The five-day camp caters to students exploring careers in engineering and computing by immersing them in microchips, transistors and of the latest building blocks for modern technology worldwide: semiconductors. By the end of the week, participants will integrate and build and test their own semiconductor system. 

In addition to experiments and games, students will also tour Texas Instruments鈥� South Portland facility, giving them industry exposure, opportunities to interact with experts and a glimpse into future career paths.

The camp is hosted by the 海角社区 College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC) at U海角社区 and funded by the National Science Foundation. Register and learn more about the camp at . 

The University of 海角社区 is among the partners supporting the event, which will feature panel discussions, networking opportunities, startup showcases, demonstrations and field trips highlighting innovation and collaboration across 海角社区鈥檚 marine and coastal sectors.

Two University of 海角社区 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 海角社区 and the University of 海角社区 at Machias and dean of the 海角社区 College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC), and Hannah Carter, deputy provost and dean of University of 海角社区 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.

As the inaugural dean of the MCEC, Guidoboni leads a flagship initiative of the University of 海角社区 System鈥檚 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海角社区鈥檚 research enterprise and engagement with federal funding agencies.

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

鈥淲e 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,鈥� said Charles L. Welch, president and CEO of AASCU. 鈥淢LI 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.鈥�

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

The awards celebrate alumni and professionals affiliated with the 海角社区 Graduate School of Business, University of 海角社区 School of Law, 海角社区 College of Engineering and Computing and the Muskie School of Public Service, as well as leaders contributing to economic growth and innovation in 海角社区.The 2026 海角社区 Center Awards ceremony will be held on June 8.

Barbara Kerr Hamilton, senior director of process technology at Packaging Corporation of America, received the Distinguished Alumni Award. A U海角社区 alumna with a background in chemical engineering, Hamilton has held leadership roles in engineering, industrial automation, process control and operational technology while remaining actively involved with U海角社区 through the Pulp and Paper Foundation and U海角社区 Board of Visitors.

Ron Roope, senior vice president and director of business banking at Bangor Savings Banks, received a Distinguished Alumni Award. Roope has built a career in commercial banking and business leadership while maintaining a longstanding involvement with U海角社区, including as a cooperating faculty member for the 海角社区 Business School for five years. He has also served on 海角社区 Business School Advisory Board, the Katahdin Area Council Boy Scouts Board and the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire Board. 

Andrew Murry, an audit manager at Baker Newman Noyes, received an Emerging Leader Award. A 海角社区MBA alumnus and certified public accountant, Murry specializes in healthcare and nonprofit assurance services and remains active in mentorship and professional service throughout 海角社区鈥檚 accounting community. He is active in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the 海角社区 Society of Certified Public Accountants, and serves as treasurer of the Healthcare Financial Management Association鈥檚 Northern New England Chapter. 

Kyle Warren, CEO and co-founder of Evergreen Additive Inc., received an Emerging Leader Award. Warren earned his bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering from U海角社区 and previously led advanced manufacturing initiatives at the Advanced Structures and Composites Center, including work on the world鈥檚 largest 3D-printed logistics vessel for the U.S. Department of Defense.

Mark Skinner, founder of Skinner Retirement and Benefits Consulting and executive chairman of Daybright Financial, received the 海角社区 Center Award for Innovation. A U海角社区 Business alumnus, Skinner has spent decades leading retirement and employee benefits organizations while helping develop integrated financial and benefits strategies used nationally. He has served as a corporate academy liaison for the National Academy Foundation and participated in Habitat for Humanity rebuilding efforts after Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy. He continues to support the University of 海角社区 Graduate School of Business as an architect and advisory board member of the 海角社区 MBA Academy.

Published by SAGE, Group & Organization Management is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes research focused on management and organization theory and its implications for practitioners. The journal is ranked among the top 10% of publications in organizational behavior and applied psychology on the SCImago rankings.

Obenauer’s research focuses on diversity and inclusion issues within organizations and the use of replication research to better understand those issues. His work has been published in journals including The Leadership Quarterly, Group & Organization Management, Acta Psychologica and Journal of Management Scientific Reports. 

He previously served as an associate editor of Group & Organization Management and serves on the editorial review boards of The Leadership Quarterly, Journal of Management Scientific Reports and Journal of Business and Psychology.

At the University of 海角社区, Obenauer teaches courses in human resource management, leadership and organizational behavior. He earned a doctorate in management with a concentration in organizational behavior from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York.

In 鈥淎I Ethics and Governance: Historical, Cultural, and Regulatory Perspectives,鈥� W枚rsd枚rfer explores AI through the lens of history, philosophy, ethics, political economy and public policy. Through six interconnected essays, the book analyzes the origins of AI research, portrayals of artificial intelligence in popular culture and the emerging approaches to regulation.

Held in April in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the competition tasked teams with touring and assessing participating farms, then providing detailed recommendations on how they can enhance their businesses. The teams focused on ways farms could improve nutrition, reproduction, milking procedures, animal health, cow comfort and labor and financial management.

Out of eight teams that evaluated Tri-Cross Dairy in Viborg, South Dakota, U海角社区鈥檚 group delivered the third best presentation. Members of the U海角社区 team included animal and veterinary science majors Cece Desautell, Felicity Gregware and Riley McAllaster, as well as zoology major Amanda Allen. They were coached by Glenda Pereira, assistant professor of animal science at U海角社区 and dairy specialist at University of 海角社区 Cooperative Extension.

The programs are designed to benefit professionals from a range of sectors, including healthcare, education and nonprofits, as well as people who are unemployed or underemployed. They offer training in grant writing, public speaking, mediation, project management, and effective communication, among others. A new offering this fall is 鈥�.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

The full program list and additional details are available on the . Most programs are online and synchronous, while some are held in person or in a hybrid format.  

A certificate of completion and Continuing Education Units will be available. Reduced rates are available for groups of four or more participants from a single employer who register together for the same program. Eligible employers can also apply for 海角社区 Workforce Development Compact matching funding support.

In addition to scheduled programs, requests for custom programming on various professional development topics are welcome. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Kathleen Toole at um.continuinged@maine.edu or 207.581.3167.  

Michael Brzezowski, a technology teacher and integrator at Pemetic Elementary School in Southwest Harbor, was named Hancock County Teacher of the Year. Brzezowski earned his master鈥檚 degree in secondary science education from the U海角社区 College of Education and Human Development.

Marcy Soucy was named Penobscot County Teacher of the Year. A fourth and fifth grade teacher at Fairmount Elementary School in Bangor, Soucy earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree in elementary education from U海角社区.

Allison Mundee, a pre-kindergarten teacher at Harold B. Emery Jr. Memorial School in Limington, was named York County Teacher of the Year. Mundee earned her early childhood education certification from U海角社区.

In all, nine of the 16 海角社区 County Teachers of the Year have degrees or earned their certification from 海角社区’s public universities.

County Teachers of the Year serve as ambassadors for schools, students and the teaching profession for the next year. They are nominated by members of their community and selected by a panel of other teachers, principals and business leaders based on their service in education and dedication to their students.

The field of 16 will be narrowed to a smaller group of semifinalists, who will put together a professional portfolio, part of the National Teacher of the Year selection process. Finalists will be chosen following a review of the portfolios and presentations to an expert panel, and the 海角社区 Teacher of the Year will be named in the fall.

More information about the 2026 海角社区 County Teachers of the Year is on the and websites.

The proceeds for the sale will support the Black Bear Exchange food pantry, Black Bear Mentors program for local children, community service projects and other offerings from U海角社区鈥檚 Bodwell Center for Service and Volunteerism. Students were informed about the program ahead of the event and encouraged to donate items they no longer need.

Returning from a two-year hiatus during renovations at the Alfond Arena, the sale will feature used furniture, organizers, decorations, appliances, bedding and clothing, as well as a limited selection of excess campus furnishings. Items will be priced and cash and card payments will be accepted. A pickup area will be designated for large items, and delivery will be available on Friday by donation.

Attendees are encouraged to park in the Dunn, Corbett and Steamplant lots, as well as the north side of the arena by the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) house. The Bear Necessities Fan Shop will also be open on Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

For more information, please contact Lisa Morin at 207.949.3611 or lisa.morin@maine.edu.

The panel follows the journal鈥檚 release of . It will will feature leaders in healthcare, economic development and agriculture who contributed to the publication, including: 

• Rhiannon Hampson, vice president for economic development and the Gulf of 海角社区 Research Institute.
• Shelley Megquier, director of policy and research for 海角社区 Farmland Trust.
• Dora Anne Mills, chief health improvement officer at 海角社区Health.
• Tora Johnson, director of the Sunrise County Economic Council鈥檚 Sustainable Prosperity Initiative.
• David Vail, professor of economics emeritus at Bowdoin College
• Ann Acheson, former research associate at Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center.

Housed at U海角社区鈥檚 Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center, the 海角社区 Policy Review is the leading peer-reviewed journal focusing on policy analysis and research in the state. It鈥檚 published twice per year by the center and Margaret Chase Smith Foundation. 

Andrea Gifford has been appointed dean of students for the University of 海角社区 and the University of 海角社区 at Machias.

Gifford has served as interim dean of students over the past year, providing leadership and guidance for students across both campuses while supporting student success, belonging and crisis response efforts.

The appointment was announced by U海角社区 President Joan Ferrini-Mundy in a letter to the campus community.

鈥淎ndrea鈥檚 deep institutional knowledge, student-centered approach and dedication to fostering a supportive campus environment have made a lasting impact on countless students, faculty and staff,鈥� Ferrini-Mundy said. 鈥淗er leadership has strengthened the university鈥檚 ability to support student well-being, academic achievement and community engagement.鈥�

Gifford brings more than three decades of experience at U海角社区, with expertise in student affairs, academic advising, crisis management, student advocacy and university administration.

Since joining U海角社区 in 1991, Gifford has served in a variety of leadership and administrative roles across the university. Prior to her appointment as interim dean of students, she served as senior associate dean within the Division of Student Life. 

She currently serves as chair and case manager for the Student Behavior Review Team, helping lead the university鈥檚 threat assessment and care management efforts for both U海角社区 and U海角社区 Machias.

Earlier in her career, Gifford served as an instructor for academic and career exploration and held positions within the Division of Lifelong Learning and the Division of Administration and Finance.

鈥淚 am honored by the opportunity to continue serving the students of the University of 海角社区 and the University of 海角社区 at Machias in this role,鈥� Gifford said. 鈥淚 look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with colleagues across our campuses to support student success and foster a welcoming and supportive university community.鈥�

Gifford earned her master鈥檚 degree in education and student development and bachelor鈥檚 degree in business administration from U海角社区.

Jenny Boyden has been appointed vice president for finance and administration and chief business officer of the University of 海角社区 and the University of 海角社区 at Machias.

Boyden has served as interim vice president for finance and administration and chief business officer over the past year, overseeing budget and accounting operations, auxiliary enterprises and facilities management and planning.

The appointment was announced by U海角社区 President Joan Ferrini-Mundy in a letter to the campus community.

鈥淛enny鈥檚 collaborative leadership style, deep knowledge of public finance and strong commitment to the mission of public higher education have already made a significant impact on our university community,鈥� Ferrini-Mundy said. 鈥淪he has provided important leadership in facilities planning and capital investment efforts, including the development of a comprehensive master planning process designed to align our physical infrastructure with the university鈥檚 long-term goals for education, research, student life and athletics.鈥�

Prior to joining the University of 海角社区 System, Boyden served as associate commissioner for the 海角社区 Department of Administrative and Financial Services, where she also served as department lead for the 海角社区 Jobs and Recovery Team. Earlier in her career, she held senior financial leadership positions within 海角社区 state government and healthcare organizations.

In addition to her leadership responsibilities at U海角社区, Boyden currently serves as head of finance for UMS TRANSFORMS, helping guide the financial administration of the systemwide initiative.

鈥淚 am honored by the opportunity to continue serving the University of 海角社区 and University of 海角社区 at Machias in this role,鈥� Boyden said. 鈥淚 look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with colleagues across our campuses to strengthen the university鈥檚 financial foundation and support the success of our students, faculty, staff and broader community.鈥�

Boyden brings nearly three decades of experience in financial leadership, public administration, healthcare finance and strategic budgeting. Throughout her career, she has led budget development and analysis, operational planning and organizational leadership initiatives across governmental and nonprofit sectors.

Boyden earned her MBA from Thomas College and her bachelor鈥檚 degree in economics and finance from Bentley College.

The collection includes items such as Boat and Tote bags, fleece vests, blankets and additional apparel and accessories.

The merchandise will be available exclusively through the , both in-store and online, beginning Friday, May 8.

To celebrate the launch, the U海角社区 Bookstore will host a pop-up shop during Hearty 海角社区 Farewell, featuring the L.L. Bean Bootmobile, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday.

The agreement brings together two iconic 海角社区 brands and expands the university鈥檚 licensed merchandise offerings with products designed for students, alumni, families and supporters of the Black Bears.

Other recent U海角社区 licensing agreements include Orono Brewing Company, Marin Skincare and Coffee Hound.

The Foster Center for Innovation is hosting the event to highlight research innovations from the eighth cohort of the University of 海角社区鈥檚 MIRTA accelerator program. MIRTA, coordinated by U海角社区鈥檚 Foster Center for Innovation, assists teams from research institutions throughout the state in advancing lab discoveries into public and commercial use.

Projects from the 2026 cohort span sustainable materials, agricultural biotechnology, and AI safety. 

Registration is available through . General admission for Demo Day is $25, but U海角社区 faculty, staff, and students can attend for free using the code U海角社区Staff/Faculty or U海角社区Students.

At Demo Day, the current MIRTA teams will pitch commercialization plans shaped through market research, intellectual property analysis and business model development during the 16-week program. 

Commercialization plans vary depending on the type of invention a team brings to MIRTA, and the result could be starting a new company or licensing to an existing one. Guiding them throughout the process are business incubation staff from the Foster Center and expert advisors from industry. The teams are eligible to receive up to $25,000 each to help develop commercialization implementation plans.

Twelve start-up ventures have been formed from 36 teams that have taken part in our first seven MIRTA cohorts. They have collectively raised more than $14.3 million in external funding and prototype sales to support ongoing commercialization.

MIRTA is made possible by support from the University of 海角社区 System Research Reinvestment Fund. The fund is a pool of competitive internal grants allocated to advance research projects along the path from discovery to becoming commercial products with public benefit. All projects are tied to 海角社区 businesses or industries critical to the future of the state.

Beth Bisson, associate director of 海角社区 Sea Grant鈥檚 midcoast office, is the recipient of the 2026 Steve Gould Award for demonstrating superior qualities of unselfishness and compassion in service to the University of 海角社区 and its ideals.

Under Bisson鈥檚 guidance, 海角社区 Sea Grant has transitioned toward a more inclusive and supportive model for research and outreach. Her dedication to creating an environment that puts people first has not only enhanced staff and student success, but has also deepened the program’s positive influence across the U海角社区 community.

Stephanie Kennedy, head teacher of the Chapel Preschool Program at the U海角社区 Children鈥檚 Center, and Richard Corey, the director and co-founder of the VEMI Lab, were the recipients of the 2025 Steve Gould Award for selfless service to the university

Kennedy was honored for her tireless commitment to her students and colleagues. Peers lauded Kennedy for leading a classroom of 20 four- to five-year-olds with grace while mentoring fellow teachers and U海角社区 students. She often spends her weekends setting up new themes for her units and decorating the classroom on her own time to ensure a vibrant learning environment.

During his tenure, Corey has taught over 40 courses, served on eight Ph.D committees and eight master’s committees and mentored numerous undergraduate students He won U海角社区鈥檚 Supervisor of the Year in 2018. His efforts focus on human-technology interaction and accessibility, and he remains dedicated to advancing collaborative undergraduate education and cutting-edge research processes.

The award recognizes classified employees鈥� exceptional service and dedication to U海角社区, increasing the campus community鈥檚 awareness of the indispensable contributions that represented and nonrepresented classified employees make to the quality and overall mission of the university. Award winners receive $1,000 in recognition of their contributions.

Mentus has been a part of the U海角社区 community since 2013, when she joined the Advanced Structures and Composites Center. In December of 2022, she then joined OIRA.

Beyond her primary professional duties, Mentus also serves as the voluntary building manager for Alumni Hall. In this capacity, she manages everything from maintenance and access requests to the vital safety coordination required between U海角社区 facilities and the U海角社区 Police Department to keep the building secure.

Mentus鈥檚 positive impact on the U海角社区 community and consistent ability to exceed expectations were highlighted repeatedly throughout her numerous nomination letters.

鈥淏ut the quality that truly sets Kim apart is the way in which she combines her dedication to our

collective work and goals, with her compassion and commitment to our well-being as people and

professionals,鈥� wrote one of her nominators. 鈥淔or example, one of our office tasks requires that for a period of one to two months each year, someone takes on supervising student workers on weekday evenings. Kim, knowing that being away from home in the evenings is challenging for some of us due to family commitments, has volunteered for this task for three consecutive years. Not only does she supervise the student workers so that others of us can get a break from the task; but she truly invests in the students as people, taking the opportunity to make a positive difference in their lives as well.鈥�

The award is based on a professional employee鈥檚 demonstrated dedication to serving others, maintaining the highest level of professional services, creating a better campus environment and engaging in public service in their field and community. Award recipients are recognized for their accomplishments with a $1,000 stipend.

Under her guidance as the lead teacher, she leads a classroom of 20 four- to five-year-olds, and mentors her fellow teachers and U海角社区 students who have participated in the program. She often spends her weekends setting up new themes for the units and decorating the classroom on her own time.

Additionally, she goes out of her way to organize after-school family activities to build community between children and parents, ensuring a smooth transition for those newly entering the program.

In several letters of nomination, Kennedy was described as someone who dedicates herself fully to the U海角社区 community. 

鈥淲here other, brilliant educators have struggled, Stephanie seems to tune in to my child鈥檚 behavior with curiosity and helps him fulfill his needs in a supportive way. I am immensely grateful for the steady demeanor and skill she brings to her work,鈥� said Erin Miller, a research communications manager in the Office of the Vice President for Research at the U海角社区, in her nomination. 鈥淪tephanie plays an essential role in supporting the mission of U海角社区 by providing a nurturing learning environment for the children of faculty, staff and students. Her dedication allows families across campus to pursue their work and studies knowing their children are in capable and caring hands.鈥�

Tim’s unlikely journey from rural Readfield, 海角社区, to U海角社区 to Los Angeles provides a backdrop for his latest gig: speaker for the 2026 undergraduate commencement ceremonies at his alma mater.

In this episode of 鈥淭he 海角社区 Question鈥� podcast, host Ron Lisnet and Allen Adams, communications specialist and marketing coordinator for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, speak with Tim about his journey, the business of show business, memories of his days in Orono and much more.

Listen to the podcast on , , , , or 鈥淭he 海角社区 Question鈥� website. 

What topics would you like to learn more about? What questions do you have for U海角社区 experts? Email them to mainequestion@maine.edu.

The symposium awards undergraduate and graduate students who displayed outstanding research, presentation and creative ability. Award winners were selected through judging across academic categories, all receiving a medal and a $500 cash prize. There were also several special awards, including the Student Innovation and Commercialization Awards, given to students and faculty. 

Over 350 projects from researchers at U海角社区 and its regional campus, the University of 海角社区 at Machias, were submitted to the annual event, co-hosted by CUGR, Student Government and the Graduate Student Government. 

Undergraduate category award winners

• Allied Health: Alyson Shook and Hannah Maker, for their project titled 鈥淪trengthening EMS Retention in 海角社区: A Path to Improved Patient Outcomes.鈥� They were advised by Sarah Hanscome.
• Arts: William Fortier, Oliver Rodi and Mikey Arbelo, for their project titled 鈥淭he Creativity of Mapping.鈥� They were advised by Andy Mauery.
• Biomedical Sciences: Hayden Kittell, Diana Goode and Moria Weese-Myers, for their project titled 鈥淢HCII Expression in Differential Doses of Chemotherapy Treatment on Mice.鈥� They were advised by William Otto.
• Business: Brady Merritt, for the project titled 鈥淐an Large Language Models Pass the CFA Exam.鈥� Merrit was advised by Sebastian Lobe.
• Education: Carly Philbrook, for her project titled 鈥淐omparison of High School Mathematics Textbooks Analyzing Higher Order Thinking Skills in New England.鈥� Philbrook was advised by Kamal Chawla.
• Engineering and Information Sciences: Elsa Perez Abella and Ahmed Kandil, for their project titled 鈥淪urface Flow Visualization Enhancement Using AI.鈥� They were advised by Ahmed Aboelezz.
• Engineering and Information Sciences: Wyatt Fessler, Cadence Kluck, Isabelle Irani and Marc Zoorob, for their project titled 鈥淎 Tissue-integrating, Resealable Hemodialysis Port for Reducing Complications Associated with Repetitive Vascular Access.鈥� They were advised by David Neivandt.
• Interdisciplinary Research: Richard Viveiros, for the project titled 鈥淪ublethal PFAS Exposure During Larval Stages of Culex: Consequences for Development, Survivorship, and Tissue Bioacculation of PFOA, PFBA, and PFBS.鈥� Viveiros was advised by Allison Gardner.
• Interdisciplinary Research: Luke Connolly, for the project titled 鈥淣ano-Pattern Fabrication Using Electron Beam Lithography.鈥� Connolly was advised by Dinh Loc Duong.
• Natural Sciences: Josie Aprea, Brendan Dahl, Emma Perry and Ian Bricknell, for their project titled 鈥減H vs. Predator.鈥� Bricknell also served as advisor for the project.
• Physical and Mathematical Sciences: Avery Richard, Ziyad ur Rehman, Henry Carfagno and Nuri Emanetoglu, for their project titled 鈥淔abrication and Characterization of Indenofluorene-based Organic Single Crystal Field-effect Transistors.鈥� They were advised by Dinh Loc Duong.
• Social Sciences and Humanities: Maya Aylesworth, for the project titled 鈥淩obert Johnson, the Crossroad Mythos, and the Lasting Effects of a Legend.鈥� Aylesworth was advised by Jennifer Moxley.

Graduate category award winner

• Allied Health: Katherine Brewer, for the project titled 鈥淭elehealth and Prenatal Care Utilization in Rural Communities: Addressing Access, Satisfaction, and Health Outcomes.鈥� Brewer was advised by Kathryn Robinson.
• Arts: Celena Powell, for the project titled 鈥淎t the Threshold: Domestic Space as a Site of Contemporary Resistance.鈥� Powell was advised by Susan Smith.
• Biomedical Sciences: Chloe Bossow, Lydia McCarthy and Melody Neely, for the project titled 鈥淚nteractions Between Group B Streptococcus and Candida albicans Are Influenced by Environmental Stress.鈥� Neely also served as the advisor for the project.
• Education: Kayla McLagan, Kate Ruskin, Alison Jolley, Karen Pelletreau and Edgelynn Venuti, for their project titled 鈥淭o What Extent Does a Weekend-long Field Course Influence Students鈥� Sense of Belonging? A Focus on Influential Course Elements.鈥� They were advised by Kate Ruskin.
• Engineering and Information Sciences: Mahbuba Daizy, Yu Zhang, Douglas Bousfield, Jinwu Wang and David Neivandt, for their project titled 鈥淐omparison of Stabilization Systems for Soybean Wax Emulsions to Produce Sustainable Water-resistant Paper Based Packaging: Surfactant vs. Pickering.鈥� Neivandt also served as the advisor for the project.
• Interdisciplinary Research: Zainab Jafri, for the project titled 鈥淩eimagining the Waste Disposal Landscape – Industrial Symbiosis in 海角社区.鈥� Jafri was advised by Reed Miller.
• Natural Sciences: Nabanita Das, Islam Hafez, Colleen Walker, Douglas Bousfield and Mehdi Tajvidi, for their project titled 鈥淔actors Influencing the Effectiveness of Cellulose Nanfibril Coatings on Molded Fiber Substrates.鈥� Tajvidi also served as the advisor for the project.
• Physical and Mathematical Sciences: Hettikankanamge Kalani Samarasekara, for the project titled 鈥淧aving the Way for Novel Drug Delivery Systems: Peptoid Nanoparticles.鈥� Samarasekara was advised by Alessia Battigelli.
• Social Sciences and Humanities: Catherine Segada, Chyanne Yoder, William Breneman and Gianna DeJoy, for their project titled 鈥淩euseME: Investigating Waste Reduction and Cost Benefits in Coastal Communities Through a Pilot Reusable Food Packaging Program.鈥� They were advised by Cynthia Isenhour.
• Social Sciences and Humanities: Cynthia Cushing, Catherine Taylor, Rachel Coleman, MaryLou Ciolfi, Jennifer Crittenden, Len Kaye and Sarah Currie, for their project titled 鈥淏uilding a Workforce Readiness Model for Older Adults: Partner Insights From AmeriCorps Seniors Workforce Development Program.鈥� Crittenden also served as advisor for the project. 

Student Innovation and Commercialization Awards

• First Place: Nabanita Das.
• Second Place: Amir Baharvand.
• Third Place: Noro John.

Additional awards

• Dean of Graduate School Undergraduate Mentoring Award: Joshua Hamilton.
• Dean of the Graduate School Faculty Mentor Award: Christine Beitl
• Bruce and Joanne Fournier Award: Gregory Simms, Mikayla Reynolds, Isabelle Irani and David Neivandt.
• Provost鈥檚 Innovative and Creative Teaching Award: Jillian Fedarick.
• Susan J. Hunter Undergraduate Award: Madelynn DeBest.
• Susan J. Hunter Graduate Award: Mya Griffith. 

The award recognizes individuals whose work has significantly advanced scientific and engineering knowledge within the renewable materials sector. Division Technical Awards, presented by TAPPI, honor outstanding accomplishments or contributions that advance industry technology in a given field.

Tajvidi received the award on April 28 at the TAPPICon conference in Columbus, Ohio.

He holds appointments in U海角社区鈥檚 School of Forest Resources, the Advanced Structures and Composites Center and the Forest Bioproducts Research Institute. His research focuses on alternatives to petroleum-based products, particularly within forest-based industries.

Guests should park in Hilltop, CCA, Belgrade and Steam Plant lots, with ADA parking available near the arena. 

Additional guest parking will be available in Dunn Lot and Wells Lot, which must be accessed from Munson Road heading northbound. Shuttle buses will run continuously from these lots to the venue.

Shuttles will drop off at Long Road and Munson Road, a short walk from Alfond Arena, to reduce congestion near the building.

Long Road will be closed from College Avenue to Gym Drive during the events.

Parking will be restricted in some areas, including the west side of College Avenue, to maintain traffic flow and emergency access. Corbett Lot will be reserved for event staff parking only.

The ceremonies are scheduled for Friday, May 8 (graduate) and Saturday, May 9 (undergraduate).

Attendees should allow extra travel time and follow directions from event staff.

Nearly 300 high school students from 11 different 海角社区 high schools are expected to visit the flagship campus in Orono for the event. They will take part in an informational resource fair, student life interactive presentations, student panels featuring Early College alumni, and specialized campus tours tailored to students鈥� academic interests. 

U海角社区 Early College allows high school students to take courses through the flagship for credit and tuition-free through a partnership between the University of 海角社区 System and the 海角社区 Department of Education. Doing so helps them develop confidence and study skills, and see postsecondary education as a place where they belong and will succeed. The result of these U海角社区 Early College opportunities is increased high school and postsecondary degree attainment and lower debt.

鈥淒iscovery Day is an exciting opportunity for high school students to experience the University of 海角社区 firsthand and see what makes our campus so distinctive,鈥� said U海角社区 Associate Dean of Online and Continuing Education Patricia Libby. 鈥淎t U海角社区, students dive into a one-of-a-kind, discovery-driven education that begins with hands-on learning from day one in an immersive environment. As 海角社区鈥檚 learner-centered R1 research university, we are a hub for innovation 鈥� from advanced manufacturing and the blue economy to the health and life sciences and beyond. As a Space Grant and Sea Grant institution, and home to NCAA Division I athletics, U海角社区 offers students the chance to explore their interests and imagine what鈥檚 possible at 海角社区鈥檚 flagship university.鈥�

The inaugural Early College Discovery Day was made possible by generous funding from the Alton 鈥�38 and Adelaide Hamm Campus Activity Fund, with additional support from the University of 海角社区 Division of Lifelong Learning and the 海角社区 College of Engineering and Computing.

For more information, contact U海角社区 Early College Program Coordinator Allison Drinkwater, at 207-581-8024 or um.earlycollege@maine.edu, or visit umaine.edu/earlycollege

Butterfield joined the campus community in 1984 and worked here for 32 years until retiring in 2016 as professor emeritus of education and special education. During his tenure, he authored or co-authored 62 articles and 30 abstracts, and his research teams have presented 37 papers at national and international conferences. 

A passionate advocate for people with disabilities, Butterfield leveraged his research and membership on the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Sports, & Wellness to influence public policy, such as authoring 海角社区’s teaching endorsement in Adapted Physical Education. He also established the National Youth Sports Program in 海角社区, bringing high-quality sports instruction, education, health services and nutrition to low-income families and underserved communities.

鈥淒r. Butterfield made profound and lasting contributions to the University of 海角社区, and students, schools and communities across the state. My work regularly provides me an opportunity to learn about his impactful and enduring legacy and the difference his work continues to make each and every day.鈥� said College of Education and Human Development Dean Ezekiel Kimball.

Butterfield was a 33-year member of the 海角社区 Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (海角社区 AHPERD), where he served as president and journal editor-in-chief. Over the years, the organization awarded him its Honor Award for Distinguished Leadership and Worthy of Highest Praise Award, and Alliance Honor Award. He also earned the 

SHAPE America Eastern District Association Merit Award for Physical Education, and the   All-海角社区 Women’s Honor Society Distinguished Mentor Award.

鈥淚 was fortunate enough to know and be mentored by Steve for almost 30 years. His impact on physical education in the State of 海角社区 cannot be measured,鈥� said Christopher Nightingale, U海角社区 associate professor of physical education and athletic training. 鈥淗e was a gifted researcher, an incredibly thoughtful teacher and a mentor to generations of students and faculty alike. Dr. B will be missed by us all.鈥滺is obituary is available . In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the at the University of 海角社区 Foundation.