Research News

A photo of the mobile exhibit "Radical Gardening"

PFAS contamination inspires radical art collaboration

By Hannah Kauffman At the University of Maine, artists and scientists are teaming up to transform trash into treasured art and pave the way for major strides in PFAS research and community outreach.  Susan Smith firmly believes in the importance of art as a facilitator and interpreter of science, providing an emotional lens through which […]

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UMaine students check scallop traps on the Damariscotta River near the Darling Marine Center.

UMaine study reveals how to turn the tide on scallop-rearing challenges

by Erin Miller Atlantic sea scallops, Placopecten magellanicus, are among the most valuable shellfish in New England. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), commercial landings were valued at $478 million in 2022. Atlantic scallops were Maine’s fifth most valuable fishery that year.  The burgeoning industry offers great promise for working waterfronts, but […]

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A student processes eDNA samples at UMaine's Center for Genetics and the Environment.

UMaine center amplifies the power of environmental genetics

by Erin Miller Life in nature is notoriously difficult to track. Endangered species are inherently rare, and invasive species often show up in unexpected places. Animals who occupy our environment in abundance are often wary of humans or frequent places that are difficult to access, like the bottom of lakes or remote corners of the […]

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Wind energy turbines dot a skyline at dawn. A band of fog and forests are in the foreground.

UMaine’s Mitchell Center compounds the flagship’s sustainability impact

In 2006, an interdisciplinary group of faculty and senior leaders from across the University of Maine System laid the foundation for the creation of the Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions at the University of Maine. Their vision was to connect knowledge with action to create a brighter environmental, social, and economic future […]

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4-H students tour UMaine's Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research facility where they are introduced to aquaculture techniques and research.

Program to transform aquaculture education through hands-on and virtual experiences

A new program at the University of Maine funded by a $750,000 grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture aims to address education gaps and meet workforce needs in the aquaculture industry. The “Activating aquaculture technology learning through hands-on and virtual experiences” program will engage students and educators in interactive, project-based learning experiences […]

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University of Maine Faculty Receive Prestigious NSF CAREER Awards, Garnering over $1.8 Million in 2023

The University of Maine (UMaine) continues its impressive streak of securing National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Awards. In 2023, the NSF granted three awards to faculty members Evan Wujcik, Assistant Professor of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering and the Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC), Seth Campbell, Associate Professor at the School of Earth and Climate […]

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UMaine MARINE: Pioneering Marine Research for Maine and Beyond

Created with the fundamental goal of making Maine a global leader as a marine state, UMaine MARINE supports the enhancement of the social, environmental, and economic well-being of Maine and beyond, encompassing research, products, education, industry, workforce development, and climate preparedness related to the marine realm. The organization operates nationally and internationally recognized programs, world-class […]

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Image of workers in potato greenhouse lab.

The University of Maine is Among Six Universities Awarded $1.4 million to Breed and Develop Resilient Potato Varieties

When it comes to potato crops, their resilience and their adaptability to changing climates is crucial. The University of Maine (UMaine) alongside six other Eastern U.S. universities were recently awarded a $1.4 million U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant titled “Special Research Grants Program: Potato Research,” to conduct research surrounding the development of abiotic (environmental) […]

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Coordinated Operating Research Entities (CORE) Welcomes Megan Tardif as Director

Megan Tardif has been appointed as Director of the Coordinated Operating Research Entities (CORE) effective November 6, 2023. Tardif, a dedicated member of the University of Maine (UMaine) community, will play a pivotal role in leading CORE’s mission to serve as UMaine’s central source for major research equipment and facilities. Tardif’s journey with the University […]

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University of Maine Hosts DEPSCoR Day in Portland, Maine

This October, researchers and administrators from across the Northeast United States and beyond gathered in Portland, Maine for DEPSCoR Day to learn about Department of Defence (DOD) research opportunities available to their home jurisdictions. Organized by Maine EPSCoR and the Defence Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) brought in program officers and representatives together […]

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SEAMaine Educator Summit Provides In-depth Look into Maine’s Aquaculture Sector

DAMARISCOTTA, ME — Damariscotta served as a vibrant learning hub last Friday, October 6, with the SEAMaine Educator Summit. Participants from all over the aquaculture sector attended this event, providing educators with invaluable insights into Maine’s aquaculture industry. The day included seed sourcing at the upweller, an informative river cruise, and concluded with collaborative meetings […]

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UMaine Celebrates Research Success Day, Fostering Innovation and Collaboration

In a display of the University of Maine’s research prowess, Research Success Day, organized by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School, took place on October 4, 2023. The event, hosted at the Wells Conference Center, featured an array of informational and cohort-style sessions alongside a vibrant networking […]

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MEDIA ADVISORY: University of Maine Reaches Graduate Enrollment Records

For Immediate Release – Oct. 15, 2023 [ORONO, MAINE] – The University of Maine (UMaine) Graduate School reports record graduate student enrollment for the fall 2023 semester. Since 2019, credit hour enrollment increased by 23.0% to 13,154 in 2023, and full time equivalent (FTE) enrollment increased by 24.8% to 1,482.5 in 2023. Of the enrolled […]

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WellNurse Initiative Fosters Mindfulness and Community in Nursing

From the days of Mary Seacole and Florence Nightingale, the modern nurse is charged with some of the most stressful yet critical work imaginable. While the profession will likely always be stressful, researchers at the University of Maine (UMaine) are working to reduce that stress by giving nurses the necessary resources to handle and respond […]

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Browntail Moths at UMaine: Researchers Shed Light on Maine’s Ongoing Battle

Angela Mech, an Assistant Professor of Forest Entomology at the University of Maine, investigates browntail moths, pests known for their toxic hair causing skin rashes upon contact with humans. UMaine’s campus has witnessed a surge in browntail moth sightings, particularly the white adult moths, prompting immediate research action. A simple yet effective solution to battling […]

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Aerial view of attendees at the Biomedical Science and Engineering Symposium

Elevating Impactful Research: The University of Maine Presents the Second Maine Research Symposium on Biomedical Science and Engineering

The Second Annual Maine Research Symposium on Biomedical Science and Engineering is gearing up to be a visionary event, building on the success of its inaugural year. The University of Maine collaborates with partner organizations, including JAX, MDI Biological Laboratory, MaineHealth, Northern Light Health, University of New England, University of Southern Maine, and the Roux […]

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Nurturing tomorrow’s researchers: UMaine’s postdoctoral engagement

The National Postdoctoral Association has designated a week each year to recognize the invaluable contributions of postdoctoral scholars. Formally acknowledged by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010, this week, commencing this year on September 18, presents a unique occasion to celebrate the impact of postdoctoral scholars. A postdoc is often a short-term position that […]

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Forest Bioproducts Research Institute welcomes Wheeler as Director

Clayton Wheeler has been appointed as Director of the Forest Bioproducts Research Institute (FBRI) effective July 1, 2023. Wheeler, a distinguished figure in the field, is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Maine. He received his Ph.D. degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to joining UMaine, he gained industrial […]

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Aquaculture Research Institute hosts 39th Annual Fish Feeds and Nutrition Workshop

Article updated August 10, 2023 The Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI) hosted the 39th Fish Feeds and Nutrition Workshop from July 11 to 13 at the University of Maine. The conference brought together industry experts, researchers, and professionals in the field of aquaculture, providing a platform to explore the latest advancements in fish nutrition and feed […]

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ORD introduces new calendar of professional development opportunities

Reposted July 18, 2023 As part of its core mission to enhance the research environment, the Office of Research Development (ORD) offers professional development workshops and training programs tailored to meet the needs of University of Maine System (UMS) faculty, staff, and graduate students.   We are excited to announce ORD’s new calendar of offerings listed […]

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The Portland Gateway connects, convenes and converges

Established in Portland by the University of Maine to provide a one-stop point of access to the vast array of innovative research, education and outreach resources, programs and services at the state’s research university, the Portland Gateway is now a flourishing place with seemingly limitless possibilities.  In just over two years since it was founded, […]

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UMaine hosts Postdoc Spring Social and Faculty Panel

On May 19, 2023, several University of Maine postdoctoral research associates, faculty, and other members of the broader UMaine community gathered at the Wells Conference Center in Orono for a Postdoc Spring Social and Faculty Panel, sponsored by the Office of Research Development and the Office of the Vice President for Research and Dean of […]

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University of Maine System Request for Ideas internal grant awards announced

In October 2022 the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Joan Ferrini-Mundy, invited faculty and staff across the University of Maine System (UMS) to put forward their ideas for research, innovation, and development that could be supported or further developed by internal and external funding and/or the formation of collaborative intercampus teams.  The UMS Request […]

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2023 Faculty Research Funds Award recipients announced

The Faculty Research Fund provides support to faculty to establish, maintain, or advance high-quality research, scholarly, and creative activity programs. Awards are made once a year through a competitive process managed by the Office of Research Development and funded by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School (OVPRDGS).  […]

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The Center for Undergraduate Research welcomes Howell as Associate Director

Caitlin Howell has been appointed as Associate Director of the Center for Undergraduate Research (CUGR) effective March 1, 2023. Howell is an associate professor of Bioengineering in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and the Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering. Before joining UMaine, Howell worked as Technology Development Fellow with Joanna Aizenberg […]

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EMPOWER mentoring program application for fourth cohort now open

The Enhanced Mentoring Program with Opportunities for Ways to Excel in Research (EMPOWER) is a mentoring program that supports faculty in their quest to achieve significant professional growth and advancement, including attaining success in research and scholarly activities. There is particular interest in supporting faculty who are women and/or from underrepresented groups. The EMPOWER program […]

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Spotlight: UMaine’s 2022 NSF Career Award Recipients

The year 2022 marked a first for UMaine, as five faculty members were selected in the same year for the prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award, a premier early career funding mechanism, which is intended to support enduring success in scholarship, teaching, and public service. The National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award, is considered […]

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Enhancing the quality of life of older adults

In March 2022, UMaine achieved full membership to the Age-Friendly University (AFU) Global Network. The AFU initiative aims to expand age-friendly inclusiveness throughout higher education. The new designation is a culmination of two decades of extensive work and progress, brought about by the Center on Aging. The Center on Aging (CoA) at the University of […]

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UMaine Graduate School celebrates 100 years of excellence

Community Letter from the Dean of the Graduate School With great joy and excitement, I would like to invite you to join us for a year-long celebration of the centennial anniversary of the creation of the Graduate School at the University of Maine.   The university has granted graduate degrees since 1881, when the first […]

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UMaine Space Initiative establishes pathways for enhanced partnerships

The University of Maine has a long history of space-related research and development activities dating back to the early 90s.  Supported by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Maine Space Grant Consortium (MSGC), our fellowship and scholarship programs have been running continuously for over 32 years, training the future workforce, generating intellectual property, […]

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Brian Beal seeding clams

Brian Beal: Supporting the local economy through research

Professor of Marine Ecology Brian Beal has been a leader of marine research throughout the state of Maine and the University of Maine community for over 30 years. Growing up in Jonesport, Beal developed a deep connection with the sea that has fueled a lifelong interest in marine science. In the mid-1980s as local fishermen […]

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waterfall

New UMaine PFAS+ Initiative strives to address forever chemicals crisis

The University of Maine has established the PFAS+ Initiative, a university-wide multi-disciplinary effort to address the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pollution crisis and its cascading environmental and societal impacts. The new initiative is led by a steering committee made up of four members including Onur Apul, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering, Jason […]

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Current Job Openings in Research at UMaine

Apply Now to Build a Meaningful and Successful Career in Research at the University of Maine! Interested in joining a vibrant research community at UMaine? There are a number of job openings across various disciplines from postdocs to administrative staff to engineers and more! Join the team, make a difference and help propel our research […]

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Portland Gateway welcomes Anne Heberger Marino as Associate Director

Anne Heberger Marino has been named Associate Director of the University of Maine’s Portland Gateway. Portland Gateway provides a one-stop connection and point of access to UMaine’s vast array of innovative research, education and outreach resources, programs and services.  Heberger Marino has spent most of her career focused on supporting researchers addressing scientific and societal […]

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UMaine’s EMPOWER program enters second year with new cohort

The University of Maine is pleased to announce the successful launch of the third cohort of the Enhanced Mentoring Program with Opportunities for Ways to Excel in Research (EMPOWER). This initiative supports UMaine and the University of Maine at Machias faculty at multiple career stages.  EMPOWER is a mentoring program that supports faculty in their […]

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Andrés Urcuqui-Bustamente Headshot

Urcuqui-Bustamante strives to reduce tick-borne diseases through landscape management

Andrés Urcuqui-Bustamante, postdoctoral fellow in the School of Forest Resources at the University of Maine, is working to address one of the greatest challenges that our state faces: ticks and tick-borne diseases.  His work integrates data from forest ecology, social science and medical entomology to identify landscape management solutions that could reduce tick-borne diseases like […]

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ARCSIM’s Laura Jackson named NSF ACCESS Campus Champion

Laura Jackson has been named an Advanced Cyberinfrastructure Coordination Ecosystem: Services & Support (ACCESS) Campus Champion.  The ACCESS program is a virtual collaboration funded by the National Science Foundation that facilitates free, customized access to advanced digital resources, consulting, training and mentorship. ACCESS helps the nation’s most creative minds discover breakthroughs and solutions for some […]

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UMaine’s research enterprise success continues with another record-setting year

Dear Colleagues, For the third consecutive year, UMaine’s research enterprise has achieved all-time high record levels in growth and impact, as measured by multiple indicators, including R&D funding generated and expended. In the fiscal year 2022, the total R&D funding generated from external sources has been determined to be $147.8 million, as compared to $133.6 […]

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UMaine MARINE welcomes Kelly Cole as coordinator

Kelly Cole, UMaine assistant research professor of civil and environmental engineering, has been named Coordinator of UMaine’s Marine Aligned Research, Innovation, and Nationally-recognized Education (MARINE) initiative.  Founded in early 2021, the UMaine MARINE initiative pulls together researchers from across the state to engage in innovative and interdisciplinary research, education and outreach related to the marine […]

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Pete Avis appointed as new UMaine CORE Director

Pete Avis, UMaine cooperating professor in the School of Biology and Ecology, has been named the Director of Coordinated Operating Research Entities (CORE).  The CORE unit’s mission is to serve as UMaine’s central repository for major research equipment and facilities, for the purpose of advancing research and development, enabling internal and external users to have […]

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Prentice studies the role of genetics in disease outbreaks among wild animal populations

Melanie Prentice, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Maine’s Kamath Laboratory, came to UMaine to study the resistance and susceptibility of host species to pathogens. Her research interests center around landscape genetics and genomics. In her research she integrates large spatiotemporal, ecological and genetic datasets to address questions concerning the demographic and evolutionary […]

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ORD introduces new standing due dates for internal grants and calls for concept papers

The Office of Research Development (ORD) managed nearly a dozen intramural grant competitions in FY 2022 to provide seed funding for R&D initiatives, student research learning experiences, and research collaborations within the University of Maine System and beyond. Each of these competitions had separate proposal guidelines, multiple due dates spanning the academic year, and peer […]

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Maine Environmental DNA initiative advances coastal ecosystem sustainability

University of Maine researchers and collaborators are leading the way in an emerging field that combines environmental science and genetics, revolutionizing how scientists understand and monitor our state’s 3,500 miles of coastline that our marine ecosystems depend on. Through a $20 million EPSCoR Research Infrastructure (RII) Track 1 award from the National Science Foundation in […]

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Flags of Russia and the Ukraine

Settele discusses strategy and tactics in the Russia-Ukraine War

In this first article of a three-part series, we ask researchers and experts at the University of Maine to weigh in on the conflict unfolding in Ukraine.  Just a few days before the announcement of the invasion of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin gave a speech claiming territorial rights over Ukraine. He gave viewers an […]

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Peary studies changes in physical activity strategies in schools during the pandemic

Winning a fellowship award from the Center for Undergraduate Research (CUGR) led to the “defining moment of my undergraduate career,” says Alexandra Peary, a senior nursing student at the University of Maine. Peary, a Cumberland, Maine native, is passionate about living a healthy lifestyle. She decided to use her fellowship to research how physical activity […]

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University of Maine Arts Initiative (UMAI) Seed Grant RFP

The University of Maine Arts Initiative (UMAI) is pleased to announce another round of competitive seed grants to create and enhance collaborations across the arts at the University of Maine (UMaine) and University of Maine at Machias (UMM). The purpose of the UMAI seed grant program is to encourage innovative and interdisciplinary collaborations that seek […]

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Team of UMaine Students place second at the Northeast Bioengineering Conference

UMaine students Jacob Holbrook, Dominic Kugell, Margaret McCarthy, and Basel White have had a busy semester. The team of undergraduate students presented their senior capstone project at the Northeast Bioengineering Conference (NEBEC), where they placed second overall out of the 44 undergraduate poster presentations. Supervised by Professor of Practice Robert Bowie, and mentored by Professor […]

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José Luis Colón Quintana: Researching large-scale additive manufacturing

José Luis Colón Quintana has a passion for life. Born and raised in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, he has traveled extensively, recording much of it on his vlog. You might also find him flying drones or picking up new musical instruments to learn. His excitement for discovering and learning new things led him to the University […]

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UMaine EMPOWER program hosts workshop

The Enhanced Mentoring Program with Opportunities for Ways to Excel in Research (EMPOWER) held a workshop for mentors and mentees, and other UMaine faculty interested in serving as mentors under the program on May 20, bringing to a conclusion the program’s inaugural year. Adapted from a similar program developed and successfully implemented at Indiana University […]

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2022 Faculty Research Funds Announcement

The Faculty Research Fund program aims to support faculty in establishing or maintaining high-quality research programs and other creative achievements. Competitions are held annually and funded by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School through a review and nomination process by the Faculty Research Fund Committee.  This year […]

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Update regarding research activity and research-related travel guidelines

The Office of the Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School no longer requests notification of research activity for faculty, staff, and students, except in cases where the research involves travel to countries with a US State Department Travel Advisory Level of 3. Moreover, no Level 4 travel is allowed by UMS.Steps to request an […]

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Winners of the 2022 Faculty Mentor Impact Awards announced

UMaine aims to recognize exceptional faculty mentors who have an important impact on their students. Each year, the Office of the Vice President of Research and the Dean of the Graduate School solicits nominations for outstanding faculty mentors from undergraduate and graduate students. Nominees and their students are invited to attend the Faculty Mentor Impact […]

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The IMRC Center expands support for research innovation

Since transitioning to a unit under the Coordinating Operating Research Entities (CORE) in 2020, the Innovative Media Research and Commercialization Center or IMRC Center, has embraced new opportunities to support research initiatives, academic curricula, and external commercial projects with access to resources and services. The 2021-22 academic year has seen a 100% increase in IMRC […]

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Graduate School sets records for Academic Year 2021

In spite of the continuing pandemic, the University of Maine’s graduate enrollment has consistently increased over the past few years, setting records in the 2020-21 academic year, and then breaking those records this fall term. A total of 2,542 graduate students were enrolled in classes for the 2021 fall semester, surpassing the previous record enrollment […]

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Abedi elected Vice President of IEEE’s Council on Radio Frequency Identification

Ali Abedi, Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering and Associate Vice President for Research has been elected as the next Vice President of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Council on Radio Frequency Identification (CRFID) for 2022-2023 term. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers or IEEE, is the largest technical professional organization in […]

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ORC launches new Research Compliance Newsletter

The Office of Research Compliance (ORC) invites you to subscribe to the new Research Compliance newsletter. Compliance is a critical component of all research conducted at UMaine. The Office of Research Compliance provides the resources and support necessary to assist researchers with conducting ethical research and to ensure that all members of the university community […]

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UMaine celebrates highest number of NSF CAREER Award Recipients in 2021

The year 2021 marked a first for UMaine, as four faculty members were selected in the same year for the prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award, a premier early career funding mechanism, which is intended to support enduring success in scholarship, teaching, and public service. This prominent award recognizes the exceptional potential of the […]

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New USDA grant builds on Aquaculture Research Institute partnerships to advance sustainability in land-based salmon aquaculture

The University of Maine Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI) in collaboration with the lead institution University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) has been awarded a $10 million U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant to research land-based salmon aquaculture. The Sustainable Aquaculture Systems Supporting Atlantic Salmon project, also known as SAS2, brings together several academic and federal […]

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COVID-19 Research Continuity Update

Dear Colleagues, Due to the ongoing pandemic conditions, researchers are asked to continue to follow all UMS, State, and CDC guidelines. Moreover, current guidelines do NOT require approval for domestic in-state or out-of-state travel. International travel for research continues to be restricted per UMS guidelines. Please note that research with human subjects also continues to have some restrictions, detailed on the Office of […]

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University of Maine research productivity at all-time high, despite the pandemic

Dear Colleagues, While fiscal year 2021 will be marked by COVID-19 and the considerable challenges that come with a global pandemic, it will also be marked by the great accomplishments and the inspiring collaborations, teamwork, and resilience that have taken place at the University of Maine. As Maine’s research university, its research impacts all areas […]

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UMaine launches new mentoring program for researchers

A new initiative to support UMaine and University of Maine at Machias faculty at multiple stages of career development was launched earlier this year. This new program is offered by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School in partnership with the Office of the Executive Vice President for […]

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UMM Downeast Documentary crew reveals local and global stories

Creative Arts Faculty Alan Kryszak and his film students at UMaine Machias are drawing critical acclaim for their latest feature “Privacy & The Power of Secrets”. The documentary shows different perspectives around data privacy and surveillance. Investigations into the past and present explore how collecting information affects society. From historical documents to face recognition technology, […]

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CUGR video spotlight features summer fellows

A new video promoting the Center for Undergraduate Research features students awarded Summer Fellowships and MSGC Research Experiences. The students including Morgan Oehler, Rose Thayer, Sara Loiselle, Aldous Hofmann, and Basel White worked throughout the summer in labs and in the field around campus. The video was supported by the Office of the Vice President […]

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Vinzani makes an impression, at UMM and far beyond

Bernie Vinzani’s love of teaching the art of printmaking began when he delivered a hands-on lesson to his peers in an undergraduate speech class at Indiana State University. He demonstrated how to make a print using a piece of cardboard and a potato. Now, Vinzani is a professor of art and book arts at the […]

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2021 Faculty Research Fund Awards announced

The Faculty Research Fund program aims to support faculty in establishing or maintaining high-quality research programs and other creative achievements. Competitions are held annually and funded by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School through a review and nomination process by the Faculty Research Fund Committee. Regular Faculty […]

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UMaine Arctic initiative announces inaugural Seed Grant awardees

The UMaine Arctic initiative is pleased to announce winners of a new competitive seed grant program, created to facilitate research collaborations across Arctic research disciplines. The purpose of the UMaine Arctic initiative is to bring together people across the UMaine and UMM campuses with an interest in the high latitudes and, additionally, develop and strengthen […]

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EPIC students create affordable crop monitoring system for small farms in Maine

A team of students making up the first cohort at the UMaine Experiential Learning Innovation Central (EPIC) engineered a low-cost monitoring system for local farmers. Guided by mentors Peter Schilling, Sean Taylor, and professor Ali Abedi, the multidisciplinary team included junior in civil and environmental engineering Kettie Cormier, first-year mechanical engineering student Camden Sawyer, and […]

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Bock uses virtual reality to improve mathematics education

Camden Bock is a Ph.D. candidate in the STEM Education program at the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development. Bock looks at how technologies, like virtual reality, can be used to analyze three-dimensional objects and researches how these technologies can be used to help students understand three-dimensional mathematical objects in three-dimensional space. […]

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Institute of Medicine Internal Seed Grant awardees announced

The Institute of Medicine at the University of Maine coordinates and supports the research and public outreach efforts of some of the state’s leading experts, whose research and scholarly work at UMaine advances rural health care, diagnostic medicine, immune system diseases and disorders, and medical humanities. In March 2021, The Institute of Medicine (IoM) requested […]

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From grassroots to global: the evolution of the UMaine Arctic initiative

UMaine Arctic began as a movement to connect researchers on campus who were interested in the region. Today, the initiative is one of the most interdisciplinary projects on campus, with membership spanning across 20 different departments and schools. The idea for UMaine Arctic spurred from a program that was launched at the University of New […]

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How Research Data Management benefits everyone through open access

Research Data Management (RDM) is a systematic and planned approach to the entire life cycle of scholarly data: from the collection, creation, and/or observation to documentation, storage, and sharing. All researchers engage in RDM in some capacity, but the better a project’s research data is managed, the better the impact the project will have beyond […]

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EPIC students redesign lobster traps to save right whales

A team of students making up the first cohort at the UMaine Experiential Learning Innovation Central (EPIC) redesigned lobster trapping mechanisms in order to protect right whales. Guided by faculty mentors Jason Bolton, John Belding, and Ali Abedi, the team included Hannah Milne, a first-year chemical engineering student; Alexis Bader and Benjamin Swanson, students both […]

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UMaine researcher studies conflict and violent extremism around the world

Bill Farrell looks at the dynamics of conflict and violent extremism. He has conducted field research in countries across Central Asia, the Caucasus region, and Africa. He has met with government officials, community leaders, stakeholders, and an array of people who have had family members and friends mobilize to violent extremism. Farrell is an assistant […]

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Landazuri helps translate the first recorded accounts of El Niño

Examining history can reveal some of the same problems faced today, along with how to cope with them. On the northern coast of Peru, a hot spot for El Niño events, Andean indigenous groups adapted for thousands of years through methods like cycling farming to higher ground. Some of these agricultural methods were previously revealed […]

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UMaine announces new Portland Gateway, names Alice Veazey director

Portland, Maine — A new Portland Gateway for the University of Maine has been established to provide a one-stop connection and point of access to the vast array of innovative research, education and outreach resources, programs and services at the state’s research university in Orono and its facilities statewide. The Portland Gateway offers opportunities for […]

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UMaine announces new Assistant Vice President for Research

Sandra De Urioste-Stone, associate professor of nature-based tourism in the School of Forest Resources has been named Assistant Vice President for Research at the University of Maine starting June 1st. De Urioste-Stone received her Ph.D. from the University of Idaho. Prior to joining the University of Maine in 2012, she served as department chair, instructor […]

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First cohort of EPIC completes course, advancing experiential learning, research and innovation

When students from varying disciplines work together to solve real-world problems, they gain research and collaborative skills through the experience. The earlier the foundation can be laid to build these skills, the better-prepared students will be when they enter the workforce. The UMaine Experiential Learning Innovation Central (EPIC) offers exactly this preparation, seamlessly blending learning […]

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UMaine researchers look at tidal energy in the Western Passage through an interdisciplinary lens

A team of students and researchers, led by Kristina Cammen, participated in the development and implementation of interdisciplinary methodologies in environmental science. Their findings, recently published in Oceanography, outline methods to provide undergraduate students with research experience, using an interdisciplinary framework for training, research and communication. The team used a case study focused on the […]

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