Cooperative Extension – U�� News

Martha Stewart features U�� fruit tree specialist on bare-root trees

marcus.wolf — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 14:56:24 +0000

Renae Moran, professor of pomology at the University of ��, was featured in for a story about the best bare-root fruit trees to grow for an easy backyard harvest. “Peach trees will naturally begin to bear flowers and fruit at a young age—about three years after planting,” said Moran, who is also a University of �� Cooperative Extension tree fruit specialist.

Guidoboni, Carter selected for prestigious national higher education leadership program

marcus.wolf — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 19:10:09 +0000

Hannah Carter

Two University of �� leaders have been selected for the prestigious 2026 Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI), a national leadership development program of the (AASCU).

Giovanna Guidoboni, interim vice president for research for the University of �� and the University of �� at Machias and dean of the �� College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC), and Hannah Carter, deputy provost and dean of University of �� Cooperative Extension, are among 31 higher education leaders nationwide chosen for the 2026 cohort.

MLI prepares senior administrators for executive leadership roles through mentorship, executive coaching and professional development. Since its founding in 1999, the program has supported more than 800 higher education leaders, including many who have gone on to serve as college and university presidents and chancellors.

Giovanna Guidoboni

As the inaugural dean of the MCEC, Guidoboni leads a flagship initiative of the University of �� System’s UMS TRANSFORMS program to build a statewide hub for engineering and computing. She oversees efforts to modernize academic programs and facilities, expand hands-on learning opportunities and foster innovation. As interim vice president for research, she has also helped advance U��’s research enterprise and engagement with federal funding agencies.

As dean of U�� Extension, Carter leads statewide education, applied research and public service programs that support communities across ��. She oversees strategic planning, personnel development and stakeholder engagement while working closely with government, industry and community partners.

“We are proud to welcome this exceptional group of leaders in the MLI network as they continue their progression toward the presidency and senior leadership roles,” said Charles L. Welch, president and CEO of AASCU. “MLI has long played a vital role in cultivating a dynamic community of higher education leaders who are prepared to meet the challenges facing our institutions and students.”

The 2026 cohort is meeting in Washington, D.C., June 10-13 to begin the yearlong program.

Martha Stewart features U�� Extension expert on planting peppers

marcus.wolf — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 19:00:17 +0000

Ankit Singh, assistant professor and ornamental horticulture educator at University of �� Cooperative Extension, was featured on discussing where gardeners should avoid planting peppers to support healthy growth and better harvests. “Crowding also reduces airflow, keeping leaves wetter for longer and increasing the risk of disease,” said Singh. “The result is often smaller plants, fewer peppers, and more pest or disease issues.”

WMTW interviews U�� Tick Lab director on early tick surge

marcus.wolf — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 18:59:36 +0000

Griffin Dill, director of the University of �� Cooperative Extension Tick Lab, spoke with about increasing tick activity and concerns surrounding Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses in ��. “Based on where we have been the past couple of years … even though we had a cold winter and a cold, early spring, I don’t anticipate that’s going to have a huge impact on tick-borne disease numbers here in the state,” said Dill.

Daily Hampshire Gazette features U�� researcher on changing tick activity

marcus.wolf — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 18:57:52 +0000

The featured Allison Gardner, associate professor of arthropod vector biology at the University of ��, discussing how changing seasonal patterns are affecting tick activity across New England. “I’ve been seeing ticks already this April in ��, which I can assure you, I was not seeing 10 years ago when I first moved here,” Gardner said. “So it’s a very real change that’s taken place on a reasonably short time scale.”

Ellsworth American interviews Entsminger on coastal �� tourism

marcus.wolf — Thu, 28 May 2026 22:23:27 +0000

interviewed Jason Entsminger, assistant professor of entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of ��, about the economic benefits of tourism in coastal ��. For example, visitors to the Downeast-Acadia region spent $1.27 billion on accommodations, transportation, groceries, restaurants, shopping, entertainment and other expenses. “I think one of the things that we see overall is that especially in more rural and remote communities, regional tourism can really play a part in certain sectors’ success,” said Entsminger, who is also a small business specialist with University of �� Cooperative Extension.

��biz reports on U��-led delegation to Japan aiming to strengthen ��’s sea urchin industry

marcus.wolf — Thu, 28 May 2026 22:23:00 +0000

reported on a recent visit to Hokkaido, Japan, by delegation organized by �� Sea Grant and University of �� Cooperative Extension to study advanced sea urchin farming techniques and explore how they could be adapted to strengthen ��’s industry.

Martha Stewart features U�� Extension expert on cucumbers

marcus.wolf — Thu, 21 May 2026 13:38:52 +0000

Ankit Singh, assistant professor and ornamental horticulture educator at the University of �� Cooperative Extension, was featured in two recent stories Martha Stewart on growing cucumbers. detailed the “worst places to grow cumbers,” while explored how often gardeners should water cucumbers to promote healthy growth and abundant harvests. “Cucumbers are especially sensitive to uneven watering, so keeping moisture consistent is one of the best ways to get better fruit quality,” said Singh.

The Spruce features U�� expert on fruit trees for cold climates

marcus.wolf — Thu, 21 May 2026 13:37:30 +0000

Renae Moran, professor of pomology at the University of ��, was featured in discussing fruit tree varieties that can survive harsh winter conditions and thrive in colder climates. “Cherries are notorious for ‘waking up’ too soon in late winter,” said Moran, who is also a University of �� Cooperative Extension tree fruit specialist. “Warm weather followed by very cold weather can damage trees and shorten their life span.”

Martha Stewart interviews Singh on shrubs that thrive in clay soil

marcus.wolf — Fri, 01 May 2026 16:30:49 +0000

A recent article in Martha Stewart about low-maintenance shrubs that grow well in clay soil featured Ankit Singh, assistant professor and ornamental horticulture educator with University of �� Cooperative Extension.

41 faculty members receive tenure and/or promotion or just-cause protection status and promotion

amanda.lozier — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 19:36:20 +0000

At the University of ��, 41 faculty members have received tenure and/or promotion or just-cause protection status and promotion effective July 1, 2026, or September 1, 2026. The annual announcement recognizes outstanding achievement in teaching, scholarship and research, and community engagement.

Tenure for 17 of the faculty members was approved by the University of �� System Board of Trustees on March 16.

“These promotions highlight the excellence of U��’s faculty. Whether in the classroom, in the lab, or the field, their accomplishments are impressive and are a testament to their commitment to student success, discovery, and service to the state. We take great pride in the achievements of these faculty,” says Gabriel Paquette, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at U��.

“Each promotion and tenure decision reflects both individual excellence and the strength of our academic community,” said U�� President Joan Ferrini-Mundy. “As a learner-centered R1 university, we advance research that matters while keeping students at the heart of all we do. These faculty exemplify that mission.”

University of ��

Promoted to Professor

College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences
- Alicia Cruz-Uribe, Petrology and Mineralogy
- Adam Daigneault, Forest Policy and Economics
- Shawn Fraver, Forest Ecology
- Daniel Hayes, Geospatial Analysis and Remote Sensing
- Anil Kizhakkepurakkal, Forest Operations
- Melissa Maginnis, Microbiology
- Caroline Noblet, Economics
- Aaron Putnam, Earth Sciences
- Kelley Strout, Nursing
- Timothy Waring, Social-Ecological Systems of Modeling
College of Education and Human Development
- Catharine Biddle, Educational Leadership
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Ryan Dippre, English
- William Gramlich, Chemistry
- Gregory Zaro, Anthropology and Climate Change
�� College of Engineering and Computing
- Caitlin Howell, Bioengineering
- Thomas Schwartz, Chemical Engineering

Promoted to Extension Professor

Cooperative Extension
- Colt Knight, Extension Livestock Educator

Promoted to Professor with Tenure

College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences
- Lisa Kerr, Fisheries Science

Granted Tenure at Current Rank of Professor

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Jonathan Barron, English

Promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure

College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences
- Noah Charney, Conservation Biology
- Katherine Weatherford Darling, Health Science
- Philip Fanning, Agricultural Entomology
- Jonathan Malacarne, Agricultural Economics
- Jane Puhlman, Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Jessica Riccardi, Communication Sciences and Disorders
College of Education and Human Development
- Melissa Cuba, Special Education
- Kathleen Gillon, Higher Education
- Daniel Puhlman, Family Studies
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Gilbert Moss, Mathematics
- Neel Patel, Mathematics
- Franziska Peterson, Mathematics Education
- Nimesha Ranasinghe, Spatial Informatics
- Johanna Richlin, Anthropology
- Jane Wang, Mathematics

Promoted to Associate Extension Professor with Continuing Contract

Cooperative Extension
- Sean Birkel, Climate Services
- Michael Habte-tsion, Fish Nutrition
- Glenda Pereira Parente, Animal Science/Dairy Specialist

Promoted to Associate Professor

College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences
- Christina Murphy, USGS �� Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

Promoted to Senior Lecturer with Just-Cause

College of Education and Human Development
- Maria Frankland, Educational Leadership
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Matthew Bates, Mathematics

University of �� at Machias

Promoted to Senior Lecturer with Just-Cause

University of �� at Machias
- Daniel Ellis, English

Contact: Marcus Wolf, 207.581.3721; marcus.wolf@maine.edu

Martha Stewart interviews Singh on removing a tree stump

marcus.wolf — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 01:03:39 +0000

Ankit Singh, assistant professor and ornamental horticulture educator with University of �� Cooperative Extension, was featured in a article on the benefits of removing a tree stump from your garden. “Old stumps often create a tripping hazard, get in the way of mowing and planting, and take up valuable space you may use for new flowers, shrubs, or landscaping features,” said Singh.

Martha Stewart interviews Singh on drought-tolerant plants

marcus.wolf — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:42:07 +0000

Ankit Singh, assistant professor and ornamental horticulture educator at University of �� Cooperative Extension, was featured in a article sharing his expertise on resilient gardening. Singh identified several plant species capable of thriving in both shade and drought to help gardeners maintain an abundant landscape even in challenging conditions. Among his top recommendations were hellebores. “Hellebores prefer partial to full shade and are especially useful under trees or along shaded foundations,” said Singh.

News Center �� interviews Dill on tick season outlook

marcus.wolf — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:28:59 +0000

Griffin Dill, the manager of University of �� Cooperative Extension’s Tick Lab within the Diagnostic and Research Laboratory, was recently featured in a story discussing the outlook for the 2026 tick season amid promising Lyme disease vaccine trials. “The ticks themselves are remarkably hardy when it comes to those winter temperatures,” Dill said.

Martha Stewart interviews Singh on nasturtium seeds

marcus.wolf — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 19:25:41 +0000

Ankit Singh, assistant professor and ornamental horticulture educator with University of �� Cooperative Extension, was interviewed by for an article “The Best Time to Plant Nasturtium Seeds for Lush, Fast-Growing Flowers.” Singh encouraged people who live in cooler climates to wait until the nights are no longer getting near freezing.

Martha Stewart interviews Singh on growing privacy plants

marcus.wolf — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 03:54:32 +0000

Ankit Singh, assistant professor and ornamental horticulture educator with University of �� Cooperative Extension, was featured in a Martha Stewart article some of the fast-grow privacy plants.

‘�� Calling’ segment on growing plants from seeds features Handley

marcus.wolf — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 03:51:10 +0000

David Handley, a vegetable and small fruit specialist with University of �� Cooperative Extension, appeared as a panelist on an episode of “�� Calling” about growing plants from seeds. Handley shared his expertise on the advantages and techniques of cultivating native plants from seed, offering guidance on the proper timing and methods for successful gardening.

U��-led delegation to Japan aims to strengthen ��’s sea urchin industry

rosemary.lausier — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:10:27 +0000

��’s once-booming sea urchin fishery has struggled for decades with low wild populations and limited success scaling aquaculture, leaving researchers, harvesters and growers searching for a more sustainable path forward.

Now, the University of �� is helping lead an effort to find answers.

This week, a delegation organized by �� Sea Grant and University of �� Cooperative Extension will travel to Hokkaido, Japan, to study advanced sea urchin farming techniques and explore how they could be adapted to strengthen ��’s industry.

Hugh Cowperthwaite of Coastal Enterprises, Inc., who helped coordinate the trip, said the group is eager to learn from Japan’s diverse approaches to harvesting and aquaculture.

“We’re excited to learn from the Japanese about the many different forms of their sea urchin fishery. They range from open water wild harvest to bottom leasing, confined structures and submerged cage culture,” Cowperthwaite said. “It will be fascinating to understand how these practices developed and what we can implement in ��.”

The trip builds on a long history of collaboration between �� and Japan’s marine industries, particularly in scallops, and reflects growing momentum around aquaculture innovation at U��. With renewed interest from industry, researchers and regulators, the effort aims to strengthen both farmed production and the wild harvest.

��’s sea urchin fishery expanded rapidly in the 1980s and 1990s, when global markets embraced the state’s high-quality roe, known as uni. Since then, declining populations have limited the fishery and underscored the need for new approaches. While urchins can be raised to market size, achieving profitability at scale remains a challenge.

Supported by the National Sea Grant Program, the delegation will spend a week visiting hatcheries, farms, processors and research facilities across Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island.

Participants include representatives from across and beyond ��’s marine economy, including the �� Department of Marine Resources, the University of �� Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research, University of Rhode Island and private aquaculture companies.

“As a fisheries scientist with the �� Department of Marine Resources, I’m excited to learn from Japan’s long experience with sea urchin fisheries and aquaculture,” said Elijah Bates of the �� Department of Marine Resources. “I’m especially interested in what ideas might help support the long-term sustainability of ��’s urchin resource.”

For �� growers, the trip is also an opportunity to bring new ideas back to their operations. Michael Scannell of Saco Bay Sea Farms said he is particularly interested in how Japan integrates seaweed and urchin production.

“As the founder and CEO of Saco Bay Sea Farms, I’m excited for the opportunity to learn from Japan’s long history of sea urchin aquaculture and enhancement,” Scannell said. “We’re particularly interested in the seaweed-to-urchin pipeline and how urchins can become a viable emerging crop in ��. I’m hopeful what we learn in Hokkaido will help inform future research and development here.”

Contact: Dana Morse dana.morse@maine.edu

MarthStewart.com discusses growing ZZ plants with Singh

marcus.wolf — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 18:51:34 +0000

Ankit Singh, assistant professor and �� sustainable agriculture and ornamental horticulture educator at University of �� Cooperative Extension, was featured in a article on how to grow ZZ plants. “You can propagate a ZZ plant in a few different ways, and while none of them are particularly fast, they are all quite reliable if you’re patient,” Singh said.

Press Herald interviews Dill about deer ticks

marcus.wolf — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 18:50:34 +0000

The interviewed Griffin Dill, integrated pest management specialist who manages the University of �� Cooperative Extension Tick Lab, about deer ticks re-emerging with the warmer weather. “Anecdotally, we are hearing reports this week of people saying they’ve seen ticks crawling on themselves and their pets,” Dill said. “What is emerging now are adult deer ticks who have survived the overwinter and are now looking for a blood meal.”

Singh speaks with MarthaStewart.com about problematic garden flowers

marcus.wolf — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 19:55:48 +0000

Ankit Singh, assistant professor and ornamental horticulture educator at the University of �� Extension, warned gardeners about pesky invasive species and flowers that pose a potential risk to wildlife ahead of the planting season in an interview with .

Network of advanced weather stations helps �� farmers save time and money

rosemary.lausier — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 19:28:12 +0000

University of �� Cooperative Extension recently completed installation of an advanced weather station in Orono, the third such station in what will become a statewide Mesonet, a network of research-grade weather stations designed specifically for agriculture. As droughts, downpours, extreme heat and spring frosts become more common, �� farmers say they need forecasts that provide additional detailed and localized information.

“Our work follows the rhythm of the weather,” said Lisa Hanscom, co-owner and manager at Welch Farm in Roque Bluffs. “The Jonesboro station helps us know the right time to tend our wild blueberries, and with the �� Mesonet, we’ll have the real-time data we need to protect our crop and keep our farm thriving.”

The project stems from a 2020 needs assessment led by Extension wild blueberry specialist Lily Calderwood. Only 34% of surveyed growers reported using weather-based decision tools at the time, but 86% said they wanted to in the future. Existing networks, like Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) for aviation, NOAA’s Cooperative Observer Program, �� Forest Service fire weather sites and various personal stations, offer valuable data. However, maintenance can be uneven, access and quality of the data vary and most lack soil temperature, moisture sensors or the ability to detect temperature inversions, measurements that are critical for crop management.

“The right data at the right moment turns guesswork into good decisions,” said Calderwood, who is co-leading the project along with �� State Climatologist Sean Birkel. “A farm-level network will help growers decide when to irrigate, when a spray is justified and when to protect against frost. That improves yields, decreases inputs and saves time during the most stressful parts of the season.”

The �� Mesonet project is installing a total of 26 ten- and three-meter stations across all 16 counties, prioritizing agricultural hubs. Three stations are planned each for Washington (wild blueberry) and Aroostook (potato) counties and other areas of high agricultural production, especially where gaps in weather data exist. Sites are also planned for University of �� Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station (MAFES) farms and cooperating private and public lands.

Detailed weather and environmental data from the network will be accessible on the �� Climate Office website, overseen by co-principal investigator and �� State Climatologist Sean Birkel. The network’s localized measurements are expected to improve short-term forecasting, enhance Integrated Pest Management (IPM) decision models, guide irrigation and frost protection, and sharpen the timing of pesticide applications. Project leaders expect the wild blueberry and potato sectors to see measurable benefits within two growing seasons of deployment.

“�� is seeing warmer temperatures, and in the past decade the state has also been variously impacted by drought,” said Birkel. “A Mesonet gives us high-resolution, real-time observations to track these shifts in the field throughout each season. Additional observations can improve local forecasts, making them more useful to farmers. These observations will also help statewide drought monitoring and planning.”

The effort also supports statewide priorities to expand outreach and enhance weather monitoring. Soil-moisture data from the network will be used by the �� Drought Task Force and the U.S. Drought Monitor. The information will also be distributed to national companies that use weather data to predict larger trends in weather and storms, resulting in more accurate models.

The budget for the project is $3.5 million, which includes funding for 26 stations and software, plus one full-time technician to install, maintain and manage the system and decision-support tools. Funding for the �� Mesonet was secured for the University of �� System in Fiscal Year 2024 through the Congressionally Directed Spending process by U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, now chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, with support from U.S. Sen. Angus King.

�� is collaborating with the New York State Mesonet, operated by the University at Albany, to manage the large amount of data generated by the 26 stations. New York specialists will ensure the quality and accuracy of the data before sending it back to ��. This collaboration highlights the growing trend of mesonet networks across the country working together to share knowledge, standardize practices and deliver better weather information to the public.

“We’re excited to launch this first-of-its-kind partnership between two statewide mesonet networks,” said New York State Mesonet Director June Wang. “Our team is proud to demonstrate how we can make sharing data easier, more efficient and more valuable for end users. We look forward to extending these services to additional weather networks in the future.”

For �� farmers facing meteorological volatility, the Mesonet promises something simple but powerful: timely, trustworthy, farm-level weather intelligence.

Contact: Lily Calderwood, lily.calderwood@maine.edu

MarthaStewart.com interviews Singh on ground covers for gardening

marcus.wolf — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 19:31:02 +0000

Ankit Singh, assistant professor and ornamental horticulture educator at University of �� Cooperative Extension was featured by in an article about how to pick ground covers responsibility without potential damage. Singh advises to not use lavender in wet areas. “Prolonged moisture often leads to crown collapse and plant death,” he says.

Parade features U�� seafood expert on cooking lobster

marcus.wolf — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 08:17:59 +0000

Gülsün Akdemir Evrendilek, associate Extension professor and seafood technology and food safety specialist with University of �� Cooperative Extension, was featured on for her advice on buying a good lobster and cooking it at home. “Lobster is a precious resource, so try not to waste any of it. Buy only what you need, cook it with care and make sure to serve reasonable portions so nothing ends up in the trash. Choosing lobster from responsible, well-managed fisheries also helps protect ocean ecosystems for future generations,” said Evrendilek.

Cooperative Extension – U�������� News

Martha Stewart features U�������� fruit tree specialist on bare-root trees

Guidoboni, Carter selected for prestigious national higher education leadership program

Martha Stewart features U�������� Extension expert on planting peppers

WMTW interviews U�������� Tick Lab director on early tick surge

Daily Hampshire Gazette features U�������� researcher on changing tick activity

Ellsworth American interviews Entsminger on coastal �������� tourism

��������biz reports on U��������-led delegation to Japan aiming to strengthen ��������’s sea urchin industry

Martha Stewart features U�������� Extension expert on cucumbers

The Spruce features U�������� expert on fruit trees for cold climates