2017 Seed Grant

Turning Maine’s Wood Fiber Resource into Renewable Food Packaging Systems

Principal Investigator: Mehdi Tajvidi, UMaine School of Forest Resources Partners: Douglas Bousfield (UMaine, Department of Chemistry), William Gramlich (UMaine, Department of Chemistry), Douglas Gardner, (UMaine ASCC), Nigel Sanders (Synthesis Group Minerals Technologies, Inc.), Balu Nayak (UMaine School of Food and Agriculture), Nicole Stark (USDA Forest Products Lab), & Jinqu Wang (USDA Forest Products Lab) Abstract: This project seeks […]

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MicroAlgae Culture Coupled Catalysis: Producing Marine Diesel Fuel Additives from Algal Biomass

Principal Investigator: Thomas Schwartz (Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering) Partners: Scott Eaton (Maine Maritime Academy, Marine Engine Testing & Emissions Laboratory), Mike Lomas (Bigelow Labs), & Joshua Henry (Maine Maritime Academy, Marine Engine Testing & Emissions Laboratory) Abstract: Due to its high yield potential, algal biomass is a promising alternative to fossil-based carbon feedstocks for fuels. However, […]

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Variable and High Porosity Nanocellulose Solid Forms for Biomedical Applications

Principal Investigator: Michael Mason (UMaine Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering) Partners: Mehdi Tajvidi (UMaine, School of Forest Resources) & Ian Dickey, MD (Colorado Limb Consultants Abstract: Material scientists and engineers are constantly seeking to develop new biomaterials that address existing and emerging challenges in human health. Dehydrated cellulose Nano-fiber (CNF), produced here at UMaine, is one such […]

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Elder Tech Collaborative

Principal Investigator: Lenard Kaye (UMaine School of Social Work and Center on Aging) Partners: Mark Jadkowski (Elder Technology Labs) and Wayne Woodford (Phillips-Strickland House Corporation) Abstract: This project proposes the planning and start-up of the ElderTech Collaborative, an innovative approach for responding to the expanding technology and aging R&D sector that aims to meet the needs and preferences […]

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Application of low cost bio filled thermoplastics to 3D printed marine tooling

Principal Investigator: Douglas Gardner (UMaine, Advanced Structure and Composite Center) Partners: Mindy Crandall (UMaine, School of Forest Resources), James Anderson (UMaine, Advanced Structure and Composite Center, Lyman Morse, Hinckley Yachts, Hodgdon Yachts, Sabre, & Thermwood Corporation Abstract: For small to medium boat builders, the biggest cost and longest lead time item in developing a new boat model is […]

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Eco-Sno Co-Design Project

Principal Investigator: Elizabeth DePoy (UMaine, School of Social Work and Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies) Partners: Scott (James) Hoisington (UMF, Outdoor Recreation Business Administration), Vince Cacesse (UMaine, Department of Mechanical Engineering), Stephen Gilson (UMaine School of Social Work and Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies), Len Kaye (UMaine Center on Aging) & Ryan Beaumont […]

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Development of Intrac™: A Weight Bearing and Fitness Tracking System for Assistive Devices

Principal Investigator: Vincent Caccese (UMaine, Department of Mechanical Engineering) Partners: Elizabeth Depoy & Stephen Gilson (UMaine School of Social Work and Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies), Bernadette Kroon (USM Lewiston, Occupational Therapy Programs), & Ryan Beaumont (Mobility Technologies) Abstract: This project aims to develop, prototype, and test Intrac™, an automated, comprehensive weight bearing, balance and […]

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Improving Maine’s Coastal Infrastructure Upgrade Decisions through High Frequency Nutrient Measurements in Casco Bay

Principal Investigator: Damian Brady (UMaine Darling Marine Center and School of Marine Sciences) Partners: Aaron Strong (UMaine, School of Marine Sciences), Karen Wilson (USM, Department of Environmental Science and Policy), Maine DEP, the Portland Water District, and Friends of Casco Bay Abstract: There is growing interest in the consequences of an increased human population on coastal water quality […]

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Cellulose Nanofibers: A Novel Adjuvant for Veternary and Medical Applications

Principal Investigator: Deborah Bouchard (UMaine, Aquaculture Research Institute) Partners: Ian R. Bricknell (UMaine, School of Marine Sciences) Abstract: This proposal could lead to major advances in vaccine biotechnology and aquaculture. Many fish vaccines require powerful adjuvants to provide the degree and duration of protection required by fish farmers to protect their stocks. Most fish vaccines are currently […]

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Cross-Laminated Timber Demonstration Building Design and Cost Analysis

Principal Investigator: James Beaupré (UMaine Foster Center for Innovation) Partners: Edwin Nagy (UMaine College of Engineering), Stephen Shaler (UMaine, School of Forest Resources), Ryan Wallace (USM, Maine Center of Business and Economic Research) Abstract: In an effort to accelerate the commercialization of cross-laminated timber (CLT) technologies utilizing native Maine wood species, a building design and […]

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