The two-hour prescribed burn at U海角社区鈥檚 Dwight B. Demeritt University Forest was designed to reduce leaf litter and understory vegetation that can hinder red oak regeneration. Prescribed fire is also increasingly used across the country to reduce wildfire risk by removing accumulated fuels such as dead trees, branches and other forest debris.

Working as volunteer firefighters, Quinn and Wiltz, both pursuing master鈥檚 degrees in forest resources, cleared debris around the perimeter before igniting the fire, exposing soil that would stop flames from spreading past the designated burn area. With drip torches in hand, they joined 海角社区 Forest Service firefighters in setting the prescribed fire. During the burn, they doused wayward flames to prevent them from spreading to the rest of the forest.   

Quinn and Wiltz earned their firefighter certifications through their undergraduate studies at U海角社区 and the University of Vermont, respectively. Their participation was made possible when Rose Abramoff, assistant professor in U海角社区鈥檚 School of Forest Resources, connected them with the 海角社区 Forest Service.

鈥淲hat was nice about being a part of the holding crew is you get to pop in wherever you鈥檙e needed,鈥� said Wiltz, who hopes to become a forester for a government agency. 鈥淎 lot of state forestry employers are getting firefighters certified and sending them out west to fight fires. Getting this experience now is really wonderful to have moving forward.鈥� 

Beyond providing hands-on firefighting experience, the burn also created a living laboratory for student researchers studying how fire affects Northeastern forests. The project supported research led by master鈥檚 student Cameron Chin, who is investigating how fire influences plant communities and soil health in temperate woodlands.

With less experience with wildfires than other parts of the U.S., the Northeast lacks research on how wild and prescribed fires affect its temperate forests, Abramoff said. She added that the region鈥檚 forests are generally less adapted to wildfire than woodlands in other parts of the country. 

鈥淲e expect the risk of wildfires to increase as the risk of droughts increase,鈥� she said. 鈥淭ree pests encroaching on the Northeast 鈥� emerald ash borer, hemlock woolly adelgid, browntail moth, white pine weevil 鈥� create dead wood that could burn.鈥� 

Preparing for the future of Northeast forestry

Chin is spearheading research into how fire affects the various plant species and soil properties in the temperate forests that dominate the Northeast. 

Days after that burn in the Demeritt Forest, Chin returned to the site with Quinn, Wiltz and Ph.D. student Colby Bosley-Smith. The group collected soil samples, inventoried plant species and analyzed burn severity to better understand how fire influences forest recovery.

As more forestland managers explore prescribed fire to reduce wildfire risk, improve forest resilience and promote ecologically valuable tree species, Chin is dedicating part of her research to understanding the benefits and tradeoffs of this practice in the region. 

More research is needed to determine what plants regenerate after a prescribed burn and whether they alter the chemistry of the soil, particularly its carbon levels, Chin said. 

Trees and other plant life rely on carbon to thrive in many ways. For example, Chin said carbon feeds microorganisms that liberate previously inaccessible nutrients from soil molecules that promote root growth. 

鈥淔ire is one of those disturbances that can have an immediate effect on soil and soil nutrients,鈥� Chin said. 鈥淔orestry as an industry has grown more interested in soil carbon.鈥�

Researchers will revisit the plots to monitor forest regeneration over time. Chin is measuring soil carbon dioxide emissions on a weekly basis through the end of November. 

Through research, students apply concepts from statistics, chemistry and physics to real-world forest management challenges, Abramoff said. 

鈥淲e teach students how to observe what鈥檚 around them in quantifiable ways and make inferences based on that, and that鈥檚 useful in every industry,鈥� she said.  

For Quinn, who graduated from U海角社区 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree this spring, helping Chin with her research and serving as a volunteer firefighter during the burn allowed him to expand his professional network and opened an opportunity to conduct his own research on prescribed burns in southern 海角社区. After earning a master鈥檚 degree, Quinn hopes to work in conservation.听

鈥淗aving these experiences is really helpful for me in my job pursuits,鈥� he said.听听

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

Throughout the spring, mechanical engineering students at the University of 海角社区 laid the groundwork for a multi-year effort to create a future entry for the competition. They designed the key initial components for a self-navigating surface vessel, including propulsion, hull design and onboard systems. 

In recent years, boat and shipbuilders nationwide have been developing autonomous and semi-autonomous systems to integrate in their fleets. By participating in challenges like RoboBoat, U海角社区 students are preparing careers in this evolving industry that is expected to add thousands of jobs, .

鈥淭his capstone project did an excellent job at connecting in-class lessons to real-world applications,鈥� said Clark Condon, who served as a manufacturing lead and team representative. 鈥淲e practiced real methods of manufacturing, assembly, team management and testing. Issues arose, and as a team, we had to come up with a solution together. It was a great experience to tie together all aspects of an engineering project.鈥�

The team split into groups that were tasked with designing each key component. They approached the project as an open-ended engineering problem, requiring them to balance performance, efficiency and integration with the work of other teams.

The group who worked on propulsion focused on developing a system capable of powering and maneuvering a competition-ready vessel while accounting for the added weight of batteries and autonomous technology. Students on the hull team worked in parallel, focusing on designing and manufacturing the physical structure of the vessel to support those systems.

鈥淥ur assigned task was to produce a hull design that could have the navigation and propulsion equipment seamlessly integrated when it comes time to compete in the RoboBoat competition,鈥� said Joseph Genco, who led manufacturing efforts.

Collaboration across groups played a key role throughout the process. Students coordinated with peers working on hull and autonomy systems to ensure compatibility, even though each group focused on a different aspect of the vessel. 

鈥淟earning how to work in tandem with others was an extremely important thing for me to learn, especially teamwork in slightly larger groups,鈥� Simmons said. 鈥淕oing forward, it’s going to be amazing to have this basis of teamwork and expressive skills to lean on when faced with the larger real-world problems I’ll see in the workforce.鈥�

The project also introduced challenges that extended beyond design work, particularly during testing and manufacturing phases. Students encountered real-world issues that required quick adjustments and problem-solving.

鈥淣o matter how much research and analysis into something you do, something is unfortunately bound to go wrong or break eventually,鈥� Simmons said. 鈥淲e had several components fail during testing, such as the driveshaft couplers coming loose, and after that was fixed, the propellers were then blown into little pieces. At first, we were lost as to what to do, but we sat down as a team after each failure and brainstormed fixes.鈥�

Beyond technical knowledge, students emphasized the value of enhancing their project planning, problem solving and technical communication skills 鈥� all of which will carry into their careers after graduation.

As the first groups to take on the RoboBoat capstone at U海角社区, students said their work provides a foundation for future teams to build on, with the long-term goal of fielding a competitive entry.

鈥淭his project will be reflected upon throughout our professional careers,鈥� Condon said. 鈥淚t provided excellent first instances of many tangible skills. We were honored to pioneer the beginning of this project here at U海角社区, and we hope to see it excel in the future.鈥�

Story by William Bickford, graduate student writer

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

The University of 海角社区 System (UMS) Board of Trustees recently approved a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing program and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a concentration in Family Nursing Practice.

The programs are expected to begin enrolling students in 2027.

The Ph.D. program will be the first research-focused doctoral nursing degree in northern New England, while the DNP will transition the existing family nurse practitioner track to a doctoral degree aligned with evolving national standards for advanced practice nursing.

Startup funding for the programs is being provided through a one-time , chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

鈥淭hese efforts position the University of 海角社区 to lead the future of healthcare education and research in 海角社区,鈥� President Joan Ferrini-Mundy said. 鈥淲e are grateful to Senator Collins for her leadership in securing this federal funding, which will expand nursing education, bring healthcare disciplines together and open new pathways that build the statewide healthcare workforce 海角社区 needs.鈥�

Letters of support for the Ph.D. and DNP programs were submitted by The Jackson Laboratory, Lunder Learning Partnerships of 海角社区, 海角社区Health, Northern Light Health, Penobscot Community Health Care and St. Joseph Hospital.

鈥淭o meet 海角社区鈥檚 current and growing demand for nurses, particularly in rural and underserved communities, we must expand enrollment in undergraduate nursing programs across the University of 海角社区 System,鈥� said Gabriel Paquette, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. 鈥淭hat expansion requires more faculty members with Ph.D. credentials. At the same time, healthcare systems need more doctoral-level advanced practice nurses and clinical leaders. These programs will address both needs.鈥�

Designed for working professionals across 海角社区, the doctoral programs include coursework in nursing science, advanced statistics, qualitative and quantitative research methods, grant writing and dissertation research. 

Although the Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing programs serve different purposes 鈥� the DNP prepares advanced clinical and healthcare leaders, while the Ph.D. prepares nurse scientists and researchers 鈥� both are intended to strengthen the state鈥檚 pipeline of nurse educators, advanced practice nurses and healthcare researchers. 

According to labor market data, 海角社区 employed more than 1,600 nurse practitioners in 2024, with demand projected to continue growing over the next decade.

鈥淭hese programs create new opportunities for nurses to pursue doctoral education without leaving 海角社区, while also expanding access for nurses in neighboring states such as New Hampshire and Vermont, where doctoral nursing education options remain limited,鈥� said Dr. Kathryn Robinson, associate director and associate professor at the U海角社区 School of Nursing.

Contact: David Nordman, david.nordman@maine.edu

The project came about in part from Towne’s love of libraries, working in classrooms and her own experience growing up in Freeport, 海角社区. During her first year at U海角社区, Hunter spent a week in a Portland classroom and was working with a student who did not speak English and struggled socially in the classroom. 

鈥淚 got to work with him very closely over the course of that week,鈥� said Towne. 鈥淲ith some pushing, he had formed some relationships with his peers, learned how to write his name and read a couple of sentences. He was so happy to connect with his peers. I still think about it to this day.鈥�

Working with her advisor, associate professor of early childhood development and education Julie DellaMattera, Towne refined the project and made it the focus of her Honors College thesis. She started by researching libraries and how surroundings impact children鈥檚 development. Then throughout the summer before her senior year, she drove and took boats to 35 libraries, almost everyone in Cumberland County. Towne entered each library as if it was her first time. 

鈥淚 wanted to immerse myself in the experience, and see if I could walk into a space without communicating with anyone or reading signs, seeing if there was any sort of way I could navigate myself to resources that would help me,鈥� said Towne. 鈥淚 can walk in as an English speaker and find the language section in five seconds, right? I can read the signs, but a non-English speaker would have a very difficult time with that.鈥�

The study also looked for programming for young English learners, other resources libraries provided, such as WiFi routers, and the physical space. A library might have good books for a child learning English, but if it is on the top shelf, the child might not be able to find it. Taking into account the level of funding different libraries had access to also helped Towne better understand how limited resources were being allocated.

The results were both encouraging and at times underwhelming. Some libraries were really able to provide great resources for young English language learners, even if one would expect less demand for it in the area. Some had limited resources for younger patrons but had great resources for adults.

At the library in South Portland, Towne observed them doing a lot with a little. 鈥淪outh Portland had a very small language support section, but it was incredible,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey had something like 50 languages represented with at least five books for everyone. It was so cool to see where they didn鈥檛 have a lot of funding, but were able to really make it work.鈥�

After completing her Honors thesis, Towne shared the results of her study with Fogler Library. She hopes that this project helps drive more support to schools and libraries that support young students learning English. 

鈥淚 hope people understand not only the need to support all learners in every area, working in a public school right now, but also the value of public libraries,鈥� said Towne. 鈥淚 want to make sure people understand the need to keep up with the changing world, because the guidelines that worked 20 years ago may not work now, and may not be able to support the community as they should.鈥�

Starting in the fall, Towne will begin a master’s program at U海角社区 in curriculum, assessment and instruction with a concentration in library and media studies. She said she鈥檚 excited to be a Black Bear for at least two more years and to continue exploring her interest in libraries. 

Contact: Daniel Timmermann, daniel.timmermann@maine.edu 

That’s why when working toward her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) at the University of 海角社区, Woodard, now assistant principal of Old Town Elementary School, focused on tackling a key issue for her dissertation: the in-the-moment decisions teachers make during literacy instruction and how those decisions can lead to better outcomes for students.   

鈥淎s I got into an administrative role, I wondered why teachers were making the decisions they were making and about all of the new literacy programs that are available for schools,鈥� said Woodard. 鈥淚 wanted to be able to answer some of those questions through research, and get a better understanding of what our teachers are doing in the classroom.鈥�  

Woodard is one of 10 full-time professional educators who just graduated with their Ed.D. degrees. Many of them were already leaders in their schools and communities. Now, using what they learned through their courses and dissertation research, they are able to make even greater contributions while advancing in their careers. 

For Woodard, that means continuing to mentor teachers in a new role that she鈥檒l be stepping into next school year as principal of Marcia Buker Elementary School in Richmond. Eventually, she hopes the doctorate will allow her to teach literacy at a college or university, helping shape the next generation of reading and writing teachers in 海角社区. 

鈥淚鈥檓 so glad U海角社区 has the opportunities it has,鈥� Woodard said. 鈥淟iving in Orono, it was a natural choice for me to get my doctorate here, but I don鈥檛 believe I would have found a better opportunity elsewhere.鈥�

Statewide impact, local relevance

Based in schools and districts spanning two states, including five counties in 海角社区, the members of this year鈥檚 Ed.D. cohort currently serve in positions such as superintendent, assistant superintendent, principal, assistant principal, special education director, instructional coach and classroom teacher. They not only spent the past four years taking classes together, but also supported each other through dissertation research and writing.

An innovative, 100% live and online executive doctoral degree, the Ed.D. program uses a cohort model that brings working professionals together to share knowledge and develop the research skills needed to critically engage with educational practices and better support the students, families and communities they serve. Each member of the cohort chooses a problem-of-practice related to their professional work to investigate for their dissertation.

Nicole Hatch is one of three 2026 Ed.D. graduates who work at Rockland-based RSU 13, a rural district serving five communities in midcoast 海角社区. Having grown up in the midcoast, Hatch, who is an assistant principal at Oceanside High School in Rockland, was eager to explore the dual roles that teachers in rural schools fulfill as professional educators and regular members of the communities that they serve.

鈥淚t was a narrative inquiry using emotional intelligence as a tool to navigate issues of rurality, the overlaps between teachers and students, and school leaders and students, and the dual-relationships and power dynamics that exist in small communities,鈥� said Hatch, who has a background in school-based and clinical counseling. 鈥淭he study was a great reminder of the influential roles and power we educators have in our communities, and how we can be mindful of that and maintain positive relationships with our students and their families who don鈥檛 have a choice of where they go to school or who their school leaders are.鈥�

Hatch said she plans to stay in her position at Oceanside for now while pursuing principal certification and continuing to serve students throughout the midcoast both as an educator and as community member.

Heather Mitchell, another recent Ed.D. graduate, has held various building administrator roles at schools in RSU 29, the district for Houlton in Aroostook County. She鈥檚 currently administrator and teacher at Summit Academy, the district鈥檚 alternative education school. 

For her dissertation, Mitchell originally set out to do a comparative study of parent expectations for alternative education versus general education. That morphed into a project that explored parent-voice in administrative decision-making, through which she found that caregivers 鈥� regardless of whether their child was in an alternative or a traditional classroom 鈥� wanted a model. A framework that鈥檚 already employed by several schools in 海角社区, the model provides targeted academic, behavioral and social-emotional services and interventions to meet the needs of students.

鈥淚 believe the next step is to work with teachers and hopefully organizations beyond the school and the district to make sure that kids are getting all the support they need no matter what type of classroom they鈥檙e learning in,鈥� Mitchell said. 

The Ed.D. will allow Mitchell to take on additional roles and responsibilities, including becoming a district-level administrator, she said.

A belief in each other

Each Ed.D. in educational leadership cohort at U海角社区 collectively chooses a name for itself. The name chosen by the group that just graduated was the Credo Cohort. The word 鈥淐redo鈥� derives from the Latin word for 鈥淚 believe鈥� and means 鈥渁n idea or set of beliefs that guides the actions of a person or group.鈥�

鈥淚t helped tremendously to go through this process together,鈥� said Woodard. 鈥淲e met almost every week, developed critical friendships and partnerships within the cohort. We had people we were able to reach out to in times of need.鈥�

鈥淚 can鈥檛 imagine going through a learning experience like this without that type of support,鈥� said Hatch. 鈥淚 can look outside and name other things, but it was really that we leaned on each other, and these friendships and relationships within the group. These educators are 100% my role models.鈥�

This year鈥檚 group of Ed.D. graduates is among the largest doctoral cohorts from a single program to graduate from U海角社区 in recent years. In addition to each other, members of the cohort say they leaned on associate professor of educational leadership Esther Enright, who served as chair for all of their dissertation committees, as well as other U海角社区 educational leadership faculty members, including Catharine Biddle, Lindsey Kaiser, Maria Frankland and Paul Austin.

鈥淚鈥檓 incredibly proud of this group and the perseverance they showed in getting to graduation,鈥� said Enright. 鈥淐ompleting a doctorate is a massive undertaking by itself, and all of them did it while balancing their professional duties, including all of the challenges facing educators today, serving as role models and leaders in their communities, raising families, and so much more.鈥�

The other members of the Credo Cohort include Janet Corcoran, Benjamin Greenlaw, Briana Haynes-Morrill, Janet Hicks, Steffany Tribou, Amy Sullivan and Sue Sydnor. 

Contact: Casey Kelly, casey.kelly@maine.edu

The field of medicine is constantly evolving to optimize care and patient outcomes. Technology growth and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) have changed what it means to be a doctor and a patient, even in the recent decade. To contend with this, researchers at the University of 海角社区 are helping medical education adapt to a changing world of medicine. 

Electrical and Computer Engineering Ph.D. candidate Kevin Real MD is part of this movement, working to shape the way students understand medical issues and develop innovative solutions. After earning his bachelor鈥檚 degree in biomedical engineering and completing medical school, Real put his medical career on hold to further pursue a passion in education and technology. 

Over the past year, Real has focussed his research on an innovative approach to eye disease in premature infants, utilizing both his engineering and medical backgrounds. He partnered with ophthalmologists in Portland, Oregon to help them advance their curriculum and way of understanding eye models. 

鈥淚 used my ECE experience to ultimately help the surgeons look at 2D images and transpose them to 3D images, specifically for looking at disease progression. The question is, how can we do this better, how do you make these models more precise? That was my mission this year,鈥� explained Real. 

He specifically looked at a disease process called retinopathy prematurity, the leading cause of childhood blindness in the United States, according to the . The disease impacts infants born prematurely who received supplemental oxygen. This can impact the eye鈥檚 ability to develop normally because abnormal blood vessels can grow inside the retina and lead to retinal detachment. Surgeons are able to fix retinal detachment, but rely on a two-dimensional view of the retina. Real is hoping to bring more precision to this process by making two-dimensional view into three-dimensional models. 

It was important to Real to not limit this research to the lab or a hospital and engage students in the research process. He took this concept of two to three-dimensional image transposition and further explored the idea with a 海角社区 high school senior, helping them use simple geometric principles to develop a 3D model of an infant鈥檚 eye. The student was then able to present their work at a conference for the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology and gained real-world research experience. 

Real鈥檚 passion for student engagement extends beyond his direct research. He helped high school students from John Bapst Memorial High School participate in ophthalmology research on glaucoma progression, eventually leading to publication of their work in the Proceedings of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts (). Real鈥檚 motivation for working with students comes from his time teaching a high school science class here in 海角社区, and they still inspire his research methodology today. 

鈥淥ne thing that I like about high school students is that they come up with the craziest ideas, and sometimes they work. We tend to get stuck in our ways about the best way for research to be conducted, but students come up with ideas we might never have heard of,鈥� remarked Real. 

His passion for education extends into his work with National Science Foundation 海角社区-SMART project, working to revitalize education efforts in the state. Real helped develop new educational modules that have been distributed across the state to diversify STEM education for local students. Last year, he helped develop new educational modules on the uses of cellulose nano fiber (CNF) that are now in use throughout the state. He also created modules and curriculum on CNF that were used by the 海角社区 Mobile BIOLAB, a traveling laboratory that provides hands-on STEM education to students in 海角社区. 

鈥淚 really understand that education is what I love, and my mission today is incorporating AI, neural networks and technology into education at every level, not just medical school,鈥� said Real. 

Looking ahead, Real will be starting his residency this fall with the John Peter Smith Family Medicine Residency program in Fort Worth, Texas, but hopes to return to 海角社区 in the future. He is part of a coalition that aims to establish 海角社区鈥檚 first medical school for MDs, and would love to be a part of the process down the line in his career. With an MD and Ph.D., Real鈥檚 end goal is to eventually become a dean of a medical school, bridging his experiences with medicine and education, and helping med students adapt to changing technology and practices.听

Real鈥檚 mission and reasoning behind his journey is a goal to never stop learning and innovating in his field, and teaching those along the way. 

鈥淭he whole point is not only that I hope to pass the torch, but I hope that the torch surpasses me,鈥� said Real. 

Real would like to thank his advisor, Giovanna Guidoboni, U海角社区鈥檚 interim vice president for research and dean of the 海角社区 College of Engineering and Computing, for her support in his endeavors. 

By Heather Johnson, graduate assistant

Contact: Daniel Timmermann, daniel.timmermann@maine.edu

Researchers at the University of 海角社区 are researching new ways to study and monitor the parasites that plague 海角社区鈥檚 moose in order to best help and manage the population. 

University of 海角社区 third-year Alden Falardeau of Saco, 海角社区, is leading the team in testing new methods of monitoring for parasites in moose. Advised by associate professor of animal health Pauline Kamath, Falardeau is focusing on lungworm (Dictyocaulus spp.) and gastrointestinal parasites. Lungworms weaken a moose’s immune system and hamper its ability to fight off external stressors like winter ticks. Gastrointestinal parasites also can weaken moose, making them more susceptible to other parasites, some of which  may cause emaciation. 

Falardeau, an animal science major, is investigating whether lungworm infections can be detected through DNA analysis of moose lung tissue, while identifying the gastrointestinal parasites present in their fecal pellets. Her team is testing these methods using samples from live captures and hunter harvests. Better detection can improve monitoring and understanding of parasite prevalence among moose. 

For the lungworm, the team extracted DNA from lung tissue samples. Researchers then evaluated them for traces of lungworm using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which amplifies a unique section of lungworm鈥檚 DNA where signs of this parasite can be found.

鈥淚f we can verify lung tissue as a sample to detect lungworm, that could help with future research,鈥� said Falardeau. 鈥淚t can also help get the community more involved in research if we are able to use hunter harvested samples for identifying infections like lungworm.鈥� 

Current research on lungworm in moose relies on visually examining moose lungs or waste, the efficacy of which can be dependent on a range of factors. Genetic data, in contrast, may allow scientists to identify traces of lungworm faster and with greater accuracy. 

Understanding what gastrointestinal parasites they should be looking for will allow for better detection and management in future. 鈥淓ssentially, we are looking to identify and quantify the parasite eggs and larvae that are present in fecal samples,鈥� said Falardeau. Crucially, this approach is not invasive, which is great for the moose. 

This project was made possible by funding from U海角社区鈥檚 Center for Undergraduate Research and has provided Falardeau valuable hands-on experience. 

“I’ve learned so much, from lab techniques to experimental design, and I鈥檝e had the opportunity to be involved in meaningful conservation research,鈥� he said.

This research is rooted in the One Health approach, which recognises that people, animals and the environment are interconnected. It also highlights the importance of monitoring wildlife disease for broader ecological well-being. 

As 海角社区鈥檚 moose remain a vital part of the state鈥檚 identity, efforts to better understand parasite impacts are critical to ensuring the long-term health of this iconic species and the ecosystems of which they are a part. 

Story by Sophie Knox, research media intern

Contact: Daniel Timmermann, daniel.timmermann@maine.edu

鈥淎t U海角社区, we are intentionally building a coordinated system of support and opportunity that reaches students early and continues throughout their academic journey,鈥� said Scott Marzilli, senior associate provost for student success and innovation. 鈥淭his work is not about isolated initiatives, but about creating a consistent, high-impact experience that prepares students for success in their studies and their careers from day one.鈥�

The student experience is being transformed from beginning to end at U海角社区 through the Student Success and Retention Initiative, a hallmark of UMS TRANSFORMS. Thanks to the historic investment from the Harold Alfond Foundation, over half of all first-year students at U海角社区 engage in research and inquiry-based creative work early in their college careers. 

As a result, more students have been able to succeed in challenging, core courses, and build essential skills that support participation in high-impact internships along the way.

The initiative is organized around three interconnected efforts: Research Learning Experiences (RLEs), Gateways to Success (Gateways) and Pathways to Careers (Pathways). Together, they ensure that students are engaged early in their college careers, have the academic support they need to succeed and are connected to opportunities that prepare them to enter the workforce after graduation.

RLEs were first piloted at U海角社区 and U海角社区 Machias in fall 2021 with more than 30 course sections enrolling 250 students. Following the pilot, courses expanded across 海角社区鈥檚 public universities, and participation increased by 800%. In 2025, 2,374 students enrolled in 207 sections across 103 unique courses systemwide. More than 5,500 students have benefited. 

Maeve Littlefield, a sophomore majoring in biology, didn鈥檛 always imagine a career for herself in STEM. She didn鈥檛 develop a passion for the scientific process until late in her high school career.

Last fall, she enrolled in 鈥淐reative Expression of Science,鈥� a Research Learning Experience (RLE) that combined creativity and science by exploring new ways to understand and communicate research and science. In examining prints, paintings, drawings and examples of digital storytelling, she began to see ways in which she could combine her creativity and interest in science to promote a broader understanding of changes in our natural world.

鈥淪ometimes we get caught up in seeing statistics about the environment and human impact,鈥� Littlefield said. 鈥淏ut we also forget that adaptation and evolution make really resilient communities and populations, and that it鈥檚 not hopeless. It makes you want to fight more for these things that are important 鈥� that if we do lose them, they aren鈥檛 coming back.鈥� 

Experiences like Littlefield鈥檚 are foundational to the initiative鈥檚 broader effort to engage students in meaningful, hands-on learning early in their academic careers. They are designed to build skills and confidence, and to promote a sense of belonging through creative learning opportunities and research.

Following the success of the RLEs, 海角社区鈥檚 public universities began offering Advanced RLEs (ARLEs). They provide students who have completed one semester with more in-depth knowledge and experience, enhancing their critical thinking and building specialized skills.  

Recent ARLEs have tasked students with identifying methods to treat human polyomavirus-induced diseases, pitching business strategies to 海角社区 businesses such as Aroma Joe鈥檚 and Bath Iron Works, and conducting group research on tidal marshes, forests, seaweed and historical artifacts along the Schoodic Peninsula. 

While RLEs are designed to engage and empower, Gateways to Success aims to eliminate barriers to ongoing success for students in entry-level courses by implementing strategies such as mentorship, early alerts and curriculum updates. 

鈥淪tudents struggling in certain courses isn鈥檛 new. What is new is that now because of the generosity of the Harold Alfond Foundation, we鈥檝e been able to implement a number of interventions to address the issue,鈥� said Gateways coordinator Mark Brewer, also professor and chair of U海角社区鈥檚 Department of Political Science. 

Since Gateways鈥� launch, the vast majority of students who were enrolled in historically challenging “gateway” courses have participated in pilot interventions to support their course experience. The program is currently in the third year of studying impacts from the pilot process to select and expand the strongest interventions. 

鈥淚鈥檝e seen an incredible amount of energy and enthusiasm from faculty across the colleges and at Machias in designing interventions to improve student success,鈥� Brewer said. 

In the 海角社区 Business School, a Gateways coordinator sent students notices about exams and other assignments, connected them with tutoring and review sessions, coached them on time management and facilitated weekly tutoring and academic support sessions. These efforts correlated with a 7% improvement in course success for MBS students.  

The College of Education and Human Development launched similar interventions through its Academic Support and Advising Program. By fall 2025, 92% of Gateway course enrollments led to successful course completion, compared to an average of just 79% from fall 2018-2022. 

For the course 鈥淎lgebra for College Mathematics,鈥� faculty updated the course to support students who would not historically qualify for it. Their efforts paid off, with 62% of students earning a C grade or higher. 

In fall 2025, over 5,000 students across UMS were supported by one or more of 24 Gateways-funded projects, including 67% of Gateways-eligible students at U海角社区.

As students progress through their academic journeys at U海角社区, Pathways to Careers bridges classroom experiences and real-world opportunities, making it easier for students to gain relevant experience and prepare to enter the workforce. High-impact practices such as early-stage career exploration, pre-internship training, networking support and mentorship are the cornerstone of gold-standard internship programs.

Internships are a hallmark of the U海角社区 experience, and graduates report high rates of participation. For the Class of 2025, 62% reported participating in at least one internship, totaling over 477,000 hours of experience. Furthermore, preliminary data from the first year of tracking graduates who participated in RLEs reveals that students who enrolled in them were more likely to complete an internship than students who did not participate.

For many, these opportunities are transformative.  

Pathways connected student Nathaniel Walker to an internship as a marketing and communications assistant at U海角社区鈥檚 Advanced Manufacturing Center. This summer, he will intern with the company Intuit.

鈥淎 year ago, I was unsure how to even find a job and honestly felt pretty overwhelmed and lost, but the Pathways to Careers coordinator went above and beyond to help me find a role,鈥� Walker said. 鈥淭hat chance has opened the doors for completely new opportunities and directions for me to pursue, and I am beyond grateful.鈥�

Student Holly Zschetzsche said Pathways鈥� networking support allowed her to secure an engineering internship with manufacturer Corning. 

鈥淧athways to Careers doesn鈥檛 just prepare students,鈥� she said, 鈥渋t actively connects them to opportunities where they are seen and considered.鈥�

Systemwide, 51% of students surveyed in 2025 report undertaking at least one internship, resulting in 695,000 hours of workforce participation.

Taken together, Research Learning Experiences, Gateways to Success and Pathways to Careers reflect the university鈥檚 commitment to ensuring that every student is engaged in their academic studies and community from the start, and that they receive the support and opportunities they need to succeed at U海角社区 and beyond.

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

The project team, made up of four senior biomedical engineering students, is developing an athletic shoe replacement indicator that measures structural changes in the footwear over time. Running shoes can lose cushioning and support after repeated loading cycles, even when visible wear is minimal. As the shoes鈥� midsoles degrade, impact forces transmitted to the body can increase, raising the risk of overuse injuries.

Replacing shoes too late is a common but overlooked problem among runners. Current methods for determining when to replace shoes, however, typically rely on mileage estimates or waiting for discomfort to occur.

鈥淭hat solution is unreliable,鈥� said U海角社区 senior Paul Rudman, 鈥淚f a shoe is replaced too late, the damage and wear might have already occurred. However, replacing before needed is costly, and the average person can not afford it.鈥�

The team鈥檚 indicator would instead collect data related to activity and force changes within the show, translating that information into a clear indicator for users. 

By indicating when a shoe has been structurally compromised, the device aims to help runners make informed decisions that balance cost and health considerations. It is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing shoe constructions.

鈥淭he indicator will simply make key measurements of a person鈥檚 activity and force changes in the shoe to reliably indicate the most financially and healthily time to replace your shoe,鈥� Rudman said.

Rudman focuses on modeling and materials design while also contributing to electrical component development. The other students involved in the project include Shawn Collins, who leads controller programming and testing; Mason Chase, who specializes in medical and design considerations; and Sreyas Sajen, who manages computations and force interaction analysis.

They are designing the replacement shoe indicator for their senior capstone project, which emphasizes applying interdisciplinary knowledge toward solving real world problems. Rudman and his colleagues are applying their past coursework in biomechanics, materials science and electronics curricula toward developing a product with clear market relevance.

鈥淲e learn to find existing problems and use the knowledge that we already possess to create a solution,鈥� Rudman said.

The athletics shoe replacement indicator project highlights how undergraduate research at U海角社区 can translate injury prevention research into practical technology aimed at supporting healthier movement for runners at all levels.

Story by William Bickford, graduate student writer

Contact: Taylor Ward, taylor.ward@maine.edu 

鈥淎t the time, I 3D printed face shields because health care workers were having an issue with PPE (personal protective equipment),鈥� Goodell said. 鈥淭hat really started it for me. Making things from my computer come to real life is pretty awesome.鈥�

Upon arriving at the University of 海角社区, Goodell was searching for a space where he could continue his hobby while meeting friends when he found the 3D Printing Club. Now as a junior, he serves as the club鈥檚 vice president with an assortment of skills gained from his tenure. 

Every Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters, the club meets in the Ferland Engineering Education and Design Center to design and produce figurines based on movie characters, toy cars and boats, mechanical hands, bowls, vases and more. 海角社区 a dozen members create digital designs and use industrial printers to make items ranging from fingernail-sized pieces to models as large as 17-cubic feet.

Students in the club work on individual and group projects, maintain equipment and teach new members how to use the printers. As a result, it serves as a collaborative space for learning, problem-solving and teamwork.

Goodell, who has been involved with the club since his first year, said the experience has helped him develop impressive skills he applies beyond the classroom. For example, he recently designed and printed a custom case to mount a Starlink device on top of his car, allowing him to access internet service in remote areas of northern 海角社区.

鈥淲ithout a 3D printer, I wouldn鈥檛 have been able to make that case,鈥� Goodell said. 鈥淚 wouldn鈥檛 have Wi-Fi in the middle of nowhere.鈥�

Club President Jack Bernado, a junior who’s studying mechanical engineering, said the experience has strengthened both his leadership and organizational skills. 

鈥淚t has made me better at leading a team and being part of a team,鈥� Bernado said. 鈥淚t has helped me be more organized with all the different prints being submitted, as well as all the people to reach out to.鈥�

Club members are currently planning a pinewood derby race with cars made of 3D printed parts for the fall 2026 semester. 

鈥淲e鈥檒l have our own track, and it鈥檒l be a fun race,鈥� Goodell said. 鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to seeing what people make.鈥�

The club includes mostly mechanical and electrical engineering students, along with some computer science majors, but Goodell and Bernardo say it is open to anyone interested and willing to show up and learn.

The group meets at 5 p.m. on Wednesdays in Room 337 of the Ferland Engineering Education and Design Center. Students interested in joining the club can contact Bernado at jack.bernado@maine.edu or Goodell at timothy.goodell@maine.edu.

Story by Rowan MacDonald, news intern.

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

According to the , more than 3,000 海角社区 children experience brain injuries each year, and an estimated 20% 鈥� or 600 children 鈥� experience more severe trauma. Yet only about 130 receive formal school-based support for these injuries and often they often do not get the care needed to thrive.听

Jessica Riccardi, an assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders, leads the Brain Injury, Education, and Rehabilitation (BEaR) Lab at U海角社区. The team advances research as they support children with acquired brain injuries by working directly with them, their families and their practitioners to improve long-term outcomes for these children. Examples of support the lab provides includes professional development for schools and community organizations, consultation with educational teams on students with brain injury, and referring families to national, state and local resources for childhood brain injury. 

The team鈥檚 work is especially important in 海角社区, which does not have a pediatric rehabilitation hospital. The state鈥檚 only pediatric intensive care center is in Portland, limiting the availability of care options to children elsewhere in the state. Riccardi said the transition from hospital to school after traumatic brain injuries is often difficult for children, and 海角社区rs feel the problem more intensely due to limited access to medical services for kids, particularly in rural communities. The direct work the lab does is important to improving detection and connecting children to resources.

In addition to improving long-term outcomes for children with brain injuries, Riccardi鈥檚 lab also offers graduate and undergraduate students research and hands-on experiences with clinical populations. 

One of these students is Elise DeRosby, a communication sciences and disorders major from Hampden, 海角社区. DeRosby has been working with Riccardi for nearly two years in research that complements her interests, including working face-to-face with people.

In collaboration with U海角社区鈥檚 Virtual Environment and Multimodal Interaction (VEMI) Lab, DeRosby recently helped run a project that uses virtual reality equipment to assess cognitive communication in kids with brain injuries. Cognitive communication is when cognitive skills, such as memory, attention, planning and organization, influence your communication abilities. 

鈥淭hink about it in a school setting,鈥� Riccardi said. 鈥淚f they have a hard time maintaining attention, they鈥檙e going to do poorly on a test, not because they don鈥檛 know the content, but because they didn鈥檛 pay attention in the first place.鈥� 

To examine the cognitive communication of these kids, researchers put them in a virtual classroom where they had to make decisions in a simulated egg-drop science experiment. 

鈥淭hey have to choose a design for which model of egg carrier,鈥� said DeRosby. 鈥淭hey have to go through the process of picking a design, then instructions will tell them to collect materials and they have to assemble the design, then get the egg, put it in the design and drop it off bleachers in a school gym.鈥�

Using this virtual reality scenario, researchers can collect data on a child鈥檚 decision-making, attention and processing, all of which are components of cognitive communication. While much more data collection is necessary for this project to be useful, Riccardi and DeRosby hope that their research will help in developing resources for clinicians, particularly speech-language pathologists, to serve kids with brain injuries.

DeRosby鈥檚 research experiences in the BEaR Lab and U海角社区 more broadly have helped her understand what she wants to pursue in life. After originally pursuing molecular and cellular biology, DeRosby shifted to speech pathology to work more face-to-face with other people. 

With funding from U海角社区鈥檚 Center for Undergraduate Research, she was able to do that in the BEaR lab, studying art therapy for adults with brain injuries. Working with participants, learning about their injuries and experience and helping develop tools to help them was moving. 

鈥淚 think it is an eye-opening experience to get to interact with people. You don鈥檛 get that in the classroom,鈥� said DeRosby. 

While the lab鈥檚 research is contributing to understanding childhood brain injuries, it is also helping to develop the next generation of researchers and professionals who will be working with the communities that need it most. 

鈥淥ur clients often say that the person who took a moment to understand their challenges was the person who really changed their recovery,鈥� said Riccardi. Through her lab, Riccardi hopes the students in her lab can be 鈥渢hat person.鈥�  Raising empathy and understanding for those with brain injuries is an important first step towards success in these individuals鈥� lives. 

鈥淭aking the time to understand other people鈥檚 perspectives and where they come from,鈥� DeRosby said, 鈥渁ny human can learn that, and it will make us all better.鈥� 

If you are interested in learning more about the work Riccardi鈥檚 research team is doing, you can visit the BEaR Lab website, or contact Riccardi at jessica.riccardi@maine.edu. 

By Emma Beauregard, research media intern

Contact: Daniel Timmermann, daniel.timmerman@maine.edu

The cohort is implementing ReuseME, a pilot program in partnership with the coastal towns of Bar Harbor, Bath and South Portland. Participating eateries include Cafe This Way and Coffee Matter/Mother鈥檚 Kitchen in Bar Harbor, Solo Pane in Bath, and Second Rodeo Coffee and Verbena in South Portland.

By testing the viability of reusable takeout packaging in participating restaurants, students are at the forefront of developing a model that reduces waste, prevents plastic pollution and saves local businesses and municipalities money on the purchase and disposal of single-use food and beverage packaging.

Throughout this project, U海角社区 student researchers are working directly with these businesses to track results and analyze usage patterns to refine the returnable model.

鈥淭he driver for this project has been a focus on wanting to maintain and protect 海角社区鈥檚 coastal environment because it鈥檚 a very important part of the state鈥檚 culture,鈥� said Ryan Kennedy, a University of 海角社区 senior in the Department of Anthropology.

Kennedy, an undergraduate research assistant on the project, has been involved since the initial baseline surveys last June. They noted that the team met with restaurant owners to discuss their establishments鈥� capabilities and customer habits.

鈥淚 want to help bring cost savings to the frontline because that drives most business decisions,鈥� Kennedy said. 鈥淥n the commercial side, choosing between the wallet and the planet can be difficult. With the cost of everything going up, people want to know if a change will save them money. By providing hard data to businesses and a simple message to its customers, we can show that sustainable swaps don鈥檛 have to be a complicated transition.鈥�

These five local eateries now offer diners the option of having their food and/or beverage packaged in returnable stainless steel containers. Customers can check out these containers by signing up for a free account in the Recirclable app. After enjoying their takeout meals, customers can return the containers to any of the participating establishments.

鈥淚 think we鈥檙e starting to see people realize how easy it is to make more sustainable swaps,鈥� Kennedy said. 

In just a little over a month since the Reuse 海角社区 pilot project launched, more than 100 customers across the state have borrowed nearly 500 reusable containers. 

Other student researchers involved in the project include Chyanne Yoder, Catherine Segada, Gianna DeJoy, William Brenneman and Alejandro Snell. They are joined by project advisor Cindy Isenhour, a professor in the Department of Anthropology and the Climate Change Institute.

As part of an extensive, interdisciplinary effort to mitigate marine pollution, the project is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 海角社区 Sea Grant and the 海角社区 Department of Environmental Protection. The support allows the team to tackle environmental challenges while providing student researchers with the resources needed to develop scalable, real-world solutions.

鈥淚 think the hard data and transparency between the businesses, their customers and our team is what鈥檚 really driving the success and the happiness with this project,鈥� Kennedy said. 鈥淚t helps people feel like they鈥檙e making a difference without having to go out of their way. It鈥檚 just a part of their routine when they pick up a coffee or grab lunch.鈥�

Story by Alexa Rose Perocillo, news intern

Contact: Marcus Wolf, marcus.wolf@maine.edu; Cindy Isenhour, cynthia.isenhour@maine.edu

The team designed the app so event organizers can instantly notify student users when they have leftovers available by sharing posts with pictures, locations, event end times and potential allergens or dietary restrictions. 

鈥淲e’re taking out two birds with one stone here, trying to reduce some food waste and trying to give students just a little something for a bit more reliable nutrition on campus that’s free and accessible,鈥� said Moody-Broen, a computer science major and English minor, and his colleagues. 

The project was one of more than 350 on display during the U海角社区 Student Symposium for Research and Creative Activity on April 17. From lobster shell styrofoam and a shark fossil study to an autonomous model race car and a community loom, the event demonstrated the hard work and ingenuity of undergraduate and graduate students from both U海角社区 and its regional campus, the University of 海角社区 at Machias. 

The symposium reflects U海角社区鈥檚 commitment being a learner-centered R1 that offers hands-on, real-world research learning opportunities, where undergraduate students work directly with faculty and industry partners to tackle challenges facing 海角社区 communities.

Participating in the symposium not only allows students to showcase their work, but also develop skills in poster design, presentation, communication and networking, all of which will serve them in future careers and advanced degree programs. For Moody-Broen, the event served as an opportunity to test how he presents his work and gain more exposure to his field.

鈥淚 think it’s great to be interacting with other researchers and other products and seeing what that looks like in an early professional, late graduate setting,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t’s good to be able to get your work out there for the first time.鈥�

Over 200 judges from U海角社区 and the community perused the posters and interviewed the students about their work. Among them was David Barrett, lecturer in accounting for the 海角社区 Business School, who returned for a second year to support the students and enjoy their 鈥渞eally neat research.鈥�

鈥淲hat I’m looking for is that the presenter knows what they’re talking about and can communicate it effectively,鈥� he said during the event. 鈥淕etting students more practice and getting them more comfortable with talking about something with someone they’ve never met is a massively important skill for students to have as they go out of that comfort zone.鈥� 

Several rows down, Mya Griffith, a master鈥檚 student studying aquaculture and aquatic resources, presented her project to a judge, detailing her group鈥檚 ongoing investigation into the bioaccumulation of a group of toxic chemicals known as PFAS in seafood. Her team plans to integrate monitoring, predictive modeling and intervention for seafood food systems. 

For Griffith, participating in the symposium helps her refine her communication skills and network, both of which will help her toward pursuing a Ph.D. and career in sustainable agriculture. She also cares that people hear more about the issues she researches. 

鈥淓ven though I don’t have results, I want to bring awareness to it,鈥� she said, 鈥渃ollaboration with the community is super important. And just raising awareness and making sure that people understand that these things are occurring in the environment and that they do affect us as humans, is super important.鈥�

U海角社区鈥檚 Center for Undergraduate Research has hosted a student symposium since 2008. At their first symposium, only 98 projects were presented. Now there are more than seven times that. The growth has been made possible by students, staff, faculty and community members investing their time and effort into the research experience. It is also aided by generosity of community sponsors who help cover the costs of the event itself. 

鈥淎s you go around today, I encourage you to ask our students what is their 鈥榳hy?鈥� and what they love about research. Please support them through the journey that actually never stops,鈥� said Giovanna Guidoboni, interim vice president for research and dean of the 海角社区 College of Engineering and Computing, during her remarks at the symposium. 鈥淭oday is an opportunity to engage, connect and learn, be curious, ask questions and embrace the unexpected connections that emerge from conversations across the community.鈥� 

Jordan Potter, a senior majoring in biomedical engineering, stood alongside his partners and their poster ready to answer questions about their project, 鈥淪mart Scrubs: Enhanced Scrubs for Medical Personnel.鈥� The group was designing moisture-resistant scrubs to protect healthcare workers from contaminants and prevent microbe colonization microbes through the application of water-resistant and microbiostatic coatings.

鈥淲hat I want to do directly after I graduate is go to graduate school,鈥� Potter said, adding that participating in the symposium helps me prepare for grad school because of the aspect of getting to present to people.I get to meet new people and tell them what we’ve been working on.鈥�

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

Those meals will be assembled during the 海角社区 Day Meal Packout (MDMP) on Wednesday, April 29, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the New Balance Field House. 

鈥淗undreds of volunteers 鈥� spanning individual students and faculty, community partners, sports teams and entire classes 鈥� show up to work together and accomplish an incredible amount of work,鈥� said Valleli, an ecology and environmental sciences major who serves as the MDMP marketing and communications chair. 鈥淲hat the 海角社区 Day Meal Packout initiative does communicate is that countless people 鈥� from the hundreds of individual volunteers packing each meal to the devoted student leaders or the philanthropic backers of the event 鈥� are willing to show up and make a difference together.鈥�

Led by the members of the MDMP student leadership team, which includes Valleli, the initiative is on track to exceed last year鈥檚 goal of assembling and distributing over 50,000 meals in just a few hours. By the end of the event, the MDMP will mark the 800,000th meal packed at U海角社区 since the initiative launched.

The project originated in 2017 as the 鈥淗ungry 100K,鈥� after students were challenged to surpass Harvard as the top meal-packing university in New England. Spearheaded by Melissa Ladenheim, associate dean of the Honors College, the initiative rebranded as the 海角社区 Day Meal Packout in 2018. Since then, it has maintained a consistent impact, even continuing through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and campus cancellations.

鈥淭he 海角社区 Day Meal Packout is a truly extraordinary, transformative event that brings the campus together in service of a key element of U海角社区鈥檚 land-grant mission: to have a positive impact on the broader community of which we are a part,鈥� said Honors College Dean Ellen Weinauer. 鈥淭hanks to the remarkable and enduring effort on the part of student leaders and their mentors, the 海角社区 Day Meal Packout has justifiably become one of the U海角社区 initiatives of which we can be most proud.鈥�

In addition to bake sales, the student leadership team fundraised for the event through soliciting individual donations, garnering support from philanthropic organizations, participating in broader initiatives like the 海角社区 Credit Union League鈥檚 Campaign for Ending Hunger and securing grants such as the Alton 鈥�38 and Adelaide Hamm Campus Activity Fund.

鈥満＝巧缜� is a small and tight-knit community, so when I鈥檓 presenting to fellow 海角社区rs, everyone I鈥檓 speaking to has seen the impact of hunger,鈥� said Ruth Griffith, a senior majoring in economics and the 2026 Valedictorian. Griffith serves as the MDMP fundraising chair and overall student coordinator. 鈥淲hen speaking with corporate donors who may not realize the scope of the 海角社区 Day Meal Packout, I focus on the scale of their contribution. For example, I discuss how a $1,000 donation could feed 2,500 people, and how that goes a long way toward feeding hungry 海角社区rs.鈥�

Most participating food pantries pick up the meals at U海角社区, but students have delivered them to those that cannot come to campus to ensure people gain-access to much needed sustenance. Pantry operators sometimes join other volunteers in packing meals during the event. 

鈥淭he pickup and distribution of the meals is definitely the hardest part because some of our partners have a three-hour commute each way,鈥� said Jasper Makowski, a senior majoring in microbiology who works directly with the food pantry recipients. 鈥淭aking the time to get to Orono is a huge challenge, especially for some of the mom-and-pop operations. Luckily, we have a great number of supporters who are willing to drive and deliver to some of these rural locations, but a significant challenge every year is making sure we can actually get the meals to the food bank.鈥�

Students drive the success of the MDMP, gaining leadership skills through a committee system covering fundraising, outreach, partnerships, communications and logistics. For student leaders like Makowski, Griffith and Valleli, the event offers a tangible way to support fellow 海角社区rs while developing professional expertise in project management.

鈥淭he 海角社区 Day Meal Packout is a 鈥榳in-win-win鈥欌�攊t鈥檚 a win for our students, it鈥檚 a win for the campus and it鈥檚 a win for the community,鈥� said Ladenheim. 鈥淚 am incredibly grateful for this year鈥檚 student leadership team. This group has been the most cohesive, collaborative and effective team I have ever worked with.鈥�

Story by Alexa Rose Perocillo, news intern

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

鈥淩achel and Kalli are exceptional students who have achieved great things not only in the classroom, but across campus and our community,鈥� said U海角社区 Machias Dean Megan Walsh. 

D鈥橝lessandro works as a phlebotomist, and plans to enter a medical lab technician program. Immersing herself in health sciences during her undergraduate career, she attended a week-long course at the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory in Bar Harbor, 海角社区, during spring break in 2025.

鈥淚 plan to use my experience and the degrees I am receiving at U海角社区 Machias to continue and further my career in the medical field,鈥� D鈥橝lessandro said. 

With a passion for the outdoors, D鈥橝lessandro worked for Project SHARE, an organization dedicated to Atlantic Salmon conservation, in the summer of 2023 and 2025. She participated in several Outing Club events, including a hike at Tunk Mountain, a canoe paddle at Six Mile Lake and a ski trip at Big Rock Mountain, where she learned how to snowboard.

鈥淚 also enjoyed regular events on campus like intramurals, bingo, paint and sips, terrarium building and all kinds of other events,鈥� she said. 

Deeply connected to her hometown, Sternberg, who also pursued a concentration in elementary education and a minor in creative writing, recently completed her student teaching at Rose M. Gaffney Elementary School in Machias. Sternberg worked under Caitlyn Roy, who was her own teacher in fifth grade. While studying at U海角社区 Machias, she earned her Wilderness First Responder license during one of her courses. 

鈥淚 hope to give back to my Washington County community by teaching locally!鈥� Sternberg said. 鈥淓ventually, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in the educational space and perhaps earn a graduate Certificate in Outdoor Education and Leadership.鈥� 

She volunteers with Jobs for 海角社区 Graduates (JMG), the only non profit organization in 海角社区 that offers support for students as they transition from middle school to high school, through high school graduation and onto post-secondary education. By partnering with 海角社区鈥檚 middle and high schools, community colleges and the University of 海角社区 System, JMG promotes degree attainment and pathways to careers.

Sternberg is also the student representative for the U海角社区 Machias Curriculum Committee, which is responsible for developing recommendations to add, drop or restructure academic programs and individual courses. 

Recently, she met with the 海角社区 Department of Education to discuss U海角社区 Machias鈥� Rural Education program. 

鈥淚 enjoy being a student ambassador and  talking to prospective students about the program!鈥� she said.  

Contact: Jacqueline Leonard, jacqueline.leonard@maine.edu 

Standing at a table lined with maroon shirts and other gifts and a standup banner showcasing facts about her department and a logo of its mascot 鈥� an eagle 鈥� Chan was among many representatives from nearly 40 districts statewide vying for U海角社区 talent during the College of Education and Human Development鈥檚 annual Education Career Fair on April 16 in the Wells Conference Center. 

Schools in 海角社区, like in many other states, are experiencing in a variety of areas, and are also seeking candidates for educational technician and substitute teacher roles. Education , and the College of Education and Human Development is the largest and most comprehensive teacher preparation and education program in the state.听

Chan said U海角社区 preservice teachers鈥� professionalism and preparation for classroom vacancies they seek to fill make them attractive candidates for school districts like hers. 

鈥淭hey dress, speak, and introduce themselves professionally,鈥� she said, adding the career fair is 鈥渁 really valuable event to be a part of, not just for the students, but for the districts.鈥�

Graduates of U海角社区鈥檚 state and nationally accredited teacher preparation programs are automatically recommended for initial teacher certification in several shortage areas, including general elementary, mathematics (middle and secondary levels) and . Students in these programs complete a variety of hands-on field experiences and observations in K-12 classrooms and other educational settings.听

Experience working as pre-service teachers in 海角社区 classrooms is a key reason why Chelly Schildroth, the curriculum director at Regional School Unit (RSU) 24 in Sullivan, was working to recruit U海角社区 students for her district at the career fair. 

鈥淚 think a lot of students who attend U海角社区 understand the types of schools that we have in 海角社区,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey aren鈥檛 big city schools, they are rural and a lot of kids who go to U海角社区 are excited to work at smaller schools.鈥� 

The College of Education and Human Development offers several programs that lead to teacher certification in 海角社区, including the undergraduate majors in elementary and secondary education, the early childhood education concentration in the child development and family relations major, and the health and physical education concentration in kinesiology and physical education.  

Sophia Ouellette, an elementary education major who attended the fair, said the field experiences she had while studying at U海角社区 prepared her to have a classroom of her own after graduation. During her final semester, Ouellette completed her required 15-week student teaching internship in a first-grade classroom at Leroy H. Smith School in Winterport, 海角社区.

鈥淚 also did my 100-hour practicum at the same school in the same classroom last semester,鈥� said Ouellette. 鈥淚t鈥檚 honestly given me the best knowledge and the best experience I could have asked for as I鈥檓 graduating.鈥�

Ouellette, who is from Scarborough, 海角社区, said she plans to return to southern 海角社区 after she graduates to teach in an early elementary classroom near where she grew up.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 the ideal situation, but I鈥檓 open to new opportunities and very excited to see where U海角社区 will take me,鈥� she said.

Story by Rowan MacDonald, news intern

Contact: Casey Kelly, casey.kelly@maine.edu听

Why did you choose to come to U海角社区?

After a long search for the right university, safety was the most important factor for me. 海角社区 is known for being one of the safest states, which made me feel comfortable studying far from home. In addition, the cost of living here is more affordable compared to many other states.

Describe any research, internships, or scholarly pursuits in which you have participated. How have they prepared you for future opportunities in your chosen field?

Through my coursework, I explored many topics related to child development and family relationships. These experiences helped me better understand how families and environments influence children鈥檚 growth and development, and they prepared me to support children and families in my future career. 

In my field-based capstone experience at the U海角社区 Children鈥檚 Center, I was part of a cohort of student observers in a structured, supervised environment examining developmental principles of young children with a variety of learning and behavioral needs. Observations were conducted both through a one-way observation room using audio headsets to ensure minimal disruption to the natural classroom environment and through direct in-class engagement with children. This dual approach allowed for both unobtrusive and immersive observation of child behavior in real time.

We maintained systematic observational records documenting children鈥檚 behaviors and interactions. Each observer was assigned a focal child for in-depth observation and analysis. These assessments were then reviewed by our professor, who provided feedback to ensure accuracy and consistency in our observations and developmental interpretations.

Have there been other students who supported and inspired you or exposed you to something new?

My fellow students created a supportive environment, and learning with people from different cultures helped me see new perspectives and grow both academically and personally.

Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor, or role model who made your time at U海角社区 better?

My professors were very supportive and encouraging. I would especially like to thank Ian Cameron, Daniel Puhlman, Margo Brown, Ashlee DeTour and Julie DellaMattera. Their guidance helped me gain confidence in my abilities and motivated me to keep working toward my goals.

What has coming to U海角社区 enabled you to explore beyond academics?

Coming to U海角社区 allowed me to experience new cultures, build friendships with people from around the world and grow as a person. It helped me become more independent and confident.

What experiences shaped how you see the world?

Studying with students from many different backgrounds helped me understand different perspectives and appreciate the importance of diversity and collaboration.

What was the biggest challenge you faced?

One of the biggest challenges for me was the language. Even when international students study English for many years, it can still be difficult to understand everything in conversations and lectures. However, this challenge helped me improve and become more confident over time.

Describe U海角社区 in one word and explain.

Transformative. 

My time at U海角社区 challenged me academically and personally and helped me grow and discover my potential.

What are your plans after you graduate?

After graduation, I plan to return to Saudi Arabia and continue the path I started here. I hope to apply the knowledge and experiences I gained at U海角社区 to support children and families in my community.

Contact: Casey Kelly, casey.kelly@maine.edu

Why did you choose to come to U海角社区?

While I initially looked out of state, I chose U海角社区 because of its strong engineering program and affordability. This choice has allowed me to thrive academically while staying close to the outdoor landscapes that I love, like Acadia and Sugarloaf. It has been the best environment for both my personal and professional growth.

Describe any research, internships or scholarly pursuits in which you have participated. How have they prepared you for future opportunities in your chosen field?

Through internships at GEI Consultants and TRC Companies, I gained hands-on experience in water resources and environmental engineering. My research using MATLAB to project king tides and sea level rise in Bar Harbor has prepared me to work towards promoting coastal resilience. Serving as a 海角社区 learning assistant and grader further solidified my technical foundation and leadership skills.

Have there been other students who supported and inspired you or exposed you to something new? 

My roommates have supported me greatly, and my friends in civil engineering have been extremely helpful and fun. My friends Allison, Emily, Caroline, Oliver and Mason have always been there for me and inspired me to grow as a person. I have so much love for so many people I have met in Orono, and although I can鈥檛 list them all here, I am grateful to all of them. 

Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at U海角社区 better, and if so, how?

Tiago Bilo has mentored me through my research on projecting king tides and sea level rise in Bar Harbor and has helped me through the graduate school application process. Jean MacRae has guided me through serving as a 海角社区 Learning Assistant for her 鈥淔undamentals of Engineering鈥� course and has provided helpful assistance with internship applications and career guidance. 

What has coming to U海角社区 enabled you to explore beyond academics?

I have had the chance to ski most weekends in winter, explore Acadia in all four seasons, have lots of fun game nights, play a lot of trivia, eat a lot of Thai food and enjoy the U海角社区 gym. 

What experiences have you had at U海角社区 that really highlight the ingenuity of 海角社区rs?

For my capstone project, I am helping redesign a client’s resourceful, DIY gravity-fed water system for a salmon rearing facility in Aroostook County. Working on a system that operates entirely without electricity requires us to think creatively and embrace the same “outside the box” mindset our client used to build it. This project perfectly highlights the practical ingenuity and self-reliance that define the 海角社区 spirit. 

Did you have an experience at U海角社区 that shaped or changed how you see the world?

My time at U海角社区 has shaped who I am as a person. I have met new people, experienced new things, gone to new places and deeply explored my hobbies. All of this has changed how I see the world. 

Describe U海角社区 in one word and explain. 

Inspiring.

U海角社区 has constantly challenged me to think differently, explore new interests and pick up new hobbies. I truly believe that your environment shapes who you are, and this community has inspired me to grow on many fronts. I鈥檝e been supported to pursue interests I may never have discovered otherwise and have gotten more out of U海角社区 than I could have imagined.

What鈥檚 on the horizon? What are your plans for after you graduate?

鈥嬧�婭 plan to hike, camp and travel as much as I can this summer and head to the UK in the fall for graduate studies in marine science. After graduate school, I hope to work to promote the environmental resilience of coastlines and other ecosystems, wherever that may take me.

Story by William Bickford, graduate student writer

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

Why did you choose to come to U海角社区?

Like many nontraditional students, I pursued higher education while balancing leadership roles, community service and family commitments. The University of 海角社区鈥檚 Bachelor of University Studies (BUS) program provided the flexibility, academic rigor and individualized guidance I needed to integrate my professional experience with a structured academic pathway. The BUS program is especially powerful for working professionals, caregivers and community leaders who may not see a traditional path forward in higher education. 

Describe any research, internships or scholarly pursuits in which you have participated. How have they prepared you for future opportunities in your chosen field?

Throughout my career and academic journey, I have demonstrated leadership by building and guiding diverse teams, fostering growth and navigating complex operational challenges. The BUS program enhanced my ability to connect theory to practice by bridging organizational leadership, sustainability, operations and strategic development. Academically, I approached each course with discipline and curiosity, viewing every assignment as an opportunity to deepen my understanding and refine my professional impact. The program鈥檚 interdisciplinary structure encouraged me to think holistically and to apply learning immediately within real-world contexts.

Have you participated in any extracurricular or public service activities?听

Service has always been central to my life. I currently serve as an active member with Rotary International, along with other professional associations. In addition, I volunteer with The Salvation Army and Ronald McDonald House Charities. I believe leadership is inseparable from service. My academic work has strengthened my ability to contribute meaningfully to these organizations through strategic planning, collaboration and thoughtful decision-making.

Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at U海角社区 better, and if so, how?

The support of exceptional faculty and my wonderful advisor Barbara Howard, along with the caliber of coursework, allowed me to participate in a degree that aligned directly with my leadership, operations and growth-focused career objectives. 

What has coming to U海角社区 enabled you to explore beyond academics?

Earning this degree has strengthened my resolve to continue growing intellectually and professionally while contributing meaningfully to my community. I am profoundly grateful to the faculty, my advisor and the University of 海角社区 for creating a program that empowers students to design an education that is both purposeful and transformative.

What鈥檚 on the horizon? What are your plans for after you graduate?听

I am committed to advocating for the BUS program and the opportunities it provides. I would welcome the opportunity to serve as an ambassador by speaking with prospective students, participating in alumni panels, mentoring nontraditional learners and engaging with community organizations to raise awareness about the program鈥檚 flexibility and academic excellence. I hope to share my experience as proof that it is possible to pursue rigorous academic achievement while honoring professional and family commitments. My hope is that others will see what is possible through the BUS program and take the step to begin, or continue, their own educational journey.

Story by Mello Vancil, news intern

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

Why did you choose to come to U海角社区? 

I chose to study at U海角社区 because it was close to home, and I received a significant amount of financial aid to attend. U海角社区 also has an excellent Spanish and education program, and I already knew two of the Spanish professors.

Describe any research, internships or scholarly pursuits in which you have participated. How have they prepared you for future opportunities in your chosen field? 

I am currently at Bangor High School for my student teaching internship, where I am teaching Spanish at all grade levels (9-12).  Since I am planning on becoming a high school Spanish teacher after I graduate, this student teaching experience is preparing me for what I will be doing next year and many years to come.

Have there been other students who supported and inspired you or exposed you to something new? 

I have had a lot of support throughout my time at U海角社区 but mainly through my family and friends. They have encouraged me to not give up despite things being difficult and overwhelming at times.

Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at U海角社区 better, and if so, how? 

Right now, I have a mentor teacher at Bangor High School, Evan Marshall, who is showing me how to teach Spanish in a more communicative way, something I had never been exposed to previously, and I am learning a lot from him.  All of my professors at U海角社区 have been incredibly supportive these past three years, always willing to help and answer my questions. I would specifically like to thank Maria Sandweiss, principal lecturer of Spanish, who taught many of my 300-level Spanish classes, and Faith Erhardt, assistant dean for undergraduate student success in the College of Education and Human Development, for their support and encouragement. 

What has coming to U海角社区 enabled you to explore beyond academics? 

I have four young kids at home, and between them and school, I stay pretty busy. I don鈥檛 have time to explore anything else unless my kids come along for the ride.

Did you have an experience at U海角社区 that shaped or changed how you see the world?

I am in a different season of life than most students who attend U海角社区. I lived in Peru for almost six years before college, and my experiences there and my experiences as a mom have been what really shaped who I am as a person. U海角社区 has been great, and I have learned a lot of Spanish and strategies for how to teach it, which have shaped who I am and would like to become professionally.

Describe U海角社区 in one word and explain. 

Supportive. 

I became a single mom during my sophomore year, and despite the challenges I faced with that, I always felt supported by everyone here, students and professors alike. It was nice to have support from people who saw me every day, who didn鈥檛 really know my whole story but supported me all the same. It was encouraging.

What鈥檚 on the horizon? What are your plans for after you graduate? 

My plan is to become a high school Spanish teacher somewhere in the Bangor area, but as of right now, I don鈥檛 know where that will be just yet. I am taking things one day at a time, but I am excited to finish this semester, be done with school and enjoy the summer with my kids.

Contact: Casey Kelly, casey.kelly@maine.edu 

Why did you choose to come to U海角社区?

I really admired the faculty interactions and courses taken during my time with U海角社区鈥檚 ExplorEC program in high school. Although I never toured U海角社区鈥檚 campus beforehand, I attended the 海角社区 All-State Music Festival conference in my senior year, where I fell in love with the campus atmosphere. 

Describe any research, internships or scholarly pursuits in which you have participated. How have they prepared you for future opportunities in your chosen field?

I鈥檝e interned at the U海角社区 Writing Center, developed a creative project as a McGillicuddy Humanities Center Undergraduate Fellow, explored museum practice and research as a McGillicuddy Zillman Art Museum Research Curatorial Fellow and learned editorial management as one of the co-editor-in-chiefs for Spire: The 海角社区 Journal of Conservation and Sustainability. Each of these opportunities has expanded not only my knowledge of literary and art history career paths but has provided me with a range of skills, from interpersonal communication to grant writing, which are applicable to so many other opportunities.

Have there been other students who supported and inspired you or exposed you to something new? 

The small cohort communities I found in my creative writing and art courses provided collaborative feedback and immense project inspiration, which has influenced the kind of interdisciplinary explorations I鈥檝e taken part in. There is always joy in sharing the art process with other students. I have also been inspired to pursue new skills, whether it be painting or cooking techniques, from my close friend and roommate, Sarina. 

Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at U海角社区 better, and if so, how?

Dr. Justin Wolff has truly gone above and beyond, not only by advising my Honors thesis but also by helping with editing my papers for presentation and supporting me in my post-graduation goals. Likewise, Dr. Hollie Adams was a wonderful mentor throughout my McGillicuddy Fellowship, encouraging me to intersect my creative exploration with my research interests. I could name so many other passionate, knowledgeable professors who listened, inspired and supported me throughout my time here. Thank you!

What has coming to U海角社区 enabled you to explore beyond academics?

While still related to academic courses, my time learning various art mediums and processes has enabled me to explore so many different interests I wouldn鈥檛 have had the space, time or resources to explore otherwise. For instance, in ART 180 I鈥檝e recently learned that I love the film photography process, an interest I hope to continue beyond graduation. Similarly, being a part of creative writing cohorts and the Storied Club has often inspired me to work on my writing projects beyond the bounds of a classroom or assignment.

What experiences have you had at U海角社区 that really highlight the ingenuity of 海角社区rs?

As a Writing Center tutor and editor for on-campus journals, I have had the privilege of witnessing creativity, effort and determination through interactions with cross-disciplinary writers, artists and researchers. While I鈥檝e seen their innovative final works, I鈥檓 always incredibly humbled by how passionate our students are to put in the time and effort to pursue what interests them and what positively impacts our greater community. 

Did you have an experience at U海角社区 that shaped or changed how you see the world?

In Spring 2023, I attended the U海角社区 Singers tour to Italy. While not necessarily an experience at U海角社区鈥檚 campus, I truly felt like my effort, time and passions could lead to opportunities beyond the bounds of my expectations. I also learned that while traveling to new places can be intimidating, you can always find reassurance and encouragement from the community and the connections you make.

Describe U海角社区 in one word and explain. 

Connection. 

My time at U海角社区 would not have been nearly as impactful or positive without wonderful friends, caring faculty and the cross-disciplinary explorations that are widely embraced. 

What鈥檚 on the horizon? What are your plans for after you graduate? 

I hope to pursue a post-baccalaureate internship related to literature or the arts, and I aim to apply to graduate programs in art history this fall. My ultimate goal is to pursue a PhD in contemporary art history to become a college professor. 

Contact: Allen Adams, allen.adams@maine.edu

Why did you choose to come to U海角社区?

I chose U海角社区 because of the outstanding School of Marine Sciences and the research experiences available, along with the opportunity to play field hockey at the Division I level within an incredible athletic community. 

Describe any research, internships or scholarly pursuits in which you have participated. How have they prepared you for future opportunities in your chosen field?

I participated in a three-week research program in Cancun, Mexico, where I examined the impact of coral disease on coral species in Xpu-Ha Bay and completed a capstone project comparing ocean temperatures in the Gulf of 海角社区 to heart rate metrics of the mussel species Mytilus edulis. I interned for PricewaterhouseCoopers Canada for two summers in the internal and technology strategy groups. I have been a member of the U海角社区 Field Hockey team since 2022 and was a captain in 2025. These experiences have improved my understanding of sustainability and corporate strategy, while helping me develop leadership, teamwork, research and time management skills and preparing me for the future.

Have there been other students who supported and inspired you or exposed you to something new? 

My teammates have always been supportive of me and inspired me throughout my time at U海角社区, exposing me to many different aspects of life at the university, as we are all part of different programs.

Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at U海角社区 better, and if so, how?

Professors William Ellis and Paul Rawson have significantly enhanced my experience at U海角社区 throughout my undergraduate degree. I worked with Dr. Rawson on my capstone project, and his guidance and commitment to his students really accelerated my learning. Dr. Ellis is my academic adviser and has been an excellent role model in the marine science department throughout my four years.

What has coming to U海角社区 enabled you to explore beyond academics?

Beyond academics, I have learned so much about teamwork and commitment through my four years of Division I field hockey. The opportunity to study in 海角社区 has also allowed me to live in a completely different part of the world and gain life experience away from home.

What experiences have you had at U海角社区 that really highlight the ingenuity of 海角社区rs?

I was struck by how the marine science program at U海角社区 is so connected to the state鈥檚 environment and industries. Many of my marine science classes focused on investigating problems in local communities, rather than solely broader issues. This emphasis on local industry highlights the cohesion and ingenuity within the state.

Describe U海角社区 in one word and explain. 

Supportive. 

Throughout my experience at U海角社区, every professor, coach and adviser I have come across has been invested in the success of their students. The support system within the athletic community is strong, as is the support within the College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences. I feel as though I have built a close-knit network within the university.

What鈥檚 on the horizon? What are your plans for after you graduate? 

After graduation, I plan to complete a Master of Science in Global Strategy and Sustainability at the University of Edinburgh, where I will continue to play field hockey for a year. Afterward, I plan to pursue a career in environmental, social and governance (ESG) and sustainability.

Story by Alexa Rose Perocillo, news intern

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

Why did you choose to come to U海角社区?

U海角社区 occupies a sweet spot for colleges; it is large enough to offer countless opportunities yet small enough to feel like a close-knit community. I was drawn to the balance of strong academics, meaningful opportunities to get involved and a supportive environment that allows students to build lasting connections.

Describe any research, internships or scholarly pursuits in which you have participated. How have they prepared you for future opportunities in your chosen field?

I have completed two tax internships with BerryDunn and held several positions on campus, including as a First-Year Experience Intern and Students in Transition Intern at the 海角社区 Business School and an undergraduate assistant in the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment, where I analyze the effectiveness of student success initiatives. These roles have strengthened my professional skill set, including effective communication, adaptability, critical thinking and the ability to apply feedback constructively. Together, these experiences have prepared me to approach problems analytically and to collaborate effectively in a professional setting.

Have there been other students who supported and inspired you or exposed you to something new? 

I have been fortunate to be surrounded by driven and supportive peers throughout my time at U海角社区. Many of the students I’ve worked with at the 海角社区 Business School have challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, take on leadership roles and pursue opportunities I might not have otherwise considered. The culture of ambition and support pushed me to grow both personally and professionally.

Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at U海角社区 better, and if so, how?

I have had the opportunity to work with many strong women at the University of 海角社区, many of whom I view as mentors. Julia Van Steenberghe, Associate Dean Patti Miles and Associate Provost Deb Allen are all brilliant leaders who bring great value to the spaces they serve. It has been such a privilege to work alongside them and learn from their leadership styles. 

What has coming to U海角社区 enabled you to explore beyond academics?

Coming to U海角社区 has allowed me to become deeply involved in student success initiatives, particularly within the 海角社区 Business School. Through these experiences, I’ve developed a passion for supporting other students, improving programs and contributing to a more inclusive and effective learning environment.

What experiences have you had at U海角社区 that really highlight the ingenuity of 海角社区rs?

Growing up in 海角社区 and attending U海角社区, I’ve seen how people here approach challenges with a practical, solutions-oriented mindset. There’s a willingness to adapt, think creatively and make things work, even with limited resources.

Did you have an experience at U海角社区 that shaped or changed how you see the world?

Through my work in institutional research and student success, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the diverse challenges students face. This experience has broadened my perspective and reinforced the importance of creating systems that support all students in achieving their goals.

Describe U海角社区 in one word and explain.

Opportunity. 

There are so many different places to get involved on campus. There truly is a community for everyone, as long as you’re willing to take the initiative to find it. 

What鈥檚 on the horizon? What are your plans for after you graduate? 

I will be joining BerryDunn full-time as a tax specialist this July, where I’m excited to begin my professional career.

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

Why did you choose to come to U海角社区?

 I chose to come to U海角社区 for the research opportunities and sense of community

Describe any research, internships or scholarly pursuits in which you have participated. How have they prepared you for future opportunities in your chosen field?

I have been involved as an undergraduate research assistant in the Maginnis Lab on campus since freshman year, where I have researched signaling mechanisms in JC and BK polyomavirus. I have also been part of the Phage Genomics RLE. I did a summer internship at Dahl-Chase Pathology Services last summer, and I work part-time as a medical assistant at Penobscot Valley Dermatology. The research experiences have developed my science communication, problem solving and lab procedure skills, to name a few. The internship and work as a medical assistant have given me valuable clinical experience, highlighted the realities and inner workings of healthcare and given me the opportunity to learn about a vast range of different diseases.

Have there been other students who supported and inspired you or exposed you to something new? 

There have been so many students who have supported me and made my success possible. Notably, my partner Maddie Stockman has always been there for me. A previous student in the Maginnis Lab, Aiden Pike set a very high standard both professionally and personally, and I often reach out to him for career advice. Other people include Connor Aylesworth and Keegan Tripp.

Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at U海角社区 better, and if so, how?

Yes, yes, yes. I have been under the wonderful advising of Dr. Melissa Maginnis for the last four years, and I can’t sing her praises loud enough. She has been my mentor in the lab, helping me gain research experience, apply to grants and internships and develop experiments. She has also helped me throughout my academic career, guiding me in both classes and the medical school application process. Dr. Maginnis is a huge positive influence in my personal life, supporting me in all of my endeavors and goals.

What has coming to U海角社区 enabled you to explore beyond academics?

Coming to U海角社区 has allowed me to explore the outdoors. I have enjoyed backpacking trips with friends, many weekends hiking up in Baxter or down in Acadia, fly fishing in nearby bodies of water and countless hours running and biking on all of the trails near campus. I feel like I try to do a little bit of everything that U海角社区 has to offer, but I am definitely drawn to the outdoors.

Have you received any scholarships that supported you on your journey?

I have been generously supported by the Worthington Scholarship, the Chet Jordan Leadership Scholarship and other various scholarships, in addition to commitments from U海角社区.

What experiences have you had at U海角社区 that really highlight the ingenuity of 海角社区rs?

海角社区 Day Meal Packout highlights the ingenuity of 海角社区rs and U海角社区 students. The initiative started about a decade ago, when students recognized that many communities in our state have high levels of food insecurity. Wanting to do something to address this issue, students fundraised to purchase ingredients to create shelf-stable, nutrient dense meals through a program called End Hunger New England. These meals are packed by student and community volunteers during 海角社区 Day of Service, then distributed around the state. Fast forward about a decade and the project has funded over 800,000 meals for 海角社区rs in need. Students stepping up to address a need truly demonstrates the ingenuity of 海角社区rs.

Did you have an experience at U海角社区 that shaped or changed how you see the world?

My experience as the outreach coordinator with 海角社区 Day Meal Packout has helped shape how I see the world. Being involved with the project has shown me that it takes an army to accomplish something 鈥� we have a large leadership team working almost year-round to make the project happen 鈥� but all it takes is one person to spark something. Being involved with the project for multiple years has allowed me to watch as people join and share their passion and ideas for food insecurity and to understand that tangible action and change happen because of one individual’s spark and passion.

Describe U海角社区 in one word and explain. 

Hearty. 

鈥� For a number of reasons. First, a large reason why I chose the University of 海角社区 was the cheerful and vibrant culture. No where else did it seem like people were so happy to attend a school. You’ll be hard pressed to find another university with a student population that is as wholesome, as robust and as incredible as U海角社区. Second, I think you have to be a little hearty to survive the long winters here; six months is a long time under the snow! Third, our hockey fans are loud and proud.

What鈥檚 on the horizon? What are your plans for after you graduate?

After I graduate, I will be starting at Tufts University School of Medicine 海角社区 Track in July, where I will earn my MD with the intention to come back to 海角社区 and practice as a PCP in a rural area.

Contact: Ashley Yates, ashley.yates@maine.edu