Education

SWF3 education activities will help to fill curriculum gaps that are impeding the development of highly skilled bioeconomy professionals, as identified by critical stakeholders in a 2022 survey.

Course Modules

Bioeconomy course modules integrated into current chemical engineering, aquaculture and social science curriculum will help to develop a strong foundation for the future STEM workforce.

Microcredentials

The SWF3 online certificate program will equip engineering and science students with the necessary bioeconomy competencies through a multidisciplinary curriculum.

Internships

UMaine internships for sustainable aviation fuel, fish feed production and fish nutrition research will recruit and train undergraduate students in engineering and sciences into a competent future bioeconomy workforce.

Undergraduate REsearch Experience

The Sustainable Wood to Fuel and Fish Feed (SWF3) Undergraduate Research Experience is an interdisciplinary program designed to help prepare students to be part of the bioeconomy workforce. Participants will receive one-on-one mentorship and hands-on research experience through a 10-week internship.

Award Includes

  • $7,000 stipend (total)
  • Round-trip travel costs fully covered
  • On-campus dining funds and housing
  • Six placements available
  • Five placements at the University of Maine (Orono, ME)
  • One placement at the University of Massachusetts – Lowell (Lowell, MA)

Benefits and Activities

  • One-on-one mentorship
  • Access to state-of-the-art technology
  • Technical writing and oral presentation opportunities
  • Ethics in research workshop
  • Professional field trips/Industrial tours
  • Access to on-campus recreational facilities and library

Research Focus Areas

Interns will explore methods to improve the quality of bio-oil using heterogeneous catalysts for upgrading. Tasks include catalyst preparation, reaction testing and product analysis. This research offers insight into biofuel production and advanced chemical engineering techniques.

Interns will assist in formulating and testing fish feed made from biomass-derived ingredients. Research involves evaluating nutritional profiles, conducting feeding trials, and analyzing fish health and growth. This work connects bioeconomy innovations with sustainable aquaculture practices.

This opportunity involves modeling biomass conversion processes using software tools like Aspen Plus and performing economic feasibility studies. Interns will learn how to integrate engineering design with cost analysis to assess commercial potential. Ideal for students interested in systems-level thinking and sustainable process development.

This project focuses on converting biomass into bio-oil through hydrothermal liquefaction. Interns will assist with running reactors, analyzing products and optimizing process parameters. The work provides exposure to renewable energy technologies and analytical tools like GC-MS and TGA.

Interns will work on preparing biomass feedstocks by evaluating and optimizing mechanical, chemical and biological pretreatment methods. The goal is to enhance conversion efficiency and feedstock consistency for downstream processes. Students will gain hands-on experience with lab-scale equipment and material characterization techniques.

Application Deadline:

Feb. 15, 2026

10-Week Program

June 1 – Aug. 7, 2026

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted online. An official transcript and two references must be included with your application.

Apply Today!

Eligibility

  • Undergraduate students currently enrolled in a 2-year or 4-year institution
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Applications must include an unofficial transcript and contact information for two references.

Questions?

If you have questions that aren’t addressed in the FAQ below, please contact chelsea.mullin@maine.edu.

Who is eligible to apply for this internship?

Undergraduate students who are currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year with at least a 3.0 GPA. In order to be considered, applicants enrolled at a four-year institution must be expected to graduate no earlier than December 2026. Applicants enrolled at a two-year institution who are expected to graduate prior to December 2026 may be asked to provide proof of registration or acceptance to a four-year institution for continuing their education. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to be eligible for consideration.

When is the application due?

The application and any supporting documentation must be received by Feb. 15, 2026, in order to be considered.

When will my application be reviewed?

Applications will be reviewed for completion status as they are received and for consideration beginning after the application closes.

When will I be notified of my status?

A decision will be made and all applicants will be notified of their status by March 15, 2026.

How many internship positions are available?

Six participants will be selected. Five students will work primarily at the University of Maine in Orono, Maine, and one will work primarily at the University of Massachusetts – Lowell in Lowell, Massachusetts.

If I am not selected this year, can I apply again next year?

Applicants not selected may apply for the 2027 internship when the application opens in late fall 2026.

Who should I include as a reference?

References should be a former or current educational affiliate (i.e. a professor, department or sponsor of a relevant extracurricular program) or a relevant professional associate (i.e. a manager for a lab or research position or from a previous internship). Educational references should be associated with you due to their current or prior affiliation with a higher education institution. It is recommended to confirm with your references prior to including them when submitting your application.

What should I expect from this program?

Participants will engage in hand-on research activities in one of the five focus areas listed above, while receiving one-on-one mentorship from their research advisor. Students can expect to work approximately 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, not including designated holidays during which the university is closed. Work must be completed in-person. Throughout the program, there will be occasional field trips and facility tours relevant to the research areas. There will also be opportunities for students to participate in research presentations.

Do I need to attend the entire program?

Yes. All participants are required to arrive the weekend prior to the start day to check in and get acquainted with campus as well as attending the entire 10-week for the program’s activities.

Will I be guaranteed a placement that suits my preferred research focus area?

While the preferences indicated in the application will be considered when placing selected applicants, placements will be based on availability. If a placement is available outside of your indicated preferences and you are among the top applicants, we may contact you regarding your interest in proceeding in a different research area.

How much is the stipend and when will it be dispersed?

Selected participants will receive a stipend of $1,400 every two weeks for a total of $7,000 for the entire ten-week program. Direct Deposit is mandatory, but it may take up to 2 weeks for paperwork to be processed so your first check may be issued in paper form. Paper checks can be picked up at the Office of Student Employment after 12:00pm on the day paychecks are issued. A photo ID is required.

What if I have questions about the application process or internship?

For questions, please contact chelsea.mullin@maine.edu.