UMaine Research News

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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UMaine Alum Ken Akiha in his classroom at Old Town High School

UMaine alum puts his research into practice at Old Town High School

Ken Akiha researched effective teaching styles for his thesis work at the University of Maine to determine how teachers engage their students for entire class periods. Now, as an Earth science and computer science teacher at Old Town High School, he can apply his findings to his own teaching style. Akiha’s research had an important […]

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Emily Haigh and Colin Bosma

Older adults could hold the key to unlocking the ability to regulate sad mood

As people age, it is common to see a degree of decreased physical and cognitive abilities. One ability that improves with age: managing negative emotions. According to Emily Haigh, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Maine, studies show older adults have an enhanced ability to manage their emotions as they age. She […]

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Jacquelyn Gill and Kristy Townsend at historic leader Edith Patch's Braeside home.

NSF CAREER awards recognize UMaine early-career faculty

Jacquelyn Gill and Kristy Townsend inspire students and researchers at the University of Maine with their passion and dedication to education and research. While their fields of research may be vastly different, they enthusiastically embrace being women in STEM careers and serving as academic role models. It is these qualities that make them ideal candidates […]

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Emma Newcomb looking through telescope at ocean

Undergraduates gain hands-on Maine marine experience

Student researchers collaborate between campuses – and beyond The Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Research Collaborative (IURC) has funded nine projects in 2018. These projects involve teams of two or more faculty members from different disciplines who mentor undergraduate researchers. The goal is to enhance research through collaborative work and to prepare students to become successful professionals and […]

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collage of research photos

Register for New Faculty Orientation for Research and Graduate Studies

Register Today! New faculty can choose between two sessions to learn how to be successful at research and graduate studies at the University of Maine. Dr. Kody Varahramyan, Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School, and his Senior Staff will answer questions during the Q&A portion of each session. Orientation will provide […]

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Farmer's Ingenuity Innovation

DePoy’s passion fuels research about aging Maine farmers

The unique aspects of Elizabeth (Liz) DePoy’s horse farm, Chapter Three Farm, in Newburgh, Maine are not immediately noticeable. Equipment is lined up neatly along the walls. Hay is stacked in convenient locations. There are the usual sounds of shovels cleaning stalls and horses chomping their mid-day meal. DePoy and her husband, Stephen Gilson, exchange […]

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IURC team outside Merrill Hall

Addressing the problem of rural youth leaving the state

An interdisciplinary team of undergraduate researchers investigates the role of the education system in providing rural youth an opportunity for economic stability in Maine. Dominic Gayton has witnessed firsthand how communities reliant on natural resources for economic stability can suffer when youth leave Maine to find stable work. Gayton, from Calais, Maine, has watched many […]

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Improving Maine's Coastal Infrastructure

Preserving Maine’s Coast: UMaine Researchers Tackle Green Slime Issue

For the past few years, residents of southern Maine’s coastal communities have observed green slime growing on their shores during the spring and summer months. The question is: is this slime, known as an algal bloom, the result of population growth or a natural phenomenon? In order to answer this question, one crew at UMaine’s […]

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Karyn Sporer explains how to code tweets

Sporer uses Twitter to research criminological behavior online

Not all research takes place in a lab with petri dishes and microscopes … Karyn Sporer uses Twitter to investigate criminological theory In the modern era of social media, more than 300 million people use Twitter to share news and engage in online conversations. This provides a glimpse into the minds of a diverse public […]

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image depicting UMaine Cooperative Extension's Follow a Researcher program

Follow ME: UMaine Researchers Connect With Classrooms Through Field Research

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s interactive Follow a Researcher® program connects youth with graduate students conducting fieldwork in remote locations around the world. When University of Maine graduate student Charles Rodda was packing for his research trip to Peru in early 2015, there was only one thing that wouldn’t fit into his suitcase: a […]

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adjusting a laser

Summer Undergraduate Student Research is Underway

Students perform research throughout the year at the University of Maine. Recently, 16 undergraduate projects were awarded $3,000 each from the UMaine Office of the Vice President for Research and NASA’s Maine Space Grant Consortium. The 2018 CUGR Summer Fellowship winners will use these funds to actively pursue their research throughout the summer. There is […]

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IURC food waste project team

Supporting Undergraduate Research: Interdisciplinary Team Tackles Food Waste This Summer

University of Maine faculty mentors are supporting a team of undergraduate student researchers from five key disciplines as they collect and analyze data to better understand food and waste systems and identify opportunities for improvement. Deborah Saber is the principal investigator for the project, “Making Maine’s local food system sustainable: Opportunities to address hunger and […]

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Wireless Leak Detector display

Celebrating UMaine’s First NASA Payload: Wireless Leak Detector Now on Display

Impacting Space Travel – And More In December 2016, the University of Maine’s WiSe-Net laboratory sent technology to the International Space Station (ISS), a device developed by Dr. Ali Abedi, professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Dr. Vincent Caccese, professor of Mechanical Engineering and a team of student researchers. The Wireless Leak Detector (WLD) technology […]

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List of 2018 Summer Faculty Research Fund winners

Six Faculty Awarded 2018 Summer Faculty Research Funds

The Office of the Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School has announced six winners of the 2018 Summer Faculty Research Funds program. These faculty members represent a broad range of disciplines with a variety of research topics. “I am pleased to see that we have a distinguished group of our faculty […]

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Robert Bonefish

UMaine Research Student Spotlight: Impacting fisheries – Robert Boenish

Robert Boenish believes now is the time for fisheries and marine conservation efforts to become more sophisticated – and his research work at the University of Maine will contribute to the future of how we interact with the ocean. Growing up on a small island off the coast of Washington state, Boenish says his marine-related interests […]

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Students at the Symposium

Inaugural Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Research Collaborative Grant Winners Announced

Inaugural grant program awards $245,000 to interdisciplinary undergraduate research The Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Research Collaborative has announced nine winners of its inaugural grant program funded by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School (OVPRDGS) and the UMS Research Reinvestment Fund (RRF). Funded projects involve teams of two or more […]

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Celebrating Scholarship event banner

Five Faculty Mentors Awarded at Celebrating Scholarship Event

The 2018 Maine Impact Week celebrated the breadth and depth of the University of Maine’s research and creative work at multiple events, April 16-20. During the Celebrating Scholarship event, held at the Collins Center for the Arts in Orono, five faculty members were recognized for their work as outstanding mentors and were awarded the Graduate […]

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Planning for the Future of Shoreline Infrastructure of the Darling Marine Center to Enhance Capacity in Applied Marine Science Education

Principal Investigator: Heather Leslie (Marine Sciences, UMaine) Partners: Jake Ward (Economic Development, UMaine) Abstract: Researchers, industry professionals, and other stakeholders will meet to assess current and future needs for shoreline infrastructure at the Darling Marine Center (DMC), within the context of the University of Maine (UMS) system. As University of Maine’s marine laboratory, the DMC is a vital […]

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Committee on Scientific Misconduct

Any allegation of “misconduct in research and other scholarly activities” that is made against a member of the faculty or staff or against his/her collaborator(s) requires prompt, thorough and fair review. Misconduct means fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, or other practices that seriously deviate from those that are commonly accepted within the scholarly community for proposing, conducting, […]

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2016 – 2017 grant development highlights

The focus areas of the grant development office are to support Signature & Emerging areas, grant resubmissions, junior faculty, high profile grants and UMS collaborations. These are a few of our most recent successes in each area. Signature & Emerging Areas Maine marine economy and jobs bond Marine Sciences is a UMaine Signature Area of […]

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computer and laptop on desk

Shared wisdom in grant writing

  Several of our most successful grant writers and grant administrators on campus shared their “top ten” suggestions for things to do or not to do in seeking external funding. We’ve collected these helpful and tested ideas to share them with you.   Things to do: Develop a relationship with the funding agency. Gain understanding of […]

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Development of Tools for Measuring the Costs of Feeding and Food Utilization in Eastern Oysters

Principal Investigator: Paul Rawson (Marine Sciences, UMaine) Partners: Carrie Byron (Marine Science, University of New England); Chris Davis (Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center) Abstract: Maine’s oyster culture industry has grown substantially since its inception four decades ago. Continued growth of the industry will rely on increasing the efficiency of production through improved and more uniform growth of […]

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Development of additively manufactured highly porous implantable devices that promote post-surgical wound healing and a biological transcutaneous seal: Testing of implant material and internal pore geometry in a porcine model

Principal Investigator: James Weber (Food and Agriculture, UMaine) Partners: Ian Dickey (Eastern Maine Medical Center); David Neivandt (Chemisty & Biological Engineering, UMaine); Anne Lichtenwalner (Food and Agriculture, UMaine) Abstract: This project will complete a controlled in vivo study of University of Maine-designed medical implants in a porcine model of skin healing. If successful, the proposed study would […]

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A Novel Approach to Prevent Super-chill in Atlantic Salmon

Principal Investigator: Ian Bricknell (Marine Sciences/ARI, UMaine) Partners: Deborah Bouchard (Cooperative Extension/ARI, UMaine); William Wolters (USDA National Cold Water Marine Aquaculture Center/NCWMA); Leighanne Hawkins (Cooke Aquaculture) Abstract: This project will investigate a novel approach to mitigating superchill in cultured Atlantic salmon. Superchill is a physiological collapse in salmon occurring during periods of extremely cold weather in Maine’s […]

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Sustainable Bio-conservation Technology for Aqua-feed Production and Waste Management

Principal Investigator: Andrei Alyokhin (Biology and Ecology, UMaine) Partners: Tap Pryor (Acadia Harvest, Inc.); Michael Peterson (Mechanical Engineering, UMaine); Edward Bernard (Molecular & Biomedical Sciences, UMaine) Abstract: Maine’s aquaculture industry is the largest in the U.S. and is growing rapidly. However, it currently relies on aquafeeds made with fish meal and fish oil from wild-caught small fishes, […]

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Energy Recovery Dehumidification (ERDH) for energy efficient increased drying capacity of high quality sea vegetables

Principal Investigator: Peter Van Walsum (Chemical & Biological Engineering/FBRI, UMaine) Partners: Balunkeswar Nayak (Food Science and Nutrition, UMaine); John Belding (Advanced Manufacturing Center, UMaine); Daniel Martinez (Environmental Science, USM) Abstract: Seaweed aquaculture is a global activity with an annual worth of $5.65 billion. We propose to investigate Energy Recovery DeHumidification (ERDH) as a highly energy efficient means […]

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Effects of Ocean Acidification on Reproduction in American Lobsters

Principal Investigator: Heather Hamlin (SMS/ARI, UMaine) Partners: Deborah Bouchard (Cooperative Extension/ARI, UMaine); Jean McRae (Civil & Environmental Engineering, UMaine); Benjamin King (Regenerative Biology, MDI Biological Laboratory) Abstract: Marine invertebrates, such as lobster, support valuable commercial fisheries in Maine valued at nearly $457 million in landings, and have a 3x to 5x multiplier on the total dollar […]

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Novel Fire Resistant Low Formaldehyde Emitting Fiberboard Panels Made from Deadwood or Wood Residuals and Nanocellulose

Principal Investigator: Mehdi Tajvidi (Forest Resources, UMaine) Partners: Douglas Bousfield (Chemical and Biological Engineering, UMaine); John Hunt (Forest Products Laboratory, USDA) Abstract: This project involves a collaboration between several UMaine units and the USDA Forest Products Laboratory on the production of a novel fire-resistant fiberboard building material that can be sourced solely from deadwood and other wood […]

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Prototype Development for Detection of Wine and Beer Spoilage Yeasts

Principal Investigator: Laurie Connell (Marine Sciences, UMaine) Partners: Rosemary Smith (Electrical Engineering, UMaine); Jason Perkins (Allagash Brewing) Abstract: The goal of this project is to develop a new handheld instrument, called the InstaProbe, which will provide the only near-instantaneous solution to detect certain environmental microbes from a complex matrix with minimal sample preparation. The proposed instrument is […]

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Development of structural wood plastic composite timber for innovative marine applications

Principal Investigator: Douglas Gardner (ASCC, UMaine) Partners: Yousoo Han (Advanced Structures and Composites Center, UMaine); Steve Ruell (Innovasea); Duncan Mayes (Stora Enso) Abstract: The overall goal of this project is to evaluate the potential of a structural wood plastic composite material (WPC) technology for use in marine applications; more specifically, its application in fish cage pens. Aquaculture […]

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The Health of Maine’s Bumble Bee Community

Principal Investigator: Frank Drummond (Biology and Ecology, UMaine) Partners: Scott Dobrin (Biology, UMPI); Ron Butler (Biology, UMFA); Joseph Staples (Environmental Sciences, USM); Christopher Lage (Biology, UMA) Abstract: The goal of this project is to investigate the ‘health’ of Maine bumble bees in light of their critical importance to Maine commercial businesses. Since 2006, global concern has emerged […]

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Research Reinvestment Fund Advisory Board

The University of Maine System Research Reinvestment Fund is overseen by the RRF Advisory Board (see below for membership listing). The Advisory Board develops and implements the specific policies, processes, and criteria for RRF allocation for this fund. The Advisory Board oversees the distribution of funds to ensure the greatest impact on research and economic […]

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Faculty Research Fund Awardees

FY 2016 Faculty Research Award Recipients Award Title Recipient Regular Faculty Research Competition FY16  Contagion of Depressive Symptoms, Self-Harm, and Suicidality in Social Networks ($7980) Schwartz-Mette, Rebecca (PSYC)  Green Leafy Vegetable Gardens to Promote Older Adult Wellness ($6825) Strout, Kelley (SFA) Scholarly Materials and Equipment Competition FY16 Makerbot Replicator Printer and Surface Pro 4 ($8795) […]

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Faculty Research Funds Committee

The Faculty Research Fund Program assists faculty in establishing or maintaining high quality research programs and other creative achievements. The Vice President for Research provides funds for this program. Eligibility is limited to full-time faculty. This includes tenured, tenure-eligible, and soft-money faculty for whom research is an expected component of their appointment. The Faculty Research […]

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University Research Council

The University Research Council (URC) provides input to the Vice President for Research (VPR) on strategic issues related to research, scholarship and creative achievement. Although it is not actively involved in policy making, it provides recommendations to the VPR on short-term and long-term research priorities, as well as on such topics as indirect cost recovery; […]

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University of Maine to host second annual Aging Initiative Workshop

Major aging-related challenges in Maine and the state-based research being done to address them will be the focus of a panel discussion open to the public Aug. 22, 2016 as part of the second annual Aging Initiative Workshop at the University of Maine. Speaker of the House Mark Eves will provide opening remarks at 10 […]

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A Novel Framework for Detecting and Assessing Spruce Budworm (SBW) Forest Defoliation over Maine

Principal Investigator: Parinaz Rahimzadeh (Forest Resource, UMaine) Partners: Aaron Weiskittel (UMaine), Peter Nelson (UMFK), David Maclean (University of New Brunswick), Daniel Kneeshaw (University of Quebec) Abstract: This research is on developing a practical, rapid, and cost effective method to detect annual spruce budworm (SBW) defoliation in Maine at a broad spatial scale using advanced technologies in […]

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Layer-by-layer Fabrication of Thermoelectric Films Using Nanoparticles to Yield HighEfficiency Thermoelectric Generators for Marine Applications

Principal Investigator: Carl Tripp (Chemistry, UMaine) Partners: Joshua Henry (Maine Maritime Academy), Robert Lad (UMaine) Abstract: Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) have attracted much interest because of their potential for converting waste heat from power sources to useful electricity. This technology is especially important for Maine’s future marine industries, where energy recovery from on-board ship engine heat will […]

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The Maine forest ecosystem status and trends (forEST) app: Informing management and dynamic landscapes

Principal Investigator: Erin Simons-Legaard (Forest Resource, UMaine) Partners: Kasey Legaard (UMaine), Aaron Weiskittel (UMaine), Dave Struble (Maine Forest Service), Ryan Hanavan (US Forest Service) Abstract: An intense outbreak of eastern spruce budworm expanding south from Quebec is without question a leading threat to Maine’s forest economy. We propose to develop a web-based resource mapping system to support […]

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Engineering cardiac tissues regeneration and repair

Principal Investigator: Rosemary Smith (Electrical Engineering, UMaine) Partners: Scott D. Collins (UMaine), Douglas Sawyer (MMC/MMCRI) Abstract: Each year, nearly one million Americans have a heart attack (myocardial infarction, MI). Patient outcomes are highly variable, but all suffer some loss of cardiac function due to permanent tissue damage. This seed project is an interdisciplinary collaboration between the University […]

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Enhancing the forecasting value of the American Lobster Settlement Index to Maine’s Coastal Economy

Principal Investigator: Rick Wahle (Marine Science, UMaine) Partners: Brian Beal (UMM), Damian Brady (UMaine), Burton Shank (NOAA/NMFS) Abstract: The goal of this proposal is to enhance and broaden the impact of the American Lobster Settlement Index (ALSI) as a stock assessment and forecasting tool for the US Northeast lobster fishery, the largest economic, and most geographically […]

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Advancing Algal and Invertebrate Aquaculture

Principal Investigator: Susan Brawley (Marine Science, UMaine) Partners: Luz Kogson (UMaine), Sarah Redmond (UMaine Marine Extension Team/Maine Sea Grant), Shep Erhart (Maine Coast Sea Vegetables), Seth Barker (Maine Fresh Sea Farms), Phil Harrington Bait (Wholesale Marine Worms), J. West (Commercial Fisherman) Abstract: Interest in sea vegetables as a healthy superfood was one of the top food trends […]

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Unmanned aerial systems: Supporting development and training on UAV applications for Maine businesses and state agencies

Principal Investigator: Thomas Abbott (UMA) Partners: Col. Daniel M. Leclair (Civil Air Patrol, Northeast Region), J. Gregory Jolda (UMA) Abstract: This project will be the first step in establishing an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) training and education center at the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA). Furthermore, the larger goal of this project is to demonstrate that […]

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Liquid-Infused Paper Substrates for New Biomedical Applications

Principal Investigator: Caitlin Howell (Chemical Engineering, UMaine) Partners: Philseok Kim (SLIPS Tech, Inc) Abstract: Durable fouling-resistant materials are highly sought after as solutions to a wide range of problems in both medicine and industry. We propose to apply a new bio-inspired approach utilizing immobilized liquid layers. We will develop and validate rapid, low-cost, and easily adaptable methods […]

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Revolutionizing Computing Across the University of Maine System

Principal Investigator: Harlan Onsrud (Computing & Info Science, UMaine) Partners: Susan McKay (UMaine), Constance Holden (UMA), Richard Corey (UMaine), Torsten Hahmann (UMaine), Reinhard Moratz (UMaine), Silvia Nittel (UMaine), Michael Scott (UMaine), Roy Turner (UMaine); computing faculty from other UMS campuses to be invited. Abstract: The bulk of STEM jobs in the U.S. are in computing and this […]

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Workforce Development: Helping UMaine Faculty develop classroom activities that prepare students for skills needed in Mane’s science careers

Principal Investigator: Michelle Smith (Biology & Ecology, UMaine) Partners: Mindi Summers (UMaine), Eric Jones (UMM), Jason Johnston (UMPI), Joseph Staples (USM), Judith Ladd Roe (UMPI), Karen Pelletreau (UMaine), Kim Borges (UMFK), Larry Feinstein (UMPI), Lisa Moore (USM), Nancy Prentiss (UMF), Peter Nelson (UMFK), Sandra Haggard (UMA), Sherrie Sprangers (UMM), Theresa Theodose (USM), Charles Wray (The Jackson Laboratory), […]

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Finding the E in STEM: Survey of Engineering Instruction in Maine’s K-12 Schools

Principal Investigator: Willhelm Friess (Mechanical Engineering, UMaine) Partners: Michael Davis (USM), Shari Templeton (UMA), Luke Shorty (Maine School for Science & Mathematics), Mohamad Musavi (UMaine), Craig Mason (UMaine), Betsy Webb (Bangor School Dept.), Shari Templeton (ME Dept. of Ed), Tony Paine (Kepware Technologies) Abstract: The vast majority of all jobs are created by the STEM-trained, and most […]

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2015 Aging Initiative Meetings

Footage from the June, 2015 and August, 2015 Aging Initiative meetings is available for viewing. The Aging Initiative is supported by Dr. Carol H. Kim and it plays an important role in the University’s research mission. The next Aging Initiative meeting will be on Monday, August 22nd.

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2015 Aging Research and Technologies Seed Grant Program Awardees Announced

Over the past year, Vice President Kim has championed the Successful Aging Initiative for Living (SAIL) on campus and around the state.  Maine has been touted as the “oldest state in the nation” and, as demographics continue to change in our state and across the nation, many older adults and their caregivers are facing challenging […]

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