UMaine Research News

Abedi promoted to Associate Vice President for Research

Dr. Ali Abedi has been promoted from Assistant to Associate Vice President for Research in recognition of his accomplishments in the advancement of research at the University of Maine, and its impact on Maine and beyond. His accomplishments include the continued growth of the Center for Undergraduate Research, development of the UMaine AI webinar series, […]

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UMaine Achieves Record Growth Despite COVID-19 Challenges

Recently, it was announced that the University of Maine has set a new record in funding generated in support of research and development activities. Today, the final numbers have been determined, indicating that $125.2 million in R&D funding has been generated in fiscal year 2020. This corresponds to a 120% increase over the past four […]

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graphics that refer to medicine

Institute of Medicine Announcement

Launched in Fall 2018, the UMaine Medicine initiative was intended to support in a coordinated and synergistic manner the growth and development of research and scholarly activity in health and life sciences, and to better position the university with related community outreach and engagement efforts. Through the contribution of many faculty and other participants, and […]

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Research Q&A Session Planned for September 21

All University of Maine members are invited to attend an informational Research Q&A session to be held live via Zoom on September 21. The virtual event will present updates and resources for the research community and an opportunity for Q&A with the Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School. To submit research-related […]

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Susan Smith named director of MA, MFA programs in intermedia

Dr. Susan L. Smith assumed the duties of director of the MA and MFA programs in intermedia effective September 1, 2020. Susan takes over leadership of the program from Dr. Owen Smith, the founding director of the intermedia program, which began admitting graduate students in 2008. Susan has a long record of involvement with the […]

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University of Maine Research Funding at All-Time High

The University of Maine sets a new record, by generating $104.2 million in research grants and awards in fiscal year 2020. This is an all-time high level of externally-generated research funding realized by the university. It corresponds to an 80 percent increase in external research funding over the past three years. This extraordinary increase stems […]

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2020 Faculty Research Fund image

2020 Faculty Research Fund Awards 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. The […]

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CORE Welcomes Dr. Evanoff as Operations Manager

The Coordinated Operating Research Entities (CORE) team welcomes Dr. David Evanoff as the new Operations Manager starting August 1. Dr. Evanoff is a native of Western Pennsylvania and earned a B.S. in Chemistry from Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA in 2001. In 2005, he received a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry in 2005 from Clemson […]

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COVID-19, Coronavirus

Update on the Plan for Phased Continuity of the Research Enterprise

July 31, 2020: The following is an update on the University’s Plan for Phased Continuity of the Research Enterprise and also, an update regarding the submission and approval of research and scholarly activity requests. We will be moving to Phase 3 of the plan as of August 1st. Phase 3 involves an increase in on-site […]

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AI graphic

AI Initiative Seed Grant Awards Announced

Earlier this year, the Office of the Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School announced the University of Maine Artificial Intelligence Initiative. Its vision is to make Maine a world-class hub for AI research, education and applications through its mission to develop transformative AI-based solutions that enhance the social and economic well-being […]

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Melissa Maginnis CUGR image block

CUGR welcomes Dr. Melissa Maginnis as Associate Director

Dr. Melissa Maginnis has been appointed as Associate Director of the Center for Undergraduate Research (CUGR) effective July 1st, 2020. “Dr. Maginnis is one of our most active and engaged faculty mentors, with demonstrated high quality research as evidenced by the number of highly competitive awards won by her students”, said Assistant Vice President Abedi, […]

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UMaine Medicine releases 2020 update

The importance of medical research is incredibly significant in the era of COVID-19. Teams of researchers at the University of Maine have contributed to medical knowledge for years and continue to make strides that will have a lasting impact on our community, the nation and the world. The Office of the Vice President for Research […]

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COVID-19, coronavirus

Plan for Phased Continuity of the Research Enterprise

A message from the Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School I am writing to share with you the University’s Plan for Phased Continuity of the Research Enterprise, and to provide an update regarding the submission and approval of research and scholarly activity requests. The attached plan, which has been approved by […]

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COVID-19 Research Continuity Town Hall Q&A

Research Town Hall

*This post has been edited to update links to the newly released phased plan and updated messaging from the OVPRDGS. 5-29-20. The COVID-19 Research Continuity Task Force recently held a virtual town hall and received many questions from the UMaine research community. This document highlights as many of the questions and their answers as possible […]

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Research Town Hall live image

Virtual Research Town Hall to be held May 21

A virtual Research Town Hall will be held on Thursday, May 21 to discuss the current status of research and proposed plans for the future. The Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School, Kody Varahramyan, will host the event and welcomes members of the UMaine and UMM communities to join via Zoom. […]

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COVID-19, Coronavirus

May 6: COVID-19 Research Guidelines Update

Dear University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias Colleagues, I am writing to provide you an update in response to Governor Mills’ Stay Safer at Home Executive Order, plan to gradually restart Maine’s economy (PDF), the Chancellor’s extension of the work from home directive through May 31st, and the limiting of in-person events, group gatherings, summer camps, day […]

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Drew Hooke

IMRC welcomes Drew Hooke as new Operations Manager

Drew Hooke has recently joined the University of Maine community as the Operations Manager at the Innovative Media, Research and Commercialization (IMRC) Center. A Maine native, Drew has worked in New England Higher Education for fifteen years in roles encompassing administration, change and relationship management, event and classroom technology support, media production, audio engineering and […]

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COVID-19, coronavirus

COVID-19 Research Continuity Update

Dear University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias Colleagues, Referring to my last message, I am writing today to provide you with further information on current status and latest developments. As noted in my last message, the current definition of essential research activity and scholarly activity was developed in response to Governor Mills’ Stay […]

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Coronavirus, COVID-19

April 9: COVID-19 Research Guidelines Update

I am writing to let you know about an important change in procedure in response to Governor Mills’ Stay Healthy at Home Mandate. We continue to stress that research and scholarly activity should be conducted away from university facilities and field sites, or delayed if necessary. Given the Governor’s mandate and the emphasis to be far more […]

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Tora Johnson

Mapping out a more flood resilient future

University of Maine at Machias researcher finds solutions for community challenges. Tora Johnson, associate professor of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at the University of Maine at Machias, conducts research and teaches in the small town of Machias. She also chairs the Environmental and Biological Sciences Division and directs the GIS Service Center. A social scientist […]

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COVID-19, Coronavirus

March 24: COVID-19 Research Impact Update

As indicated in my last communication on March 18th, and as mentioned by President Ferrini-Mundy in her March 20th communication, research labs have moved to ‘remote research’ when possible, with small numbers of staff coming in to conduct essential research activities to sustain the most critical functions. Essential means either that the research activity during this period is critical to the health of the public; is of national […]

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COVID-19, coronavirus

March 18: COVID-19 Research Impact Update

As our university continues to closely monitor the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation, it remains open and operational, while transitioning to remote or telecommuting arrangements effective Thursday morning, March 19, 2020. To minimize the risk of the spread of COVID-19 and to safeguard the health and safety of the university community, at this time all are […]

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Coronavirus, COVID-19

COVID-19 FAQ for Research and Graduate School

The Office of the Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School, in collaboration with other offices at the University of Maine, continues to monitor COVID-19 developments that may impact research and graduate studies. We are available to assist the university community with information and support. As needed, we also are available to […]

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Caleigh Charlebois music and research

Charlebois combines love of music and research

Caleigh Charlebois combined her love of music and research while studying the diversity of repetitive DNA in mice at The Jackson Laboratory in the summer of 2019. Charlebois, a third-year University of Maine zoology student with a minor in professional writing, examined the genomes of 59 mice. With a focus on diversity, she tested a […]

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CAFS team out in forest

CAFS awarded 5-year, $500,000 NSF grant

For over 10 years and counting, the Center for Advanced Forestry Systems (CAFS), a National Science Foundation (NSF) Industry/University Cooperative Research Center, has successfully provided the critical structure and resources needed for nationally relevant scientific collaboration in the various and emerging areas of applied forest science pertinent to the forest industry in the US. CAFS […]

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Advanced Research Computing background (ARC)

Advanced Research Computing (ARC) updates

The University of Maine Advanced Research Computing (ARC), established in May 2019, is dedicated to supporting the high performance computing (HPC) needs of the university research community, and is associated with the Coordinated Operating Research Entities (CORE). Maisha Asha has joined the ARC team in the role of Project Manager, to support the high performance computing needs of […]

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Dr. Sharmila Mukhopadhyay

Welcome FIRST’s New Director, Dr. Mukhopadhyay

I am delighted to welcome Dr. Sharmila Mukhopadhyay to the University of Maine. She is the new Director of the Frontier Institute for Research in Sensor Technologies (FIRST). She has started in this role on January 1, 2020, after a nationwide search. Dr. Mukhopadhyay’s vision completely aligns with the University vision to grow FIRST into […]

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Students clamming

Elementary students put UMaine clamming research to the test

Gabrielle Hillyer, a Master’s student in oceanography and marine policy, is putting her marine science education into practice by researching water quality issues within the Gulf of Maine in the hopes to improve the solvency of the soft-shell clamming industry. Hillyer studies the impact of bacteria in mudflats on the Medomak River in Waldoboro, Maine […]

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premed program highlight

Premed opportunities in research, outreach for Maine and beyond

Undergraduates in premedical studies have a wide variety of opportunities to connect with others and perform cutting-edge research at the University of Maine. Many majors offer premed concentrations and multiple clubs connect students with the medical industry in Maine and beyond. Katie Tims, from Cornish, chose to attend UMaine because of the large breadth of […]

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World's largest 3D printer

UMaine Composites Center celebrates historic 3D printing event

The Advanced Structures and Composites Center celebrates historic event: Unveiling the world’s largest 3D printer and 3D printed boat “This is a big deal,” said Sen. Angus King at the Oct. 10 unveiling of the world’s largest 3D printer at the University of Maine Advanced Structures and Composites Center (UMaine Composites Center). Big, indeed. In […]

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First cohort NRT students

New program aims to prepare the next generation of conservation leaders

A unique traineeship program designed to produce interdisciplinary environmental conservation leaders now offers Master’s and Ph.D. degree opportunities to address the challenges presented by global and local changes in environmental, social, economic and climatic conditions. The National Science Foundation Research Traineeship (NRT) Program has awarded the University of Maine “NRT: Enhancing Conservation Science and Practice” […]

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ARI summer interns

ARI interns dive into hands-on learning with aquaculture industry leaders

A collaborative program between the Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI) at the University of Maine and aquaculture industry partners supported 13 undergraduate interns in a wide range of hands-on research and work experiences this summer. Aquaculture research covers broad topic areas, such as fish health, product development, impacts of ocean acidification, species husbandry and science communication […]

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Call for Concept Papers words with mountain and trees and lake background

Call for Concept Papers

The UMS Grand Challenge Pilot Initiative: Rural Health and Wellbeing  is calling for concept papers! Concept papers must be submitted through InfoReady, no later than end-of-day, November 14, 2019. Please visit this page for more details and instructions: UMS Grand Challenges: Call for Concept Papers

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Christine Beitl on boat in Ecuador

Beitl studies social networks in rural Ecuador

Christine Beitl studied the management system of a fishery in a rural coastal community, Isla Costa Rica, in Ecuador as a doctoral student in 2009-10. A new collaborative, cross-cultural study prompted her return to the small town this summer – 10 years later. The three-year NSF ENDOW (Economic Network Dynamics and the Origins of Wealth) […]

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paint and Stethoscope image

New program combines medicine, arts

Some people consider themselves to be a numbers person, more than a creative type. Others feel drawn to the artistic side of life more than the analytical. Since the 1960s, when Nobel-prize winning research painted a picture of a human brain split straight down the middle – it is believed that humans are either right […]

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IMRC Fab Lab

IMRC announces leadership changes

Dr. Owen Smith has recently stepped down from his role as Director of the Innovative Media Research and Commercialization (IMRC) Center to concentrate on directing the Intermedia MFA and MA programs and the development of new initiatives, such as the new Maine Medical Arts Graduate Certificate and Master’s degree program. As the Founding Director of […]

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Biomimetics, Artificial Muscles and Nano-Bio programs on table

Inventors inspired by nature attend conference hosted by UMaine

Velcro, bullet trains, and prosthetic limbs may not seem to have much in common – but they were all designed by humans to artificially mimic nature. Biomimetics is the study of the development and function of human-made synthetics created to mimic models of the natural world. Sticky plant burrs were the inspiration for the invention […]

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Group photo of Arctic Futures Workshop participants in Greenland

Team attends ‘Arctic Futures Workshop’ in Greenland

A multi-disciplinary team of 16 University of Maine System researchers and faculty traveled to southwest Greenland June 21-29 to address 21st century challenges throughout the Arctic, North Atlantic and Maine by experiencing the impacted region first-hand. “Just reading about complex issues is not enough to fully grasp and attempt to develop solutions to the challenges […]

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Professional Opioid Workforce Response

New UMaine program addresses opioid epidemic challenges

Addressing the opioid epidemic in the United States requires expanding access to treatment and work to prevent the more than 130 deaths each day from opioid-related drug overdoses nationwide. Maine’s rate of fatal overdoses due to opioids – the class of drugs that include heroin and morphine as well as fentanyl, oxycodone, and hydrocodone – […]

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Asli Sezen-Barrie Engineering K-12 Education

Piecing together engineering puzzle for K-12 educators

Children are born with an innate interest in engineering. As they play, they learn how to stack blocks higher into new shapes or structures, or construct race tracks to give their toy cars enough speed to fly through plastic loops. Children enjoy innovating and problem solving, but how can that interest be fostered in the […]

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Aquaculture Research Institute celebrating 10 years

ARI celebrates 10 years of aquaculture service to Maine

The advancement of sustainable aquaculture (the farming of aquatic species while allowing continued benefit for the next generation) requires innovative research and multi-disciplinary collaborations for success. The University of Maine’s Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI) is celebrating 10 years of service to the State of Maine as a research resource and an objective authority on aquaculture. […]

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Corporate Classroom students pose at the Hannaford headquarters in Scarborough

Students, community, industry benefit from collaborative business opportunities

Six Maine Business School students interned this summer at Hannaford Bros. in Scarborough as part of an innovative program designed to address the needs of the state’s economic community and the needs of scholars. The Corporate Classroom is an internship program supported by the Professional Development Center (PDC), which provides consulting services, professional development education […]

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T32 GSBSE

NIH T32 Grant Awarded for GSBSE

The University of Maine has received a five-year, $1.07 million Institutional Research Training Grant (T32) from the National Institutes of Health. This funding is the first of its kind to be awarded in the state of Maine from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. According to the NIH, the T32 program supports broad and […]

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AMC 3D printer

CAMM Center Opening

On July 25, 2019 the Advanced Manufacturing Center in Orono held a kickoff celebration for the opening of the Center for Additive Manufacturing of Metals (CAMM). Learn more about the center and what it offers in this UMaine News article and accompanying video. Center offering additive metal manufacturing services, training to Maine businesses

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Play button over researcher in cleanroom

Video: Learn about CORE’s Microfabrication Cleanroom at FIRST

Dr. George Bernhardt of the CORE Microfabrication Cleanroom showcases cutting-edge sensor research and technologies being developed by UMaine researchers and students. The CORE Cleanroom provides unique, hands-on training opportunities for students entering careers in STEM fields. FIRST Cleanroom Video Transcript Coordinated Operating Research Entities (CORE) A tour of UMaine’s CORE Microfabrication Cleanroom FIRST Lab – […]

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TASC Expanded Support Services

Expanded support services now offered by TASC

The former “Shared Resource Pool” has expanded to become “Technical and Administrative Services Central (TASC)” and provides timely, professional business and technical support for the university community. Luke Doucette, general manager of Coordinated Operating Research Entities (CORE), manages TASC’s technical services personnel, which include a Laboratory Technician and Statistical Consultant for project assistance. They provide […]

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Conversations on Research

Conversations on Research with Chancellor Page and President Ferrini-Mundy

University of Maine System Chancellor James Page and President Joan Ferrini-Mundy discuss how UMaine research and development have evolved during his seven-year tenure. The Chancellor, who will retire June 30, and the President share their perspectives on the impact of research and development on the future of the University of Maine, the state, and beyond. […]

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Dan Sandweiss and Emily Blackwood at the Ostra Collecting Site in Peru.

Sandweiss, team in Peru study possible evidence of ancient human warfare

Nestled on the Peruvian coast, the Ostra Collecting Station (OCS) is part of a complex of archeological sites that provide an amazing glimpse into the lives of the people who lived there approximately 6,000 years ago. OCS is cradled between the shores of the Pacific Ocean and the Andes mountain range. Odd shells and fish […]

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Kristina Cammen, PI for the Western Passage IURC project

Western Passage project aims to inform future renewable energy development in Maine

Interdisciplinary multi-institution research collaboration, stakeholder engagement through Western Passage project The Western Passage – located between Eastport, Maine and Canada – is a highly turbulent, biologically active, and socially relevant ecosystem in Eastern Maine considered one of the best locations for tidal power nationwide. Kristina Cammen, assistant professor of marine mammal science, works alongside a […]

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Aaron Joy

Joy’s research focuses on finding solutions to complex mathematical problems

Mathematical tools used to create items such as vacuums, cars and skyscrapers, make the design process streamlined, less expensive and safer. However, with advances in modern science increasingly pushing boundaries, these tools need to be adapted in order to keep up – and avoid potentially costly mistakes. The finite element method is a commonly used […]

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Research Reporting Dashboard, A new resource from UMaine Research Information Management; umgrants.maine.edu/reports

New Research Reporting Dashboard now available!

The UMaine Research Information Management team is pleased to announce the launch of the Research Reporting Dashboard – a self-service resource giving the UMaine community access to commonly requested research activity data, including proposal submissions and awards received. Users will sign in to the dashboard using their UMaine single sign-on username and password. They can […]

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Congratulations Amanda Ashe, Director of Research Compliance

New Director of Research Compliance: Amanda Ashe

I am pleased to announce that Amanda Ashe has been named the Director of Research Compliance starting July 1st. In this role she will be overseeing the operational aspects of the Office of Research Compliance. Amanda has worked at the University of Maine for the past 11 years, starting out in the then Office of […]

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FBRI: Transforming wood products into jet fuel

UMaine researchers produce crude oil from wood biomass

“Our facility at the Technology Research Center (TRC) allows us show on industrially relevant scale how we can convert woody biomass into jet fuel.  We are excited that we now do 24 hours per day continuous operations campaigns for 100 hours. UMaine jet fuel and diesel is made from biomass-derived premium synthetic crude oil. At […]

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Maine Impact Week Faculty Mentor Appreciation Awards

Congratulations 2019 Faculty Mentor Awardees

Awardees recognized during the 2019 Faculty Mentor Appreciation luncheon at the Wells Conference Center on May 7. The Maine Impact Week event celebrates faculty mentoring of students in and out of the classroom and lab. View a sample of student messages of appreciation on the Maine Impact Week site. View photos from the event in […]

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Balu Nayack studies seaweed in lab

Eating seaweed is popular, so researchers investigate if it stands up to the hype

Seaweed food products are trending – but do consumers know what they are buying? Search “eating seaweed” on Google and you’ll get pages of headlines promoting health benefits of consuming the ocean-dwelling algae. “Packed full of vitamins!” “Low in fat and full of fiber!” “Seaweed is a superfood!” In its raw state, seaweed does, in […]

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Drifting with the Tides: A New Beginning, project by Gabrielle Hillyer, studying impacts on local clamming

Hillyer studies Medomak river estuary and impacts on clamming community

Graduate Student Spotlight: Gabrielle Hillyer, Diana Davis Spencer Scholar Gabrielle Hillyer is a duel-degree major in oceanography and marine policy. With support from the UMS Research Reinvestment Fund she has focused her research on the Medomak river estuary and its multiple impacts on local clamming. Her innovative research aims to understand the ability of the […]

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Congrats to the 2019 Summer Faculty Research Fund Awardees

Congrats to 2019 Summer Faculty Research Awardees

Four new projects were recently selected for funding by the Faculty Research Funds Committee for the 2019 Summer Faculty Research Awards.  These awards provide summer salary for faculty to advance research and scholarship in an accelerated manner during the summer of 2019. This year’s awardees are: Christine Beitl, Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology, “The effect […]

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Eric Roy on Shark Tank

UMaine alum pitches product on ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’

Eric Roy graduated from UMaine in 2009 with a Ph.D. in oceanography. Roy is the founder of Hydroviv, a company that makes custom water filters. He recently appeared on ABC’s Shark Tank to pitch his product to the sharks — and won a $400,000 investment from Mark Cuban. Season 10, Episode 19: “Hydroviv is a Washington, […]

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Share where you will be spending your summer with us

Share your summer research plans with us!

Every year University of Maine students, staff and faculty spend their summers in locations around the world. We want to showcase how far and wide we go! Help us by sharing your summer plans on this form. The Fogler Library has teamed up with UMaine Marketing and Communications to gather your stories and share them […]

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Judy walker and students in lab

Cutting-edge speech therapy for rural populations fills need around the world

Judy Walker travels to a lot of places during a typical day: several spots in Maine, Canada and even Fiji. All without leaving her lab. Walker is an associate professor in Communication Sciences and Disorders and coordinator of the University of Maine Speech Therapy Telepractice Program. She oversees services provided by students and faculty to […]

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Nicole McGrath

Faculty-student team develop device to detect imbalance, prevent falls

For older adults, falling can be fatal. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among people 65 and older in the United States. As the number of older adults increases, the problem could continue to worsen. Undergraduate researchers in the University of Maine WiSe-Net […]

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Fayeza Ahmed, associate director MSLS

MSLS celebrates 45 years of data collection, healthcare impacts

In 1974, emeritus professor of Psychology Dr. Merrill (Pete) Elias started the Maine Syracuse Longitudinal Study (MSLS) in Syracuse, New York. Though the purpose of the study at its inception was to examine high blood pressure and cognitive function, the scope was later expanded study the additional risk factors for cardiovascular disease (such as diabetes, […]

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Artist Titi de Baccarat with his sculptures

Researcher in Residence Titi de Baccarat brings light as he shares his culture

Artist Titi de Baccarat leaves exhausted but focused after his month-long residency at the Innovative Media Research and Commercialization Center (IMRC). “This opened up lots of possibilities. I had twenty-four hour access to the facilities without pressure and a collaborative atmosphere,” he explains. De Baccarat hands over a 3D printed set of ears – exact […]

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UMaine Medicine Advancing Human Health and Wellbeing in Maine and Beyond

UMaine Medicine – Advancing Human Health and Wellbeing in Maine and Beyond

UMaine Medicine, a new initiative launched by the University of Maine to make Maine a model for a healthy state. Building on the existing health and life sciences programs and resources at the University, the initiative is developing, through innovative and coordinated research, education, and strategic partnerships, transformative solutions that enhance the health and wellbeing […]

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Maine Science Festival plus UMaine Research IMPACT

UMaine Research connects with community at 2019 Maine Science Festival

The 2019 Maine Science Festival (MSF) was a celebration of contemporary scientific knowledge in various fields. The fifth annual MSF Exploration Stations event took place at the Cross Insurance Center on March 16 where UMaine Research hosted an “Ask a Researcher” table. Other MSF events that week showcased more than 70 events and activities including […]

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Cameron Hodgdon performs his winning Three Minute Thesis on March 25 at the IMRC.

Graduate students wow the crowd with 3MT presentations

“An 80,000 word Ph.D. thesis would take 9 hours to present. Their time limit… 3 minutes.” Graduate students at the University of Maine competed in the annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) event on March 25. Participants follow guidelines set by the University of Queensland, the founders of the competition. The rules are simple: present research […]

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Students work in Maginnis Lab

Maginnis Lab supports student research through academic careers

Maginnis Lab supports student research from undergraduate through graduate careers More undergraduate students at the University of Maine have the opportunity to take part in innovative research. This experience carries through into their graduate studies and careers. The Maginnis Lab has students who started their research as first-years and continue it as graduate students. Melissa […]

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Klimis-Zacas and Stefano Vendrame in lab

Wild blueberry study publishes unique findings in wound healing

Researchers discover an interesting source of improved wound healing: the wild blueberry. Wild Blueberries are rich in compounds that beneficially affect human health. Two classes of these compounds are anthocyanins and phenolic acids – which have been documented to have beneficial impacts on chronic diseases. Dorothy Klimis-Zacas, professor of clinical nutrition and Panagiotis Tsakiroglou, who […]

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Seyyed Mohammad Hashemi Najafi

UMaine research goes global with support from OIP

International students at the University of Maine add diversity and enrich the learning experience for all students. They come from a multitude of backgrounds and are some of the best resources in campus to understand a foreign land and its culture. International researchers also richly contribute towards the growing global impact of UMaine research. Anwesha […]

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Katie Rossignol new Student Success Manager for UMaine Graduate School

Katie Rossignol: Student Success Manager

Katie Rossignol is the new Student Success Manager for the graduate program. She is excited to be a centralized resource for graduate students and faculty on campus. In this role, Rossignol will see students through their graduate school program. “Katie’s position provides a critical link between the Graduate School and graduate programs,” says Scott Delcourt, […]

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UMS RRF

2019 RRF awardee announcement

We would like to congratulate these newly announced Research Reinvestment Fund (RRF) awardees. Terry Shehata, Planning for Wraparound Services that Support the Growth of Maine’s Craft Beer Industry Owen Smith, Pilot project for development of Maine Medical Arts (MEMA) MA degree Brian Beal, Planning for the future: UMM’s Marine Science Field Station Niclas Erhardt, MBS […]

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Jonathan Bomar

Graduate Student Spotlight: Jon Bomar puts his heart into cardiac research

Putting heart into cardiac research Jonathan Bomar joined the University of Maine Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering (GSBSE) in the fall of 2014 after earning undergraduate degrees in geological sciences and psychology at Michigan State University. From Geological Sciences to Psychology to Biomedical Engineering – it’s safe to say Bomar’s curiosity is vast and diverse. […]

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Great Ideas meet at new faculty orientation

Research possibilities are endless as new faculty collaborate

New faculty find opportunity to collaborate in an interdisciplinary research project. Nishad Jayasundara studies toxic effects of various chemicals at the cellular level, including those commonly found in Maine waterways. Before coming to the University of Maine, he often wondered about the possibilities of creating a model that could predict the outcome of chemical reactions […]

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Susan Smith at the IMRC

Faculty Profile: Susan Smith explains how research resonates through art

Q&A with Susan Smith, assistant director of the Intermedia Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program You are a graduate of the Intermedia MFA program here at UMaine. How does this help you connect with and understand the students’ challenges? My years of graduate studies expanded my view of the world and how I interact with […]

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Word map of keywords: RRF, aging, sensor, ...

UMaine teams with St. Joseph’s, UMM, UMF and Dartmouth

A research project aimed at providing healthcare providers with tools to prevent patients from falling has grown to include the detection of biomarkers associated with diseases such as pancreatic cancer. John Vetelino, professor of electrical and computer engineering, is the principal investigator for the RRF (Research Reinvestment Fund) project “Sensor Development/Adaptation to Improve Healthcare: A […]

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LASST is now FIRST, the Frontier Institute for Research in Sensor Technologies

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 […]

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muscular dystrophy research bioinformatics plus zebrafish

Muscular dystrophy research aims to understand muscle degeneration

Using bioinformatics to analyze muscular dystrophy. Benjamin King, assistant professor for bioinformatics, has teamed up with Clarissa Henry, associate professor of biological sciences, to study muscular dystrophy, a progressive genetic disorder that affects muscles in the human body. They have developed a unique tool to study the function of a specific muscular dystrophy gene. Researchers […]

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UMS RRF

A look back on the positive impact of the Research Reinvestment Fund (RRF)

As we head into 2019, we look at the impact funding programs have on university research endeavors. The Research Reinvestment Fund (RRF) has been established by the University of Maine System Board of Trustee’s in an effort to grow research, development, and commercialization activities in Maine.  The RRF program has several competitive grant programs, such […]

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iLab Training register now

CORE partners with iLab Solutions

As part of CORE’s ongoing efforts to improve access to research equipment and facilities, we are pleased to announce that CORE has partnered with iLab Solutions, an online system used to streamline the process scheduling CORE services. Starting in February of 2019, the iLab Core Facility Management Software platform will be implemented for the service centers […]

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Gayle Jones, 36 years of service at UMaine

Retirement of Gayle Jones

Gayle Jones has worked at the University of Maine since 1982, when she started as an assistant in what was the Office of Sponsored Programs. Over the years Gayle, due to her exemplary performance and contributions to the University, received multiple promotions and recognitions in offices associated with the Office of the Vice President for Research. In […]

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Interior of Greenhouse

Developing an app to revolutionize greenhouse farming in Maine

A monitoring app for greenhouse agriculture in Maine. New media undergraduates at UMaine are developing an innovative monitoring app, MAGAPP, to serve local Maine greenhouses for the Sustainable Year Round Agriculture Cluster Initiative by the Maine Sustainable Agriculture Society.  Joline Blais, associate professor of new media, and Bill Giordano, SYRA data coordinator, are overseeing research […]

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Nicklaus Carter in clean room

Innovative research uses nanocellulose to heal peripheral nerve injury

Nicklaus Carter has a lot of experience with tubes and pipes from his days working in construction. Now, he creates a different kind of pipe – a nanocellulose conduit – for use in the medical field. Carter, from Franklin, Maine, is a doctoral student in the Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering. His love […]

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UMaine's Mitchell Center featured in "Nature Sustainability"

UMaine’s Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions Featured in “Nature Sustainability”

The Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions’ innovative approach to stakeholder-engaged, solutions-driven, interdisciplinary research was recently highlighted in a news feature in Nature Sustainability. The Mitchell Center was one of twenty institutions from six continents invited to a global summit at the National Science Foundation-supported National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center in Maryland. The central […]

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Elizabeth Armstrong in office

Research to bridge the gap between partner abuse and substance use disorders

In the United States, it’s estimated more than 20 million people age 12 and older have a substance use disorder and more than 10 million women and men experience partner violence. While these issues are often addressed separately, studies show most people affected by partner violence or substance abuse also have needs related to the […]

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The NIH toolbox on a tablet

As Maine’s older adult population grows, research on aging is crucial

Maine’s population is the oldest in the nation, and 11 percent of Mainers live at or below the federal poverty level. These factors make Maine an ideal and critical location to study aging. Rebecca MacAulay, assistant professor of psychology, studies tools and technology used to understand brain health in older adults in her Cognition Aging […]

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Moose in field

Studying tick-borne diseases in an iconic native Maine species: Moose

Winter ticks are causing severe illness in Maine’s iconic moose population. A team of University of Maine researchers examine the biophysical and social impacts of ticks in a uniquely collaborative project. Merging two different sciences into one study. Pauline Kamath, an assistant professor of animal health, Sandra De Urioste-Stone, assistant professor of nature-based tourism and […]

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James Elliott in lab

Graduate Student Highlight: James Elliott

James Elliott, a second-year Master of Science student in the School of Forest Resources from Danvers, Massachusetts, enjoys scuba-diving and collecting insects in his free time. “It’s like Pokémon but real,” said Elliott, who worked in the biotech industry before coming to UMaine. Elliott enjoys getting out of his comfort zone. When he had the […]

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field work

Managing the ecosystem of Maine streams

Stream management practices Hamish Greig, an Assistant Professor of Stream Ecology, is collaborating with foresters, economists and watershed scientists from the University of Maine and Maine logging industry leaders to study Riparian Management – When foresters leave trees that shade a stream to protect its ecosystem. “A riparian buffer is the area of forest adjacent […]

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GSBSE 2018 annual meeting

GSBSE annual meeting fosters research collaboration across Maine

“A small program filled with big opportunities” The Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering (GSBSE) held its annual meeting on September 21 at the University of Maine’s Wells Conference Center. The day featured 42 student presentations (including oral and poster presentations and a 3-Minute Thesis® competition), an award ceremony and the opportunity for faculty […]

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Bridie McGreavy and her team of student researchers

McGreavy and collaborators examine media’s coverage of dam decision-making in Maine

UMaine researchers Bridie McGreavy and Darren Ranco; students Tyler Quiring, Brawley Benson, and Nolan Altvater; and partners in the Natural Resources Department in the Penobscot Nation including Jan Paul, Angie Reed and John Banks are investigating an issue that impacts us all: how news media coverage can shape the public understanding about important science issues. […]

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Congratulations Luke Doucette and Scott Delcourt

Congratulations to Scott Delcourt and Luke Doucette

We are pleased to announce the recent promotions of Scott Delcourt and Luke Doucette. Both are serving new roles as of September 1. 33 years of service: “I wouldn’t want to be any other place…” Scott Delcourt has been promoted to Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies and Senior Associate Dean of the Graduate School. […]

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