Field Experience

Hands-on learningDr. Alessio Mortelliti explaining camera trapping to students.

  • Students gain valuable field experience starting their first semester
  • Many “laboratory” sessions are held outdoors in nearby natural habitats such as the University Forest, Acadia National Park, Sunkhaze National Wildlife Refuge, and many other locations
  • Students learn practical field skills in intensive 2-week field courses
  • Students conduct individual and group field projects in many upper-division courses

Independent ResearchProfessor and student examining a bird

  • Undergraduates can undertake wildlife research outside of the classroom under the advisement of a faculty member by participating in the University of Maine’s Honors Program or through independent study programs in our department
  • Students may also work closely with state and federal research biologists to conduct independent research

Internships and JobsGraduate student and student field technician setting up a camera trap.

  • Faculty in the Department actively assist students in obtaining internships or other employment opportunities during the school year and summer

Professional Organizations

  • The University of Maine (UMaine) hosts the only Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society (TWS) in Maine and helps students with their professional development
  • The UMaine sub-unit of the American Fisheries Society (AFS) provides students interested in fisheries with opportunities to gain hands-on experience with fish ecology and management