new philanthropic funding announced to support UMaine graduate students affected by reductions of federal research grants 

The University of Maine has announced the availability of $250,000 in new philanthropic funding to support graduate students whose progress toward completing their degree has been jeopardized by the loss of federal research funding. The support, made possible through an anonymous gift to the University of Maine Foundation, augments the existing Graduate Centennial Impact Fund, […]

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Maine media highlight 2025 commencement ceremonies

The Bangor Daily News, Portland Press Herald, News Center Maine, WABI (Channel 5) and WFVX (Channel 7) reported on the 2025 University of Maine commencement ceremonies. The Calais Advertiser and Machias Valley News Observer highlighted the commencement ceremony at UMaine Machias.

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A photo of Bob Steneck at a podium

UMaine marine scientist elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Bob Steneck, who helped reshape marine research in Maine during his 41-year career at the University of Maine, was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.  Established just after the American Revolution by Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton and 60 others, the Academy honors excellence and convenes leaders from every field of human endeavor […]

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A photo of Raj and Neera Singh and President Joan Ferrini-Mundy

Singh family pledges $3.5M for scholarships and endowed chair in the Maine College of Engineering and Computing 

University of Maine Foundation President/CEO Jeff Mills today announced a $3.5 million pledge from alumni Rajendra “Raj” Singh (‘77G, ‘24H) and Neera Singh (‘24H) for scholarships for Maine students and the Singh Chair in Applied Innovation. The announcement was made Tuesday at the UMaine Foundation’s annual luncheon recognizing members of its Charles F. Allen Society, […]

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A composite image featuring Mo Drammeh

Mo Drammeh: Published author explores advocacy through story

For Mo, storytelling isn’t just about fiction — it’s about shaping the way people see the world.  A sophomore in the College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences and Honors College at the University of Maine, Mo has built a unique path that blends scientific research and creative writing, using both as tools for advocacy. […]

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