Office of Research Development

PI: Martha Sheils (New England Environmental Finance Center, USM) Sector: Climate Science, Policy Partners: MaineDOT, GEI Consultants Inc. Abstract: It is a challenge for Maine’s municipalities to respond to long-term impacts of sea level rise and increased precipitation that threaten their economic viability. This pilot project develops a technical assistance process to help municipalities make […]

PI: Nishad Jayasundara (Marine Sciences, UMaine) Sector: Aquaculture Partners: Cooke Aquaculture, Center for Corporate Aquaculture Research Abstract: Aquaculture is a multibillion-dollar global industry that is valued at ~$130 million dollars in Maine. Atlantic salmon farming is the highest valued (over $50 million) finfish aquaculture in the State. Maine salmon is a major contributor to the […]

PI: Nicholas Giudice (Vemi Laboratory, UMaine) Sector: Healthcare Technology, It, Computer Science Partners: Iris Network Abstract: One of the biggest challenges to educational, vocational, and social success for blind and visually impaired individuals is the inadequacy of current tools for teaching travel skills and technologies supporting independent navigation. This problem impacts the 30,000 people in […]

PI: Laurie Connell (Marine Sciences, UMaine) Sector: Food Science Partners: Beacon Analytical Systems, Constellation Consortium Abstract: Our handheld, point-of-use instrument will provide the only near-instantaneous solution to detect certain environmental microbes from complex matrices with minimal sample preparation. The system is based on prior-art developed at UMaine funded through Federal, State, and Private sources. We […]

PI: James Beaupre (Foster Center for Student Innovation, UMaine) Sector: Aquaculture, Manufacturing Partners: Cape Seafood Abstract: In an effort to accelerate the commercialization of the lobster golf ball technology developed at the University of Maine, a start-up enterprise will be nurtured and built at UMaine. This technology takes advantage of waste lobster shell from the […]

PI: John Vetelino (Electrical and Computer Engineering, UMaine) Sector: Biotechnology Partners: Saint Joseph’s Hospital, James Moreira (UMM), Steven Quackenbush (UMF) Abstract: The goal of this proposal is to develop a partnership between University of Maine System researchers and Saint Joseph’s Hospital to develop/adapt and commercialize sensors to detect/monitor diseases and/or medical conditions to improve public […]

PI: Dana Morse (Marine Sciences, UMaine) Sector: Aquaculture Partners: Maine Aquaculture Cooperative, Rachel Lasley-Rasher (USM), Hugh Cowperthwaite (CEI) Abstract: Maine’s opportunity in the ear-hanging technique of scallop aquaculture is clear: a large domestic market for scallops, a need to diversify our working waterfronts along with strong brand recognition of Maine seafood. Results from field trials […]

PI: Caitlin Howell (Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, UMaine) Sector: Biomedical, Biotechnology Partners: Zephyrus Technology, Denham Ward (Maine Medical Center Research Institute) Abstract: Simulation-based learning is becoming a newly adopted standard for training medical professionals, immersing students in complex ‘real-life’ scenarios to facilitate clinical knowledge application and hands-on skill development. However, current training simulators are expensive, […]

PI: Habib Dagher (Advanced Structures and Composites Center, UMaine) Sector: Engineering, Composite Technology Partners: U.S. Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Cianbro, Stantec Abstract: The RRF funding will be used to develop construction procedures which allow for the 8,000 tons VolturnUS floating concrete offshore wind turbine hulls to be produced in Maine. Offshore wind […]