From LASST to FIRST

Building on the foundation established by the Laboratory for Surface Science & Technology (LASST), an interdisciplinary research center at the University of Maine since 1980, the Frontier Institute for Research in Sensor Technologies (FIRST) has been created in its place.

Using novel materials, advanced processes, and state-of-the-art devices, the mission of the institute is to research and develop cutting-edge, commercially viable sensor systems for biomedical, environmental, energy, defense, information technology, and other applications. FIRST consists of an internationally recognized, interdisciplinary team of scientists, coupled with a world-class set of resources and facilities dedicated to the realization of cutting-edge sensor systems that provide solutions for societal advancement and economic well-being.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Carl Tripp for his contributions as the Director of LASST over the past several years. He and his team of faculty, staff, and students have been instrumental in paving the way for the realization of FIRST.” – Kody Varahramyan, Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School