Outreach – Maine College of Engineering and Computing

91��-led project takes high school research from Bangor classroom to global research stage

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 20:46:48 +0000

It’s not every day that high school students present their research on a global scale and see their names in an international research journal. But thanks to a first-of-its-kind partnership with the 91��, students at John Bapst Memorial High School are now published co-authors in the Proceedings of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts.

The paper, ,” describes how 21 high school students joined researchers from 91��, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and North Carolina State University to explore how blood pressure and intraocular pressure interact in the eye. Working in 91��’s labs alongside faculty, students built a hydraulics-based model to simulate glaucoma progression, presented their findings at a global vision science conference, which ultimately was published in an international peer-reviewed journal.

“This effort shows how connecting science, technology and people can spark interest in real-world problem solving while building the skills needed for the workforce of tomorrow,” said Giovanna Guidoboni, dean of the Maine College of Engineering and Computing and principal investigator.

The project brought together high schoolers, 91�� students, and faculty from engineering, mathematics and ophthalmology, along with collaborators nationwide. It also acknowledged UMS TRANSFORMS, the Harold Alfond Foundation’s historic investment in the 91�� System, underscoring the role of statewide initiatives in elevating Maine’s research and education mission.

For students, the experience was transformative. They spoke of discovering the real-world power of math, forging mentorships with faculty and graduate students, and accessing resources far beyond the high school classroom. Several chose to continue their research at 91�� providing this type of research creates a direct pipeline from high school to higher education.

I think it’s amazing that 91�� has put such an emphasis on giving students at all levels access to this type of experience,” said Kevin Real, lead author on the paper. ”We really are working as a part of a team alongside world-renowned researchers…it’s pretty special.”

At a time when STEM competency among U.S. high school students is in steady decline, this project offers a bold model: one that gives young learners a seat at the research table, connects science and people in meaningful ways, and shows that Maine students can compete and publish on the global stage. This project also reflects how initiatives like UMS TRANSFORMS, the Harold Alfond Foundation’s historic investment in the 91�� System, are strengthening the state’s competitiveness nationally and internationally.

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

Exploring Transportation Careers in Maine

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:25:21 +0000

Friday, September 26th, Assistant Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Rebecca Bian, hosted Transportation+, an event for 91�� System (UMS) students exploring Maine’s transportation systems and career opportunities.

The morning session included a field trip to the Maine Department of Transportation headquarters in Augusta, where students met with staff from multiple departments, including Research & Innovation, Regional Programs, Environmental, Highway, Bridge, Traffic, Multimodal, and Mobility Engineering and Analysis. Students also visited the MaineDOT Transportation Management Center for a brief overview of operations. The tour offered insight into the day-to-day work of engineers and planners, as well as career paths, internships, and co-op opportunities.

The lunch session included networking opportunities with MCEC Dean Giovanna Guidoboni in attendance, followed by 10-minute presentations from transportation professionals about their roles in the industry. Topics included applying new techniques for using weather data in engineering projects, Maine’s signal and roadway systems, and advances in resilient and sustainable design. The majority of presenters were 91�� alumni, and the session gave students practical insights into careers in transportation and infrastructure from both regional and national perspectives.

“This event connects students with transportation professionals in Maine to learn more about their company, institution or agency, ongoing projects, their work and emerging technologies,” Bian said. “I am hoping the deep-dive learning experience can help students meaningfully link what they are learning in a classroom setting with future career opportunities, which motivates them to achieve academic excellence for their own career goals. It is also exciting to find out that student attendees are sharing the same feeling and want to see more events like this in the future.”

MCEC students and faculty gather outside for a group photo at Maine DOT Headquarters
Students engage in a workshop session with working professionals, learning about career opportunities in engineering and computing.
MCEC faculty Rebecca Bian greets members of the MCEC community.
Dean Guidoboni talks with students, offering guidance and advice.
Students meet with industry representatives at the Transportation+ event.
Students explore opportunities with local firms at MCEC.
Dean Guidoboni addresses attendees, highlighting MCEC’s student programs and resources.
MCEC faculty, Rebecca Bian looks on at a successful event.
Students engage in a presentation, learning about career opportunities in engineering and computing
Signage highlights the MCEC event, welcoming students and faculty to the session.
Dean Guidoboni talks with students, offering guidance and advice.
Students converse with peers and faculty.

The trip was funded by UMS TRANSFORMS, including seed grants aimed at exposing students to career and research opportunities in Maine’s transportation sector. Bian acknowledged support from her new colleague, Hao Liu, Assistant Professor of Transportation Engineering, who helped lead the morning portion of the event, and thanked MaineDOT for hosting and sharing their expertise.

91�� also thanks its partners — Acorn Engineering, Inc. ; ASCE NOAA Task Force ; GoMaine ; HNTB Corporation ; Kleinfelder ; Sargent ; Sebago Technics, Inc. ; Thornton Tomasetti ; and VHB — for sharing their expertise, and to Dr. Bian and UMS TRANSFORMS for supporting the experience.

Nearly $1 million awarded to 21 projects to fuel innovation and growth

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 14:51:53 +0000

The Maine College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC) has awarded $880,000 in funding for 21 new proposals aimed at fostering interdisciplinary research, sparking innovation and strengthening the college’s impact across the state.

The investment, made possible through UMS TRANSFORMS, will support 44 researchers and students spanning engineering and computing programs across the 91�� System. The awards are designed to increase recruitment and retention, developing programming at the , creating interdisciplinary programs in emerging fields, enhancing research, deepening collaboration among 91�� System institutions and strengthening partnerships with industry.

“These awards, made possible by the invaluable support of UMS TRANSFORMS and the Harold Alfond Foundation, highlight the incredible breadth of interdisciplinary work at 91��,” said Giovanna Guidoboni, Dean of MCEC. “From future transportation systems and advanced manufacturing to building sustainability and immersive virtual reality, this wide-ranging focus ensures we are addressing diverse challenges and preparing our students for cutting-edge careers.”

Developing Graduate and Undergraduate Certificate Program in Ocean Engineering and Maritime Digitalization

Amrit Verma, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Andrew Goupee, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Richard Kimball, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Yifeng Zhu, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Masoud Rais-Rohani, Department of Mechanical Engineering

The project aims to create an online undergraduate and graduate certificate program in Ocean Engineering and Maritime Digitalization, with the primary goal of training students and professionals to design, operate, and maintain digitally enhanced maritime systems and ocean infrastructure, including applications of digital twin systems in ocean industries.

Surveying Engineering Technology on campus programming

Will Manion, School of Engineering Technology
Rich Vannozzi, School of Engineering Technology

The primary goal of the project is to increase enrollment of traditional on-campus students, and particularly, Maine resident students, in the Surveying Engineering Technology Program.

Game Design and Development: Multi-Campus Academic Program

Penny Rheingans, School of Computing and Information Science
Joseph Szakas, 91�� at Augusta

This proposal aims to create a new multi-campus Game Design and Development program across the 91�� System. It will combine the expertise of faculty from various institutions to allow students to complete the program at any participating campus, with funding supporting new course development, remote learning initiatives, and necessary hardware.

Integrating Pre-Engineering Students into their Major

Megan Walsh, 91�� at Machias

The Integrating Pre-engineering Students into Their Major project plans to increase the progression of pre-engineering students at 91��’s regional campus, the 91�� at Machias, into the appropriate engineering program at the 91�� by housing an engineering graduate student on the UMM campus to mentor undergraduate pre-engineering students.

Maine Community Colleges to 91�� Pathways in Engineering

Masoud Rais-Rohani, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Christopher Mordaunt, Department of Mechanical Engineering

The project’s primary goal is to establish a viable pathway through the Transfer ME program for Maine community college students to pursue an engineering degree at 91��.

Summer Bridge: Accelerating Community College Transfers in Engineering Through Online C Programming

Yifeng Zhu, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

The project aims to accelerate community college transfers in engineering by offering a fully asynchronous online C programming course that bridges curricular gaps and ensures timely progression toward graduation

Developing Asynchronous Online Courses for the Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence Certificate

Yifeng Zhu, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Vikas Dhiman, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Xueyu Hou, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

To create four asynchronous online courses for the Engineering Applications of AI certificate that expand statewide access, drive enrollment growth, and equip learners and industry professionals with essential, workforce-ready AI skills.

Energize UMS Campus Life with the Concept of Transportation+

Ruijie “Rebecca” Bian, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

This project creates an open-forum to engage students in depicting a future picture of on-campus mobility, while connecting UMS students through events and trips to explore future transportation systems and career opportunities in the sector.

Building a Multi-Institutional Community of Practice for Engineering Capstone Project

Ashanthi Maxworth, Department of Engineering (USM)
Wilhelm Friess, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Carolyn Arcand, Muskie School of Public Service (USM)

The goal of this project is to develop a multi-institutional community of practice for the engineering capstone project to share knowledge, experience and resources within a collaborative framework.

Expanding the Human-Centered Technology Design Program: Expanding Access, Interdisciplinary Collaboration, and Workforce Readiness

Nimesha Ranasinghe, School of Computing and Information Science
Aaron Boothroyd, School of Computing and Information Science

The Human-Centered Technology Design (HCTD) Program expansion aims to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, increase student enrollment and retention, and provide cutting-edge, hands-on learning opportunities in human-centered design across the 91�� System using the mini GEM facility.

Building Energy Monitor Display for Ferland Hall

Justin Lapp, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Nimesha Ranasinghe, School of Computing and Information Science

This project will design, develop, and install a real-time building energy monitoring display in 91��’s Ferland Engineering Education and Design Center.

The MCEC Imaginarium

Richard Corey, VEMI Lab
Ruhammah (Ru) LaGarry, VEMI Lab
RJ Perry, VEMI Lab

The MCEC Imaginarium will serve as an immersive portal to the groundbreaking research at the 91�� System, providing a place for everyone to explore the exciting work happening across our campuses and streamlining collaboration with our industry partners by highlighting areas of active research and development across disciplines.

New CIE Winter Travel Course: Sustainability in the Peruvian Amazon

Reed Miller, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering | Advanced Structures and Composites Center

A new faculty-led travel course will take undergraduate engineering students to the Peruvian Amazon rainforest to learn hands-on about biodiversity and the conservation challenges posed by increasing infrastructure and development.

MCEC PhD Scholars Fellowship Program

Masoud Rais-Rohani, Department of Mechanical Engineering

The goal of this project is to help establish MCEC PhD Scholars Fellowship Program aimed at attracting high quality domestic PhD students to engineering from US institutions outside of Maine.

Expanding Smart Factory Training for Undergraduate and Graduate Education

Bradley Denholm, Advanced Manufacturing Center
John Belding, Advanced Manufacturing Center

The AMC Bot Loft at 91�� will expand its Smart Factory training system to double student lab capacity and enhance Industry 4.0 education across undergraduate, graduate, and K-12 programs.

MCEC Global — Pilot Development of Online Graduate Aerospace Engineering Certificate

Wilhelm Friess, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Kewei Zu, Department of Mechanical Engineering

The MCEC Global project aims to develop the necessary delivery framework and online course content to offer the Graduate Certificate in Aerospace Engineering in full asynchronous online mode to students in Maine and beyond.

Growing and Strengthening the BME Program via Curricula Modernization and the Development of a Sustainable Eng. Gen-Ed and Project Description

Karissa Tilbury, Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
Lisa Weeks, Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
Ray Kennard, Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
Michael Mason, Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
Andre Khalil, Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
Dave Neivandt, Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
Cailtin Howell, Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
Bob Bowie, Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
Peter Van Walsum, Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering

Innovative Biocompatibility Module Gives First-Year Biomedical Engineering Students a Head Start on Industry-Ready Skills.

A Virtual Reality Educational Tool for Understanding PFAS Transport in Soil

Jean MacRea, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Xiaoxiao Zhao, Department of Mechanical Engineering
RJ Perry, VEMI Lab
Manisha Choudhary, Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering

Our project aims to develop an interactive virtual reality tool that simulates PFAS transport in soils and to integrate it into STEM curricula to help students visualize and understand these processes, thereby enhancing STEM education across Maine.

Intelligent Manufacturing in Maine (IM2)

Justin Willis, Advanced Structures and Composites Center
Roberto Lopez Anido, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Keith Berube, School of Engineering Technology

This project intends to develop a Research Learning Experience (RLE) in intelligent manufacturing in Maine, to better expose 91�� students to the sustainable, data-driven, and interdisciplinary processes present in current and emerging Industry 4.0 smart factories.

The Maine College of Engineering and Computing is a signature initiative of UMS TRANSFORMS, a $320M investment by the Harold Alfond Foundation to drive the innovations and technical workforce critical to advancing Maine’s economy.

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

91�� Offers Immersive Engineering and Computing Programs for K-12

Thu, 15 May 2025 17:15:48 +0000

The future is engineered, coded, and designed – and 91�� is your launchpad! We’re thrilled to announce our 2025 lineup of K-12 summer programs, specifically crafted to ignite a passion for engineering and computing in young minds. Get ready for hands-on experiences that go beyond the classroom, fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of the technologies shaping our world.

See all MCEC camps

Dive Headfirst into Engineering and Computing with These Dynamic Programs:

Maine Summer Transportation Institute (MSTI) (July 6-10th): Calling all curious minds in 6th-8th grades! Explore the fascinating world of transportation engineering and technology at this FREE, residential overnight program on the beautiful 91�� Orono campus. Discover the science and engineering principles behind roads, bridges, vehicles, and more through engaging, hands-on activities. [Learn More: /msti/]
AMC Robotics Camp & Workshop (July 13-18th, July 20-25th, July 27-31st): For aspiring engineers and tech innovators in grades 9-12! Immerse yourselves in the world of robotics at the Advanced Manufacturing Center’s B.O.T. Loft. This intensive camp offers hands-on building, skill development, expert interaction, and the opportunity to earn a valuable Universal Robots Credential in Educational Robotics Training – Core (ERT-C). Don’t miss the May 31st application deadline for these limited spots across three sessions! [Learn More: /amc/k-12-events/#2025summercamp]
Semiconductor Camp (July 14-18th): Calling all rising high school juniors and seniors curious about the backbone of modern technology! This FREE day camp at the 91�� Portland Gateway offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in electronics and build semiconductor systems. You’ll even get an exclusive tour of Texas Instruments! [Learn More: /mcec/semiconductorcamp/]
Bear Bots Robotics Camp (July 21-25th): Future robotics superstars in grades 6-8, get ready to design, build, and program your very own robot! This engaging day camp uses the VEX robotics design system and a fun, project-based learning approach to introduce you to the exciting world of robotics and STEM. [Learn More: /mcec/bearbots/]
Girls Who Code (July 28 – August 1st): Geared toward coders grades 11-18, unlock the power of computer science at this FREE residential overnight camp at 91�� Orono. Whether you’re a coding novice or have some experience, this supportive environment will empower you to build real-world tech skills and explore exciting STEM careers. [Learn More: ]
3D Design and Printing Camp (July 28 – August 1st): For creative minds aged 12-16! Dive into the exciting world of digital fabrication in this hands-on day camp. You’ll assemble your own 3D printer, learn the principles of 3D design using industry-standard software, and bring your digital creations to life. [Learn More: ]
LEGO Robotics Camp (August 4 – 8th): Calling all beginner and intermediate LEGO enthusiasts in grades 9-12! Explore fundamental robotics concepts using the LEGO Robotics platform. Learn to program your LEGO robots using “Scratch”-style block coding to tackle exciting missions and develop essential problem-solving skills for the world of STEAM. [Learn More: ]

Ready to engineer your summer? Explore the detailed program information and register today by clicking the links above. Don’t miss these incredible opportunities to build skills, explore cutting-edge technologies, and ignite your passion for engineering and computing with MCEC at 91��!
Contact: Taylor Ward, taylor.ward@maine.edu

MCEC to Host 2025 Maine Scholastic Individual Chess Championships

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 19:03:09 +0000

ORONO, Maine — The Maine College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC) will host the 2025 Maine Scholastic Individual Chess Championships on March 22, 2025, at the E. James and Eileen P. Ferland Engineering Education and Design Center. The event is expected to bring up to 160 students from grades K-12 across Maine, with approximately 70-80 games played simultaneously throughout the day.

The championship is organized by the Maine Chess Association, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to promoting chess in Maine. The association hosts U.S. Chess Federation-rated tournaments, inter-club matches, and scholastic events that foster young talent.

MCEC’s hosting of the Maine Scholastic Individual Chess Championships reflects the college’s commitment to encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills among Maine’s youth.