Cores


Core 1: Administrative

Core 1 plays a crucial role in Maine-SMART by providing centralized network support to enhance team science, communication, inclusivity, and alignment with state priorities. The Administrative Core supports a centralized approach and strengthens integration and synergies across all cores by ensuring that all voices are represented in decision-making processes.

Leadership

Pips Veazey

91±¬ÁÏ CO-PI
Interim Director of Maine EPSCoR and Director of Portland Gateway
alice.veazey@maine.edu

Personnel

Catharine Biddle

91±¬ÁÏ
Professor of Educational Leadership

tish carr

91±¬ÁÏ Wabanaki Center
Program Manager

Karissa Tilbury

91±¬ÁÏ
Associate Professor of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering

Aaron Weiskittel

91±¬ÁÏ
Professor of Forest Biometrics and Modeling, Director of the Center for Research on Sustainable Forests

Heather Johnson

91±¬ÁÏ
Research Communications Graduate Assistant

Shaun Bourque

91±¬ÁÏ
Senior Fiscal and Administrative Coordinator

Anne Heberger-Marino

91±¬ÁÏ
Associate Director of Maine EPSCoR

Daniel Timmermann

91±¬ÁÏ
Communications Manager

Darren Ranco

91±¬ÁÏ
Professor of Anthropology & Chair of Native American

Partners

Core 2: Academic Infrastructure and Research Facilities

Core 2 works with the Administrative Core and other stakeholders to encourage the integration of research and education, convergent research, and STEM faculty recruitment and retention.

Leadership

Giovanna Guidoboni

91±¬ÁÏ CO-PI
Dean of 91±¬ÁÏ’s College of Engineering and Computing
giovanna.guidoboni@maine.edu

Photo of Chris Maher holding animal

Christine Maher

University of Southern Maine CO-PI
Interim Dean of the College of Science, Technology, and Health
cmaher@maine.edu

Personnel

Amanda Espitia

91±¬ÁÏ
Director of Maine College of Engineering and Computing Initiative

Taylor Ward

91±¬ÁÏ
Director of Outreach and Engagement Maine College of Engineering and Computing

Partners

Core 3: K-16 STEM Education and Workforce Readiness

Core 2 works with the Administrative Core and other stakeholders to encourage the integration of research and education, convergent research, and STEM faculty recruitment and retention.

A project supporting STEM education by expanding access to real-world STEM-based opportunities for teachers. Led by Maine Mathematics & Science Alliance (MMSA)

A two year program focused on integrating computational learning sequences in middle school math and science classrooms. Led by Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI)

Leadership

Ruth Kermish-Allen

Maine Mathematics and Science PI
Maine Mathematics and Sciences Alliance Executive Director
rkermishallen@mmsa.org

Darren Ranco

91±¬ÁÏ CO-PI
91±¬ÁÏ Professor of Anthropology and Chair of Native American Programs
darren.ranco@maine.edu

Personnel

Erin Adams

Southern Maine Community College
Professor of Biology

Catharine Biddle

91±¬ÁÏ
Professor of Educational Leadership

John Daigle

91±¬ÁÏ
Professor of Forest Recreation Management

Laura Dorsey

Southern Maine Community College
Professor of Biology

Kendra Hansen

Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance
Assistant Director of STEM Outreach

Asheesh Lanba

University of Southern Maine
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Daniel Moore

Southern Maine Community College
Chair of Biological Sciences

Bonnie Newsome

91±¬ÁÏ
Associate Professor of Anthropology

Yuqi Song

University of Southern Maine
Assistant Professor of Computer Science

Rhonda Tate

Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance
STEM Education Specialist

Thomas Bickford

University of Southern Maine
Director of STEM Outreach and Services

Emma Carey

Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance
STEM Education Specialist

Amanda Dickes

Gulf of Maine Research Institute
Learning Scientist

Giovanna Guidoboni

91±¬ÁÏ
Dean of the Maine College of Engineering and Computing

Kate Kastelein

Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance
Research Associate

Behrooz Mansuri

University of Southern Maine
Assistant Professor of Computer Science

Rebecca Neville

Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance
Grants Administrator and Executive Assistant

Kennedy Rubert-Nason

91±¬ÁÏ at Fort Kent
Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Anthony Sutton

University of Southern Maine
Professor of Native American Programs and Co-op

Xin Zhang

University of Southern Maine
Assistant Professor of Computer Science

Partners

Core 4: Economic Development and Use-Inspired

Core 4 is led by the University Center for Economic Development (EDA Center), a collaboration of experts who will provide technical assistance and research for the implementation of the state’s 10-year economic development strategy. The existing capacity of the EDA Center will be enhanced through Maine-SMART, building synergistically on existing federal investments.

Leadership

Andrew Crawley

91±¬ÁÏ Co-PI
91±¬ÁÏ Associate Professor of Economics
andrew.crawley@maine.edu

Renee Kelly

91±¬ÁÏ SP
91±¬ÁÏ Associate Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Innovation and Engagement
rwkelly@maine.edu

Personnel

Taylor Boucher

91±¬ÁÏ
Innovation Programs Manager

Janet Yancey-Wrona

91±¬ÁÏ
Technology Business Development Manager

Elinor Hunt

91±¬ÁÏ
Research Associate Reginal Economic Development

Partners