Research Learning Experience

ADvanced RLE Courses

Open to 2nd semester freshmen through seniors!

Fall 2026 Classes Srping/Summer 2027 Classes

Sign-up for these courses through MaineStreet during general enrollment.
If you have questions, please contact the course faculty member.

Fall 2026 Classes

Translate Industry into Scholarship

MGT 290:0001: The Business of Sunday River

Buffie McCue-Quinn | Maine Business School

  • Fall Credits:
    3
  • Semester Offered: Fall 2026
  • Participants:
    Open to students who meet the prerequisites listed in MaineStreet

This applied consulting course partners students with Sunday River Resort to address authentic organizational challenges through structured, team-based projects. Students integrate theory, research, and professional practice to develop analytical, strategic, and leadership competencies in real-world business contexts.

A photo of someone skiing at Sunday River


Finding Cures for Viral Diseases

BMB 475.0001: Virus-Host Cell Interactions Discovery Laboratory

Melissa Maginnis | Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences

  • Fall Credits:
    3
  • Semester Offered: Fall 2026
  • Participants:
    Open to students who meet the prerequisites listed in MaineStreet

This inquiry-based laboratory course gives students an in-depth understanding of virus-host cell interactions through the application of concepts and essential techniques in cell culture, virology, and immunology. Students will develop novel research projects and perform experiments to answer key questions related to the molecular and cellular basis of viral infection and identify methods to treat human polyomavirus-induced diseases.

A photo of someone working with a sample

Make Informed Business Decisions

BUA 290: Evidence-Based Management

William G. Obenauer | Maine Business School

  • Fall Credits:
    3
  • Semester Offered: Fall 2026
  • Participants:
    Open to students who meet the prerequisites listed in MaineStreet

Students will support a research project facilitated by the Advancement of Replications Initiative in Management (ARIM) by running a lab experiment. Students will meet with various stakeholders, including the project lead and multiple editors from top management journals. At the end of the course, students will present practical insights from the data they collected to industry professionals.

A photo of a student working on a laptop

Exploring Ancient Ideas with Contemporary Philosophers

PHI 201.0001: Practicing Philosophy

Susan Bredlau | Department of Philosophy

  • Fall Credits:
    3
  • Semester Offered: Fall 2026
  • Participants:
    Open to students who meet the prerequisites listed in MaineStreet

What makes a person just? What makes a community just? What is the best form of government? What is the purpose of education? Through a close study of Plato’s Republic and in collaboration with multiple members of UMaine’s Philosophy Department, we will explore these questions and learn what it means to engage in philosophical research.

A photo of Plato's Republic

Experience PreK-12 Music Classrooms

MUE 210: Introduction to Music Education

Rebecca DeWan | Department of Music

  • Fall Credits:
    3
  • Semester Offered: Fall 2026
  • Participants:
    Open to students who meet the prerequisites listed in MaineStreet

Introduction to Music Education (MUE 210) allows students to explore the professional world of teaching music, shifting their approach to education from their existing “student lens” to a burgeoning “teacher lens.” Students will develop the ability to think and act like professional music educations through readings, discussions, presentations, field experiences, interviews, reflections, and opportunities to practice your craft as a teacher.

A photo of music teachers in a circle

Exploring Acadia’s Environment

EES 217: Acadia Field Study

Katharine Ruskin | Department of Ecology and Environmental Studies

  • Fall Credits:
    1
  • Semester Offered: Fall 2026
  • Participants:
    Open to students who meet the prerequisites listed in MaineStreet

Dive into field research by conducting a study on an environmental challenge in Acadia National Park in 24 hours!

A photo of a beach in Acadia

Spring/Summer Classes

Engineer Durable, Energy-Efficient Buildings

SFR 456: Building Physics: Envelope Commissioning and Assessment

Ling Li | School of Forest Resources

  • Spring Credits:
    3
  • Semester Offered: Spring 2027
  • Participants:
    Open to students who meet the prerequisites listed in MaineStreet

Students will explore the physical behavior of bio-based building enclosures through hands-on practice. You will design, fabricate, and assess heat and moisture transfer to predict durability and energy consumption of buildings. By simulating real-world environmental impacts, participants will design resilient, high-performance building enclosures that optimize energy efficiency and indoor health.

A photo of a building scanner

Chemistry of Ocean Acidification

CHY 124: General Chemistry II Lab

William Otto | University of Maine Machias

  • Spring Credits:
    TBA
  • Semester Offered: Spring 2027
  • Participants:
    Open to students who meet the prerequisites listed in MaineStreet

Ocean acidification caused by increased atmospheric CO2, will be a theme used as an authentic phenomena to illustrate the underlying chemical concepts. Field experiments will be designed and executed to assess actual acidification and impacts.

A photo of the ocean

Transcribing and Analyzing language

CSD 280: Unlocking Child Language

Jane Puhlman | Department of Communication Science and Disorders

  • Spring Credits:
    3
  • Semester Offered: Spring 2027
  • Participants:
    Open to students who meet the prerequisites listed in MaineStreet

Dive into child language research! You’ll transcribe real speech samples and observe children to build fundamental clinical skills. Meet ASHA standards while building your professional identity through hands on-data analysis and expert mentorship. Perfect for future SLPs, teachers, and clinicians ready to decode development.

A photo of a student playing with a child

Wildlife Field Survey

WLE 250: Wildlife Field Survey

Erik Bloomberg, Lindsay Seward | Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

  • Summer Credits:
    TBA
  • Semester Offered: May 2027
  • Participants:
    Open to students who meet the prerequisites listed in MaineStreet

Throughout this 10-day field course, students will become immersed in the unique flora, fauna, and culture of Maine’s “Downeast” region. The course combines natural history and field methods with an emphasis on science-based application fish and wildlife research to address management issues. We work directly with professionals from state and federal agencies while conducting research on the properties they manage.

A photo of canoes by the water

Research Learning Experience

Tel: 207.581.4848

|

Email: rle@maine.edu

Research Learning Experience

Tel: 207.581.4848

|

Email: rle@maine.edu

Orono, Maine
207.581.1865

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Cooperative Extension

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Library

Visit Campus

Campus Map

Events

Giving

Recreation Center

President

Net Price Calculator

Financial Aid

Current Students

Faculty and Staff

myUMaine

Navigate

News

Emergency

Marketing and Communications

Events and Hospitality

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