2016 Seed Grant

A Novel Framework for Detecting and Assessing Spruce Budworm (SBW) Forest Defoliation over Maine

Principal Investigator: Parinaz Rahimzadeh (Forest Resource, UMaine) Partners: Aaron Weiskittel (UMaine), Peter Nelson (UMFK), David Maclean (University of New Brunswick), Daniel Kneeshaw (University of Quebec) Abstract: This research is on developing a practical, rapid, and cost effective method to detect annual spruce budworm (SBW) defoliation in Maine at a broad spatial scale using advanced technologies in […]

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Layer-by-layer Fabrication of Thermoelectric Films Using Nanoparticles to Yield HighEfficiency Thermoelectric Generators for Marine Applications

Principal Investigator: Carl Tripp (Chemistry, UMaine) Partners: Joshua Henry (Maine Maritime Academy), Robert Lad (UMaine) Abstract: Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) have attracted much interest because of their potential for converting waste heat from power sources to useful electricity. This technology is especially important for Maine’s future marine industries, where energy recovery from on-board ship engine heat will […]

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The Maine forest ecosystem status and trends (forEST) app: Informing management and dynamic landscapes

Principal Investigator: Erin Simons-Legaard (Forest Resource, UMaine) Partners: Kasey Legaard (UMaine), Aaron Weiskittel (UMaine), Dave Struble (Maine Forest Service), Ryan Hanavan (US Forest Service) Abstract: An intense outbreak of eastern spruce budworm expanding south from Quebec is without question a leading threat to Maine’s forest economy. We propose to develop a web-based resource mapping system to support […]

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Engineering cardiac tissues regeneration and repair

Principal Investigator: Rosemary Smith (Electrical Engineering, UMaine) Partners: Scott D. Collins (UMaine), Douglas Sawyer (MMC/MMCRI) Abstract: Each year, nearly one million Americans have a heart attack (myocardial infarction, MI). Patient outcomes are highly variable, but all suffer some loss of cardiac function due to permanent tissue damage. This seed project is an interdisciplinary collaboration between the University […]

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Enhancing the forecasting value of the American Lobster Settlement Index to Maine's Coastal Economy

Principal Investigator: Rick Wahle (Marine Science, UMaine) Partners: Brian Beal (UMM), Damian Brady (UMaine), Burton Shank (NOAA/NMFS) Abstract: The goal of this proposal is to enhance and broaden the impact of the American Lobster Settlement Index (ALSI) as a stock assessment and forecasting tool for the US Northeast lobster fishery, the largest economic, and most geographically […]

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Advancing Algal and Invertebrate Aquaculture

Principal Investigator: Susan Brawley (Marine Science, UMaine) Partners: Luz Kogson (UMaine), Sarah Redmond (UMaine Marine Extension Team/Maine Sea Grant), Shep Erhart (Maine Coast Sea Vegetables), Seth Barker (Maine Fresh Sea Farms), Phil Harrington Bait (Wholesale Marine Worms), J. West (Commercial Fisherman) Abstract: Interest in sea vegetables as a healthy superfood was one of the top food trends […]

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Unmanned aerial systems: Supporting development and training on UAV applications for Maine businesses and state agencies

Principal Investigator: Thomas Abbott (UMA) Partners: Col. Daniel M. Leclair (Civil Air Patrol, Northeast Region), J. Gregory Jolda (UMA) Abstract: This project will be the first step in establishing an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) training and education center at the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA). Furthermore, the larger goal of this project is to demonstrate that […]

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Liquid-Infused Paper Substrates for New Biomedical Applications

Principal Investigator: Caitlin Howell (Chemical Engineering, UMaine) Partners: Philseok Kim (SLIPS Tech, Inc) Abstract: Durable fouling-resistant materials are highly sought after as solutions to a wide range of problems in both medicine and industry. We propose to apply a new bio-inspired approach utilizing immobilized liquid layers. We will develop and validate rapid, low-cost, and easily adaptable methods […]

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Revolutionizing Computing Across the University of Maine System

Principal Investigator: Harlan Onsrud (Computing & Info Science, UMaine) Partners: Susan McKay (UMaine), Constance Holden (UMA), Richard Corey (UMaine), Torsten Hahmann (UMaine), Reinhard Moratz (UMaine), Silvia Nittel (UMaine), Michael Scott (UMaine), Roy Turner (UMaine); computing faculty from other UMS campuses to be invited. Abstract: The bulk of STEM jobs in the U.S. are in computing and this […]

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Workforce Development: Helping UMaine Faculty develop classroom activities that prepare students for skills needed in Mane’s science careers

Principal Investigator: Michelle Smith (Biology & Ecology, UMaine) Partners: Mindi Summers (UMaine), Eric Jones (UMM), Jason Johnston (UMPI), Joseph Staples (USM), Judith Ladd Roe (UMPI), Karen Pelletreau (UMaine), Kim Borges (UMFK), Larry Feinstein (UMPI), Lisa Moore (USM), Nancy Prentiss (UMF), Peter Nelson (UMFK), Sandra Haggard (UMA), Sherrie Sprangers (UMM), Theresa Theodose (USM), Charles Wray (The Jackson Laboratory), […]

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