At the 91±¬ÁĎ, postdoc researcher Maurelio Cabo Jr. is strengthening this effort by bringing with him a global perspective. Originally from the Philippines, where he finished his Bachelor’s degree in Applied Science, Cabo worked in the powder coating industry in Saudi Arabia for six years, studied for his master’s degree in Smart Manufacturing Engineering in South Korea, and earned his Ph.D. in Nanoscience at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro- Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering. 

Working with 91±¬ÁĎ’s Forest Bioproducts Research Institute (FBRI) and Process Development Center (PDC), Cabo is focused on creating new applications for nancellulose, a versatile and small form of CNF, across different disciplines and product applications. 

By developing ways nanocellulose can be functionalized for new products in different industries, Cabo hopes to create sustainable products with unique and impactful capabilities. His previous research focused on using bacteria as a producer of nanocellulose, creating anti-microbial wound dressings that help navigate antimicrobial resistance that emerges from overuse of antibiotics, in addition to being sustainable. 

At 91±¬ÁĎ’s Product Development Center, Cabo hopes to utilize nanocellulose in alignment with the center’s mission to reduce plastic use while continuing to push the limits of bio-based materials and what they can accomplish. 

“I hope to utilize my background in flexible biomaterials, antimicrobial-resistant nanomaterials, and carbon-based research to create new composite systems out of nanocellulose at the PDC that solve energy, environmental, and biomedical problems while reducing the use of plastic,” said Cabo. 

His experience in industry also brings a unique perspective to this work, integrating his time as a quality control chemist in Saudi Arabia. 

“My background in Saudi Arabia focused on creating and testing coatings for substrate products and gaining knowledge of quality management,” explained Cabo, “which is an additional focus of the PDC here in Maine.”

Cabo hopes to use his broad professional experiences and expertise to help increase Maine’s biomaterials and manufacturing capacity, creating new products in a sustainable and functional manner. 

“My goal is to help develop new products that can be manufactured in a low-cost way that supports local economies through workforce development and future employment opportunities,” said Cabo. 

In addition to his research, Cabo is passionate about mentoring the next generation of researchers. With almost 20 publications, 11 of which were first-authored, in the last 6 years, Cabo hopes to use his experiences to help students gain their first publications during their time at the university, giving them valuable opportunities early in their careers. 

As 91±¬ÁĎ continues expanding its leadership in forest-based biomaterials, Cabo’s combination of international research experience, industry knowledge and commitment to student mentorship will help strengthen the university’s efforts to develop sustainable technologies with real-world impact.

Story by Heather Johnson, Graduate Assistant

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

Kennedy Rubert-Nason, an associate professor of chemistry at the 91±¬ÁĎ at Fort Kent, is testing a new technology for carbon sequestration: a novel form of biochar made from the byproducts of cellulosic biodiesel production. Traditional biochar is a type of charcoal that can be added to soil to increase aeration, water and nutrient retention, and carbon content. The new product can also increase soil carbon, water and nutrient retention, although it is more acidic and its texture is similar to sphagnum peat moss. Cellulosic biodiesel research is incredibly important to reducing the carbon footprint of industries like long-haul trucking. Biodiesel production yields waste products and some manufacturers are finding a new way to utilize that waste in creating biochar.

If this new biochar can perform these tasks well it could offer a new avenue for sustainability while making use of waste products. Parts of Maine’s forest industry have invested in biomass boilers that help generate energy and biochar from what is otherwise waste in their sawmills. Rubert-Nason’s team received biochar materials from the Clean Maine Carbon and Forest Biofuels Research Institute. They also received donated spruce seedlings for the work. 

Rubert-Nason and his team of undergraduate students are testing whether soil amendment with traditional biochar and the new type of biochar can increase retention of carbon in soil and drought resilience in saplings of four tree species: balsam poplars, norway and white spruces, and sugar maples. These tree species represent common broadleaved and coniferous trees in Maine’s forests, several of which are commercially important.  The tree saplings are being  monitored while growing under water-limited and unlimited conditions to explore how biochar impacts the soil respiration and growth of trees experiencing chronic low level drought. Recognizing the important relationship between soil microbiome and tree health, Rubert-Nason’s team is concurrently exploring how these different experimental treatments impact the abundance and types of bacteria found in soil. This work is particularly relevant because much of Maine is experiencing drought conditions–a problem that is likely to get worse under forecast climate change scenarios ().Ěý

Rubert-Nason’s team is supported by the National Science Foundation EPSCoR Maine-FOREST and Maine-SMART projects, and the Maine Economic Improvement Fund. If this new biochar effectively increases soil carbon storage and water retention, it could become a simple way for corporations to offset their emissions and earn carbon credits. More work is needed to optimize the logistics for application of biochar in forests at scale, which is currently receiving the attention of engineers. Further improvements in biochar technology and distribution networks will continue to push the sustainability of the forestry industry and help strengthen Maine’s forests.

Story by Nathan Deveney, Research Media Intern

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

Anne Heberger Marino serves as the Associate Director of Portland Gateway and Maine EPSCoR. Her work is dedicated to the science of team science, leadership development in higher education, and multistakeholder capacity-building—ensuring that diverse teams have the tools to move beyond silos and work constructively toward ambitious shared goals.

Q: How did you become involved in your positions? 

Prior to my time with 91±¬ÁĎ, I served as a Senior Program Director for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine where I led a 15-year, $40 million initiative to foster interdisciplinary research and leadership across academia, government, foundations, non-profits and industry. I started my own team effectiveness consultancy during the pandemic and joined the 91±¬ÁĎ Portland Gateway in 2022. I was drawn in by the opportunity to partner with leaders across the state on issues that matter to Maine, and beyond.  It was a natural fit to work with Director Pips Veazey who emphasizes the power ofdeveloping research networks, because of our shared expertise in team science and commitment to building research collaboration capacity.

Q: What are the main aspects of your work and responsibilities? 

My work focuses on the “social infrastructure” of research and collaboration and getting better at working together. It crosses topics and sectors, which I find exciting. On the Maine EPSCoR side, we work with teams like the NSF E-CORE Maine-SMART (Strengthening Maine’s Research Ecosystem and Pathways Through Strategic Capacity Building) to assess and improve team effectiveness. Specific evidence-based instruments and frameworks give us tools to build an intentional team culture, identify what’s working, and adapt to change. I spend a lot of time listening and making connections between people to expand our network and leverage the strengths we have in the project. The vision of the 91±¬ÁĎ Portland Gateway is to establish a place where collective problem-solving drives research and education to create a just, prosperous, and sustainable world. We facilitate workshops on areas of strategic importance like the blue economy, aquaculture research, the role of AI in Maine’s forestry industry, and many others. We also host an interdisciplinary graduate class every fall on complex problem-solving which brings me into contact with students from many disciplines. 

Q: What was your role with the NSF Convergence workshop last October?

The National Science Foundation recognized a vital need to bridge theory and practice in complex research centers. I was part of a team of experts from across the country that gathered twelve case studies from convergence research projects and brought those leaders together to share tools, experiences, and lessons learned across a variety of contexts. The Convergence Workshop: Combining Theory and Praxis in Complex Research Centers was the first time these leaders, researchers, and practitioners had an opportunity to share insights and learn from each other. There was a strong sense of camaraderie and shared purpose, even though they were from different states and working on different problems. 

Q: What did the work entail?

Convergence research is about curiosity and continual learning in a specific context. We wanted to explore what was common and different across these twelve teams.  For the case studies, we asked  how you structure these centers from an organizational perspective? What kind of convergence practices are you developing?   How are you training new leaders? What’s working, and what’s been challenging?  We shared the case studies before the workshop so participants could begin “conversations” by commenting on them in  a shared document. Then, over two days, we brought teams together from  multiple states and institutions to share their theories, tools, and resources. There is no step-by-step guide for leaders in higher education navigating the complexities of managing hundreds of people from different disciplines, backgrounds and sectors. That plurality is a strength and also a challenge. The compendium of practices, due out later this year, will serve as a roadmap for others. 

Most of my career has been alongside leaders doing work that’s never been done before. They’re trailblazers. We can’t help but be changed by the work we do.  It’s exciting, and humbling for me to be part of projects that have such wide-ranging positive ripple effects.

His work in Maine exists at the intersection of different industries, working to understand how Maine’s communities interact with one another. In addition to working on the NSF EPSCor Maine-FOREST project, he is also a trainee in the NSF National Research Traineeship: 3D Ecosystem Science program. 

“I’ve gained experience in Maine’s local industries, first on waterfronts and now in forests. It’s important to understand the differences between coastal and forestry-based communities, and how they interact with each other,” said Colbert Stone. 

Colbert Stone, a self-described “convener,” focuses on bringing people and organizations together to best support one another and create meaningful change. Originally from Ohio, Colbert Stone began his academic career at Denison University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Black Studies and Women’s and Gender studies. He joined 91±¬ÁĎ’s Anthropology and Environmental Policy Master’s program to merge his past interests with his future career goals in the environmental sector. 

While in Maine, Colbert Stone has been involved with multiple organizations that work to increase environmental stewardship across the state while supporting local communities. As a research assistant with Maine-FOREST, he is currently involved with research on rural communities and youth education. Working with Dr. Lydia Horne and Dr. Sandra De Urioste Stone, he researches rural and tribal communities and how they can educate students for the future. The research team partners with Rural Aspirations Project, a Maine nonprofit that empowers students in rural schools to engage in their communities with place-based projects. 

The goal is to support forest communities by strengthening educational opportunities and student community engagement through the Rural Aspirations Project. He is currently interviewing community partners, teachers and administrators involved with the Rural Aspirations Project and the Maine Forest Collaborative to better understand rural education and environmental stewardship. 

“Their theory of change is that rural schools are one of the only places that rural communities have left to get together as a community and have real outcomes and change. So using the school as an avenue for rural vitality, empowering kids to know that they have a future here in Maine and don’t have to leave to attain their goals. It’s been really nice getting to work with them,” said Colbert Stone. 

Beyond his work as a researcher, Colbert Stone has further contributed to the Rural Aspirations Project through his own connections. As a recipient of a Changemakers Fellowship from the Maine Environmental Education Association, he received funding for a community project of his choice. He directed those funds to support a new school participating in the Maine Forest Collaborative, a program of Rural Aspirations Project. This program allows students to create place-based community projects relating to sustainability and forest management. 

Working with an eighth-grade class at Piscataquis Community Secondary School, he helped expand a project on maple tree awareness. Building on students’ experience with maple tapping, the class is planning a community event to highlight the cultural and historical significance of maple trees, including connections to Wabanaki traditions.

“It felt like a win for everybody,” Colbert Stone said. “The students receive the funding directly and gain experience managing a project themselves.”

This work is part of Colbert Stone’s mission to engage with Maine’s vital industries, such as the forest and marine sectors. After graduating this spring, Colbert Stone will become a community engagement associate with the Maine Women’s Lobby, focusing on research coordination and community organizing. 

This interdisciplinary workshop represents an opportunity for researchers and partners in our state to foster connections  and develop proposals suitable for the. 

• Registration is open to Maine-based institutions that are eligible to receive EPSCoR funding.
• Travel and lodging support is available.
• Please bring a two-page research idea to develop.

Agenda at-a-glance:

• June 2, 4:30 to 6:00 pm: Reception
• June 3, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm: Updates, lightning talks, affinity conversations
• June 4, 8:30 am to 3:00 pm: Proposal strategy, writing time, feedback

We are looking forward to hosting you for the US NSF/CISE: New England Regional AI and Quantum Information Science Symposium 2026 in Portland. You will receive additional information about hotel arrangements, travel reimbursement after registration.

REGISTRATION CLOSES MAY 15, 2026

Direct workshop questions to Anne Heberger Marino at anne.marino@maine.edu.

At the forefront of this effort is Bashir Khoda, a professor in the Maine College of Engineering and Computing at 91±¬ÁĎ, whose laboratory conducts research on growing algae cells while simultaneously working to train the next generation of STEM researchers through new education initiatives. 

With a background in manufacturing, Khoda and his team developed an innovative method to grow and harvest algae cells with greater efficiency. Microalgae traditionally are grown in a “soup” of cells floating freely in liquid, but Khoda’s technique places the algae cells in small gel beads, forming what he calls a droplet necklace. Encapsulating the cells in these beads creates a more controlled environment and reduces stress on the cells. 

“We are hypothesizing that this stress-free technique can produce at least 50% more volumetric output than the status quo, allowing us to grow more in a smaller space. Since this is a closed system, quality and consistency are extremely important and can be achieved with this technique,” Khoda said.

This work is made possible by a kickstarter grant from the NSF EPSCoR E-RISE RII-funded Maine Algal Research Infrastructure and Accelerator (MARIA) project, led by Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences to further his research and educational objectives at 91±¬ÁĎ. The seed funding is part of a broader effort to advance algae-based solutions and manufacturing to further the blue economy in Maine, positioning the state as a leader in this field. These research projects work to advance the accessibility of algae cultivation while developing innovations that could benefit both human and animal health.  

With support from the kickstarter funding provided by MARIA and Bigelow Laboratory, Khoda’s lab plans to expand their research by scaling the technology for commercial use, training more students in biomanufacturing, and growing laboratory capabilities for further biofabrication and smart manufacturing. 

The field of algae research and development is increasingly used for high-value products in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and nanomaterials, creating many applications for Khoda’s manufacturing technique. He hopes his methods will help increase the production and output of algae, as part of a broader effort to cultivate sustainable products compared to animal or petroleum-based systems. 

Beyond the biomanufacturing process, Khoda’s lab is part of a broader initiative to expand multidisciplinary work at 91±¬ÁĎ and prepare students for the STEM workforce. The educational component of his work focuses on creating more opportunities for research and teaching in smart manufacturing of living systems across science and engineering disciplines. He plans on utilizing this funding to create more interdisciplinary collaboration, experiential learning opportunities, and new courses at 91±¬ÁĎ related to biomanufacturing, manufacturing engineering, and digital manufacturing.  

Additionally, Khoda hopes to establish an “Algae Corner” at 91±¬ÁĎ as the core of his educational initiative. This space would support hands-on learning, research, and network development in living systems engineering within the Maine College of Engineering and Computing, enhancing workforce development aligned with Maine’s growing bioeconomy. 

With support from the MARIA team, Bigelow Laboratory and new bioengineering facilities in the Ferland Engineering Education and Design Center, Khoda’s research opens new avenues for both biomanufacturing and educating the future STEM workforce.

By Heather Johnson, Graduate Assistant

As the country’s most forested state, Maine requires a multifaceted approach to resource management. Forests must be managed to sustain growth while allowing timber and other wood products to be harvested. Weiskittel first became involved with EPSCoR in 2008, when he began his affiliation with the Forest Bioproducts Research Institute (FBRI) at 91±¬ÁĎ. FBRI was established in 2006 as part of an EPSCoR grant to advance Maine’s progress in the bio-economy by leveraging forest products. A large part of Weiskittel’s work there focused on reframing the narrative on these products. 

“One of the challenges that we face with the forest sector is just people. People don’t really like seeing trees harvested, and I think we’re all taught at an early age that cutting a tree is a bad thing. So I think a lot of what we deal with is not necessarily technical issues, but more societal and policy issues,” said Weiskittel. 

More recently, Weiskittel led the multi-institutional NSF EPSCoRTrack-2 INSPIRES project, Leveraging Intelligent Informatics and Smart Data for Improved Understanding of Northern Forest Ecosystem Resilience (Award #OIA-1920908), which laid the groundwork for cross-disciplinary forest management and increased regional capacity. As a Track-2 grant, INSPIRES highlighted the value of collaboration with regional partners, enabling Maine to share expertise and learn from other jurisdictions. Awarded in 2019, INSPIRES fostered collaboration among Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, with a focus on strengthening relationships with similarly forested states that have a vested interest in the forest sector. A key aspect of this work was increasing monitoring efforts by developing new technologies. The INSPIRES project team furthered this task by developing new remote sensing technologies to assess forest conditions in real time and by creating models for future use. Remote sensing is an important tool for forestry, as it provides easier access to data. Many research sites are densely forested and lack cell service, making on-site data collection challenging. The challenge of data collection and the use of new technologies in forestry is part of Weiskittel’s current work with Maine-FOREST, an EPSCoR project that began in 2024. This research track, along with his prior work with FBRI, has led Weiskittel to consider how Maine can better conduct research, prepare for changing forests, and optimize output. 

The culmination of Weiskittel’s previous work with 91±¬ÁĎ EPSCoR grants is manifested in his role as primary investigator and manager of the NSF E-RISE Maine-FOREST project (Award #OIA-2416915). Maine-FOREST highlights research on emerging technologies in the forestry sector that grow Maine’s capacity to measure and manage important aspects of forests. This grant is dedicated to advancing Maine’s forest-based economy through four intersecting themes: Environmental AI, Cellulosic Nanomaterials Bioproducts, Rural and Tribal Resilience, and Smart Rural Development. With this project, a diverse team of researchers across the state is working together to increase Maine’s position as a leader in forest-sector technology and innovation. 

“The overarching goal is, how do we do this in Maine? How do we take disruptive technologies like AI and some emerging uses of wood fiber to make new products, and how do we do that within the context of doing that in Maine? We’re dominated by a lot of rural communities, as well as the number one challenge that everyone in the state seems to be having, which is workforce development,” said Weiskittel. 

Currently, Weiskittel is helping 91±¬ÁĎ embark on a new, exciting chapter in forestry. The university is a for place-based development and research under the NSF Engines Initiative. “This is a bold, new program for NSF, which is very interested in research that is relevant to the local economy and the state itself,” said Weiskittel. The Engine program awards a sizable investment to institutions working to improve their state through economic development and research aligned with a specific theme. 91±¬ÁĎ is one of 15 finalists nationwide to advance to the final round of the program.

The mission of 91±¬ÁĎ’s engagement in the Engine program continues all of Weiskittel’s work, “It’s the integration of our emerging new products, technologies, and AI, which are really going to drive the management of our forest, at the same time it’s developing and expanding the use of invaluable tools like LiDAR and other remote sensing platforms,” said Weiskittel. Along with related programs under 91±¬ÁĎ’s Center for Research on Sustainable Forests and Weiskittel’s past work and continued efforts to better Maine’s forest sector, the future is bright and growing. 

Researchers at the 91±¬ÁĎ are advancing UAV technology as part of the NSF E-RISE Maine-FOREST project. 91±¬ÁĎ Assistant Professor of Engineering Vikas Dhiman and Electrical Engineering Ph.D. student Arman Kiani are at the forefront of this effort. 

The team assembled custom-ordered drones that encompass a small computer that the AI runs on. Kiani works on the building and programming process, enabling the drones to observe and react to their environments. Guided by Dhiman, Kiani also debugs technical issues so the drones can successfully get off the ground. Once the drones are assembled, they have to learn how to navigate the unpredictable environment under the tree canopy.   

 â€śInstead, we aim to fly the drones below the tree canopy which is challenging because the drone needs to plan a path around shrubs and thin branches. To accomplish obstacle avoidance, we plan to use AI for detecting trees and placing them in a 3D model around which the drone plans its path,” said Dhiman. 

Once these challenges are addressed, Dhiman and Kiani will be able to collect a wide variety of data that has traditionally been challenging and time-consuming to collect. By combining data from under the tree canopy with previously collected data from above the canopy, researchers can see a complete view of the forest. 

“The aim is to get a unified picture of a forest, like measuring tree trunk width, the presence of different species and any diseases. We’re trying to get as much forest health data as we can,” said Dhiman. 

While this research is still in the preliminary stages, Dhiman and Kiani are hopeful that these advances in UAV technology will allow for a more streamlined process in capturing forest data. Beyond the forest sector, Dhiman believes that AI-guided UAVs can be applied to many other scenarios. 

“For example, emergency responders could utilize drones when it’s unsafe for them to go inside a building, like in the case of a fire or earthquake. With algorithms for obstacle avoidance and multi-drone collaboration, the research we are doing is fundamental in terms of drone navigation and exploration autonomously with as little human input as possible,” said Dhiman. 

This research was made possible through funding from the NSF EPSCoR RII E-CORE Maine-FOREST award.

Story by Heather Johnson, Graduate Assistant

Q: How did you become involved with Maine-TREE?
A: After graduating with my bachelor’s degree, I worked as a land trust steward on trails in southeastern Massachusetts. During that time, I had a phone call with a professor in the School of Forest Resources that changed the trajectory of my career. I hadn’t previously considered this path, but that conversation led me to pursue a master’s degree in forestry. While completing my degree, I worked with the Maine Tree Farm Program, where I was first exposed to Maine TREE. I later continued contract work with Maine TREE through its Forest Ecology Research Network and now serve as the full-time Executive Director.

Q: What has your work been like with Maine-TREE?
A: Historically, the Maine TREE Foundation has offered a wide range of programming, from long-term ecological research to its Certified Logging Professionals program, which provides safety and skills training. The organization primarily focuses on K-12 engagement through educator professional development and student programming. Over the past few years, we’ve worked to develop a central theme across our programs: preparing people for careers in Maine’s forests. For students, that means introducing them to career opportunities in forestry and related fields. We also engage the broader community, highlighting the range of careers connected to Maine’s forest economy. Our overall goal is to support the long-term, sustainable stewardship of Maine’s forests. 

Q: How have you connected your work to Maine-FOREST?
A: Getting involved with Maine-FOREST was a watershed moment in my career. With support from the grant, we’ve expanded the Forest Ecology Research Network, which gives students the opportunity to collect data from forests near their schools, develop research questions, and track changes over time. There has long been a strong interest from educators and the broader community, but funding constraints have limited the program’s growth. Maine-FOREST has allowed us to create new resources and pathways that better support educators and students in monitoring forest change. This aligns closely with the mission of EPSCoR by engaging communities in ongoing research.

Q: What are your future goals with Maine-TREE with the support of Maine-FOREST?
A: Through Maine-FOREST, we are continuing to expand the Forest Ecology Research Network and build a platform for student data analysis. Our goal is to help students interpret and analyze data collected across the state and visualize trends in forest change. Organizationally, we are also developing a forest technician curriculum to increase educational pathways and workforce development in the forest products sector. There is currently a gap between formal education and on-the-ground forestry work. We are working with career and technical education centers to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to work in the woods after graduation. Ultimately, this will evolve into a credential that bridges that gap and provides clear value to employers.

The Maine Forest Collaborative is part of the Rural Aspirations Project, which works to honor the inherent value of rural schools, places and people by collaboratively designing educational opportunities that inspire youth aspirations and strengthen community vitality for students in rural Maine.  They operate in collaboration with educators and school administrators from across the state, providing support to rural schools through professional development, networking and connecting community partners, and designing student programs. The Maine Forest Collaborative student program works with local schools to empower students to create and implement projects in their community related to forest economies and management. The program aims to expose students to the breadth of job opportunities in these fields and awareness of natural resources that is often lacking in traditional education.  

“These cohort days allow students to see natural resource and forestry sectors from a different perspective. While students do learn about the challenges facing Maine in these sectors today, they also get to experience opportunity, innovation, and real-world problem-solving and research,” said Sara King, the Maine Forest Collaborative Program Coordinator. 

At 91±¬ÁĎ, students were mixed up into groups with students from other schools, allowing them to get to know each other while attending different sessions related to forestry-related technologies, sustainability initiatives, and career pathways in natural resources. One group toured the Process Development Center to learn about cellulose nanofibrils manufacturing. Students learned how this versatile non-toxic bio-product is created and its many uses, and even explored the material hands-on. 

Other students visited the Hudson Museum to learn about brown ash basketmaking in Wabanaki communities. They additionally learned about the invasive emerald ash borer, an insect posing a threat to ash trees. 

In another session, students learned about autonomous drones used for forest management and data collection. They utilized virtual reality to tour a local Maine forest, mimicking the way drones collect data under the tree canopy and the challenges faced in this endeavor. As one student noted, “I loved using the VR and seeing the challenges they face in the building of drones.” Finally, students gained an economic perspective in a session focused on resource allocation. Students used trees as a shared resource and simulated the difficulties in allocating trees for paper, energy, furniture, and construction, obtaining skills in real-world decision making. 

After these sessions, students were given the opportunity to present their own progress on their class project. As part of MFC, and guided by their teachers and Rural Aspirations staff, students at each school develop a place-based project related to a natural resource challenge affecting their school or community.  At Schenk High School, the class is working to design and construct an outdoor classroom for elementary students in their school, utilizing trails behind their school to help younger students connect with nature. At Tri-County Technical Center, students are exploring ways to educate their community on invasive fish species in Maine. At Telstar High School, students are in the process of determining a natural resource challenge in their community, such as flooding, pollution, and lack of recycling options. All students and teachers were then able to share feedback and recommendations for each school. At the end of the school year, students will present their work to the MFC group and local stakeholders at a final cohort day. 

Through this experience, students were able to connect with others from around the state, explore innovative activities and research at 91±¬ÁĎ, learn about careers and post-secondary opportunities, and further their own progress with sustainability and forest management. 

This work was supported in part by the NSF RII E-RISE Maine-FOREST grant.

Story by Heather Johnson, Graduate Assistant