UMaine Research News

UMaine achieves fifth straight year of record-breaking research funding

The University of Maine achieves record-breaking success in its innovative research and development (R&D) efforts. For the fifth 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 received and expended. Specifically, in the fiscal year 2024, the total external funding has […]

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UMaine researchers tackle principal retention challenges

Two leaders in Maine’s public education system are conducting research at the University of Maine to explore how to better support and retain principals, especially in rural schools. Schools play a critical role in rural communities, providing essential services and shaping the future workforce. However, many rural schools in Maine are facing a concerning trend: […]

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Retirees should increase investment risk with age, study finds

Retirement is a significant milestone, but transitioning to it requires careful financial planning. Retirees must consider factors like life expectancy, inflation, and recurring expenses to ensure their savings last throughout retirement.  A study by Doug Waggle, professor of finance at the University of West Florida, and Pankaj Agrrawal, Nicolas M. Salgo Professor of Finance at […]

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A rendering of the inside of the GEM Factory of the Future

Green Engineering and Materials building breaks ground

The University of Maine broke ground on a facility designed to advance pioneering research and education in advanced manufacturing, as well as develop the engineering and computing workforce.  The 50,000-square-foot Green Engineering and Materials (GEM) building will house the Factory of the Future, which will incorporate digital manufacturing technologies and fully adaptive, immersive learning spaces […]

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UMaine doctoral student enrollment highest ever

A record number of students came to the University of Maine in pursuit of doctorates this semester. The fall 2024 cohort includes 605 doctoral students, up from 465 in 2019. In total, the Graduate School received 917 applications to its doctoral programs — up more than 200% from five years ago. The new record was […]

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Amanda Ignacz stands in a red and gold summer dress with two dogs sitting on either side of her

NIH award to strengthen neuromuscular disease research at UMaine

The National Institutes of Health awarded University of Maine Ph.D. candidate Amanda Ignacz the prestigious Ruth L. Kirschstein Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award. This nationally competitive award honors and invests in pre-doctoral students by helping them obtain research training while conducting their dissertation research.  Enrolled in the Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering’s […]

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A view of one of the lakes in Acadia National Park with mountains in the background, pine trees lining the shore that recedes into the distance, and large rocks protruding from the shallow water in the foreground of the photos

Acadia’s lakes inform harmful algal bloom risk predictions statewide

Harmful algal blooms have been on the rise across Maine in recent years. This is a troubling development for nearby communities, as the algae release toxins that may impact drinking water sources and recreation.  “Jordan Pond, the ‘crown jewel’ of Acadia, is often described as the clearest lake in Maine. Local water companies have been […]

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Amplified experience: Grad students join UMaine DNA labs

Two University of Maine graduate students will wield DNA technology to support research at UMaine and across the state. Julianna Silver and Esther Olabamire will help conduct lab operations at the flagship university’s Environmental DNA (eDNA) Service and DNA Sequencing Centers through paid graduate assistantships. Silver, a second year masters student in aquaculture and aquatic […]

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UMaine leads international team to study, conserve woodcock

The American woodcock, a plump harbinger of spring, is a well known shorebird found across eastern North America. The species is a popular game bird and has earned the admiration of hunters, birders and others through their spring display, whistling wings and unique quirks. Each year they make an impressive migration from their overwintering locations […]

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The Island Soundscape Project, capturing Maine’s sonic environments

The Island Soundscape Project (ISP) is an arts research collaborative whose work sits at the intersection of art, ecology and education. In their research, the ISP captures soundscapes — the sonic environment — of Maine’s coast in order to understand and preserve the identity of Maine’s coastal communities. The ISP is composed of co-founders N.B. […]

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New leadership team named for Center on Aging

The University of Maine has named a new leadership team to guide the UMaine Center on Aging as long-serving director Lenard Kaye departs from the role. The Center was founded in 2001 and has grown tremendously since thanks to the work of the Center’s leadership, faculty, staff and students. “I am deeply appreciative of the […]

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Investigating the human microbiome to promote health

There are countless ways to improve one’s health whether it be a new exercise regime or getting to bed a little earlier. One aspect of human health that is often underappreciated and misunderstood is the human microbiome. The human microbiome is vast and responsible for many of our body’s processes. Lola Holcomb, a Ph.D. candidate […]

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Apul Named Director of the University of Maine PFAS+ Initiative

Onur Apul, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Maine, has been named director of the university-wide PFAS+ initiative. He played a key role in the creation of the initiative in 2022 and, since its launch, has served as a member and the facilitator of its steering committee. In his new […]

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Anhedonia, depression and expanding mental healthcare in Maine and beyond

In the field of clinical psychology, numerous incremental advancements can lead to fresh approaches and ways of treating diagnoses in order to increase the quality of life for patients and their families. At the University of Maine’s Department of Psychology, doctoral candidate and recipient of a National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), […]

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Improving blueberry yield in a challenging climate

From wildfires and rising sea levels to the drought stress of plant species in our own backyard, the ubiquitous effects of climate change can be seen around the globe. At the University of Maine, researchers are studying how climate change is impacting Maine’s crops to better understand how to adapt. UMaine associate professor of plant […]

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De Urioste-Stone named UMaine associate vice president for research

Sandra De Urioste-Stone, associate professor of nature-based tourism at the University of Maine, has been named associate vice president for research effective July 1.  Since 2021, De Urioste-Stone has served as assistant vice president for research, leading university-wide initiatives like UMaine Arts and efforts to support research postdoctoral associates.  Over the past three years, she […]

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Maine’s approach to igniting curiosity about research featured at national conference

A novel model for fostering innovation among Maine’s undergraduate students was showcased at the National Council on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) annual meeting in Long Beach, Calif. this April.  The University of Maine System’s Experiential Programs Innovation Central, or EPIC, was the subject of a dedicated session attended by faculty and research administrators from higher education […]

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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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Innovating the roads of tomorrow

The Transportation Infrastructure Durability Center generates innovative solutions to build sustainable transportation infrastructure. The Transportation Infrastructure Durability Center (TIDC) at the University of Maine is committed to developing innovative, transformative, and implementable infrastructure solutions that extend the life and improve the durability of transportation assets. In addition to UMaine, TIDC’s consortium of six New England […]

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A student from the School of Earth and Climate Sciences sampling streams in Acadia National Park for microplastics.

Achieving breakthroughs in predicting PFAS absorption in microplastics

UMaine’s PFAS+ Initiative unveils a model for predicting the contaminant’s absorption in microplastics, leading to innovative solutions for water pollution. The University of Maine’s PFAS+ Initiative developed a novel model for predicting the absorption of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by microplastics in 2023. PFAS are human-made chemicals linked to a growing list of medical […]

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Groundbreaking insights in AI legislation

UMaine’s AI Initiative marks a pivotal year in artificial intelligence ethics, advancing responsible development and usage. In a landmark year for artificial intelligence (AI) ethics, the University of Maine’s AI Initiative made novel contributions to conversations regarding the responsible development and use of AI technologies.  Manuel Wörsdörfer, assistant professor of management and computing ethics at […]

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Forging new frontiers in partnership and innovation

UMaine SPACE Initiative propels leadership in aerospace technology and education. The University of Maine’s SPACE Initiative soared to new heights in 2023, reinforcing its legacy as a pioneering force in space exploration and research. The SPACE Initiative expanded academic and research frontiers and fortified its role in shaping the future of aerospace technology and education. […]

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Bioengineering professor Caitlin Howell working students in a lab in Ferland Hall

R1 drives undergraduate research opportunities

When UMaine earned R1 Carnegie classification in 2022, the designation inspired a dramatic increase in undergraduate research experiences for UMaine students. The R1 designation, bestowed by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, is the highest honor offered, reserved for institutions with very high research activity. When the University of Maine earned R1 status […]

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Bringing new understanding to the Holocaust through digital humanities research

UMaine researchers leverage Geographic Information System technology to examine the spatial relationships between German occupation and genocidal actions.  The Holocaust is widely understood to have been a horrifying genocide that affected millions of people during, and long after, World War II. What may surprise some readers is that scholars continue to unearth new information and […]

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Microbes and social equity

UMaine researchers are asking hard questions about the right every human has to a healthy microbiome, and how these tiny organisms impact human health at large. There is a world of microscopic organisms living in and on our bodies that make up our microbiome. The balance of these complex ecosystems are governed by our diets […]

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Where science and the arts meet

UMaine arts and STEM students engage in interdisciplinary research and learn how to become better scholars. In academia and beyond, fields are becoming less and less siloed. This is especially true at the University of Maine, where the administration and researchers prioritize interdisciplinary research projects because of how they are able to approach large problems […]

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School of Nursing students learn how to flush IVs for patients.

UMaine School of Nursing expands programming for aspiring family nurse practitioners 

The University of Maine School of Nursing received a $1.96 million grant to provide financial assistance to and new educational opportunities for aspiring family nurse practitioners who can help improve access to primary care in Maine’s rural and underserved regions. The four-year grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW) […]

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E. James and Eileen P. Ferland Engineering Education and Design Center at the University of Maine

A new era in engineering and computing

The Maine College of Engineering and Computing pioneers interdisciplinary learning and technological advancement. The Maine College of Engineering and Computing, officially launched on April 1, 2023, marked a significant stride in the region’s workforce development, research and economic growth. The college’s E. James and Eileen P. Ferland Engineering Education and Design Center (Ferland EEDC) and […]

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Three people aboard a boat in the Darmariscotta River.

Developing Maine’s aquaculture industry

The Aquaculture Research Institute drives the development of Maine’s aquaculture industry and working waterfronts.  The Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI) at the University of Maine is charting the future of aquaculture through research and development, extension programs and workforce training. By fostering innovation and nurturing talent, ARI reinforces UMaine’s reputation as a national hub for sustainable […]

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Celebrating a century of impact and leadership

The Graduate School at the University of Maine celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023. This milestone marks a rich history of advancing graduate education and enhancing student experiences through collaborative efforts.

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Institute of Medicine awards nine graduate summer fellowships for 2023

The University of Maine’s Institute of Medicine announced the recipients of its prestigious 2023 summer fellowship in May, recognizing nine outstanding scholars for their contributions to medical research and education.  Institute of Medicine 2023 Summer Fellowship Awardees: Lucas Bennett: Biochemistry Ph.D. candidate. Cellular receptor remodeling during viral infection. Bailey Blair: Biomedical Science Ph.D. candidate.Identifying Candida […]

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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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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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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 Graduate School Centennial Update

Community Letter from the Dean of the Graduate School It was last January when with great joy and excitement I invited 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. Since 1923 the Graduate School has been at the forefront […]

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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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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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umaine students at conference

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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portrait of Jose Colon Quintana

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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group picture of EMPOWER workshop attendees

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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graphic with words Faculty Research Fund Awards 2022

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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Faculty Research Fund Program 2022 now accepting submissions

The Faculty Research Fund Program assists faculty in establishing or maintaining high-quality research programs and other creative achievements. The Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School provides funds for this program and proposals are reviewed by a panel of faculty peers.  Eligibility is limited to full-time UMaine and UMM faculty, which includes tenured, tenure-eligible, and soft-money faculty for whom research is an expected component of their appointment.  There are three competitive […]

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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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