Research – Maine College of Engineering and Computing

MCEC February Faculty Publications

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 16:00:26 +0000

Giovanna Guidoboni

Computational Vascular Development Model Explaining Incidence of Notch in Retinopathy of Prematurity with Ultra-Widefield Optical Coherence Tomography
- 1; 1; 1; 3; 4; 1; 1; 1; 1; 1; 1; 5; 1; 4; 1
- 1 Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
- 2 Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, Illinois, United States
- 3 Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- 4 Maine College of Engineering and Computing, 91��, Orono, Maine, United States
- 5 National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
Correspondence: Benjamin K. Young, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, 515 SW Campus Drive, Portland, OR 97239, USA; youngbe@ohsu.edu.

Aaron Gallant

- Principal Investigator: Aaron Gallant Civil and Environmental Engineering 91��
- Authors: Aaron Gallant; Sebastian Montoya-Vargas; William Davids
- Sponsored By: Transportation Infrastructure Durability Center

- Principal Investigator: Aaron Gallant Civil and Environmental Engineering 91��
- Authors: Aaron Gallant; Sk Belal Hossen; Warda Ashraf; Luis Zambrano-Cruzatty; Temitope Omokinde; Andres Espinosa
- Sponsored By: Transportation Infrastructure Durability Center

Shaleen Jain

- Alisha Shrestha, Tora Johnson, Shaleen Jain, and Jessica Jansujwicz
- Alisha Shrestha 91�� and Maine Sea Grant, alisha.shrestha1@maine.edu
- Tora Johnson Sunrise County Economic Council, tjohnson@sunrisecounty.org
- Shaleen Jain 91��, shaleen.jain@maine.edu Jessica Jansujwicz Maine Sea Grant, jessica.jansujwicz@maine.edu

Caitlin Howell

Liquid-infused Silicone Catheters Reduce Fungal Burden and Inflammation in Candidozyma auris Bladder Infections
- Alyssa Ann La Bella1, Hope Akegbe1, Caitlin Howell2,3, Felipe H. Santiago-Tirado1*, Ana L. Flores-Mireles1*
- 1 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
- 2 Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, 91��, Orono, ME, 04669, USA
- 3 Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, 91��, Orono, ME, 04669, USA
- *Co-corresponding author: afloresm@nd.edu

Donald Hummels

PALLAVI GHIMIRE1 , SAMIP POUDEL1 , MARIKO SHIRAZI2 , DONALD HUMMELS1 , AND REINALDO TONKOSKI1,3 1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 91��, Orono, ME 04469, USA 2Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA 3Chair of Electrical Power Transmission and Distribution, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany Corresponding author: Pallavi Ghimire (e-mail: pallavi.ghimire@ieee.org).

Lauren Ross

- Taylor Bailey a, Lauren Ross a, Sean M.C. Smith a b c d, Sohaib Alahmed e
- a 91��, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, United States of America
- b 91��, School of Earth & Climate Sciences, United States of America
- c 91��, Center for Sustainability Solutions, United States of America
- d 91��, Darling Marine Center, United States of America
- e Anchor QEA, United States of America
- Patricio A. Díaz a b, Gonzalo Álvarez c d e f, Iván Pérez-Santos a g, Michael Araya d, Lauren Ross h, Ángela M. Baldrich a, Osvaldo Artal g i, Daniel Varela a, Sergio A. Rosales j, Camila Schwerter a, Camilo Rodríguez-Villegas a, Valentina Iturra k, Manuel Díaz l, Bárbara Cantarero a j, Rosa I. Figueroa m
- a Centro i∼mar, Universidad de Los Lagos, Casilla 557, Puerto Montt, Chile
- b Centro Interdisciplinario para la Investigación Acuícola — Investigación Aplicada (INCAR2), Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- C Departamento de Acuicultura, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
- D Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo Tecnológico en Algas (CIDTA), Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Larrondo 1281, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
- e Center for Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands (ESMOI), Departamento de Biología Marina, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
- f Centro de Innovación Acuícola AquaPacífico, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
- g Center for Oceanographic Research COPAS COASTAL, Universidad de Concepción, Chile
- h Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 91��, Orono, ME, USA
- i Geodel Laboratory, Departamento de Ingeniería en Obras Civiles, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- j Programa de Doctorado en Biología y Ecología Aplicada, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
- k Departamento de Geofísica, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- l Programa de Investigación Pesquera, Universidad Austral de Chile, Puerto Montt, Chile
- m Centro Oceanografico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO-CSIC), Subida a Radio Faro 50, 36390, Vigo, Spain

Jon Ippolito

- ��

Babak Hejrati

- by Ines Khiyara 1,*,Ben Sidaway 2 andBabak Hejrati 1
- 1 Biorobotics and Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, 91��, Orono, ME 04469, USA
- 2 School of Physical Therapy, Husson University, Bangor, ME 04401, USA
- * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Guidoboni appointed Interim Vice President For Research, will continue as MCEC Dean

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 13:54:50 +0000

Guidoboni appointed Interim Vice President For Research, will continue as MCEC Dean

The 91�� has appointed Giovanna Guidoboni as interim vice president for research while she continues to serve as the inaugural dean of the Maine College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC). In this dual leadership role, Guidoboni will help foster education, research, and innovation at the 91�� while strengthening collaboration across the 91�� System and state.

As dean of MCEC, Guidoboni leads one of the university’s largest academic units, home to more than 2,600 students and a key driver of the UMS TRANSFORMS initiative, a systemwide effort to expand engineering and computing education, research and workforce development in Maine. Under her leadership, the college has bridged disciplines, strengthened research and innovation, fostered statewide partnerships, modernized labs and built new buildings to prepare the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

In her interim vice-presidential role, Guidoboni will oversee 91��’s research enterprise, support faculty and student scholarship, and build new opportunities for collaboration with industry, government and community partners. Her appointment reflects 91��’s continued commitment to advancing discovery and innovation that serve Maine and the world.

A world-renowned expert in ocular biomechanics and mathematical modeling, Guidoboni directs the Laboratory for Computational and Mathematical Modeling in Medicine, Engineering and Technology (CoMET Lab) at 91��. Her research combines mathematics, physics and engineering to understand ocular diseases such as glaucoma, using computational tools to explore the connections between fluid dynamics, vision loss and intraocular pressure. Her work has been supported by the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health and European Commission.

“My passion has always been connecting people and ideas across fields to make something greater than any one discipline alone,” Guidoboni said. “I believe everyone should have access to research whether they are students just beginning their journey or faculty leading major projects. Together we can continue to grow a culture of innovation as a learner-centered R1 institution that reaches every corner of the University and beyond.”

Guidoboni joined 91�� in 2023 after serving as associate dean for research and professor of mathematics, electrical engineering and computer science at the University of Missouri. She holds a Ph.D. in mathematics and a master’s in engineering of materials from the University of Ferrara in Italy. Guidoboni is an Elected Member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts and holds a joint faculty position at the Department of Ophthalmology of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (NY).

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

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

MCEC August 2025 Publications

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 13:05:36 +0000

MCEC August Publications

[1] P. Spicer, K. Huguenard, N. L. Jones, A. Piffer-Braga, D. G. MacDonald, M. M. Whitney, and K. L. Cole, “Nonlinear internal wave mixing observations within the interior of a river plume,” Estuaries and Coasts, vol. 48, Art. no. 149, Jul. 2025. [Online]. Available:
[2] S. McElman, A. S. Verma, and A. Goupee, “Quantifying tropical-cyclone-generated waves in extreme-value-derived design for offshore wind,” Wind Energy Science, vol. 10, no. 8, pp. 1529–1550, Aug. 2025. [Online]. Available:
[3] R. Masmoudi, B. G. Frederick, L. Doucette, R. J. Lad, M. P. da Cunha, and C. P. Tripp, “Layer-by-layer approach for obtaining highly oriented kaolin platelets on surfaces,” Langmuir, Article ASAP, 2025. doi: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.5c01905
[4] A. E. England, S. D. Collins, M. D. Mason, and R. L. Smith, “Characterization of microreactors for nanoparticle synthesis,” in Proc. 23rd Int. Conf. Solid-State Sensors, Actuators and Microsystems (Transducers), Orlando, FL, USA, 2025, pp. 779–782. doi: 10.1109/Transducers61432.2025.11110423
[5] J. L. Colón Quintana, S. Tomlinson, and R. A. Lopez-Anido, “Effect of fiber type on the thermomechanical performance of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites with continuous reinforcement,” J. Compos. Sci., vol. 9, no. 8, p. 450, 2025. doi: 10.3390/jcs9080450
[6] M. Daizy, Y. Ni, D. W. Bousfield, and D. J. Neivandt, “Development of a soybean wax Pickering emulsion for sustainable hydrophobic modification of paper,” ACS Sustain. Chem. Eng., vol. 13, no. 33, pp. 13614–13627, 2025. doi: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.5c06102
[7] M. El Hajam, W. Sun, I. Hafez, C. Howell, and M. Tajvidi, “In situ growth of mycelium in a lignocellulosic scaffold enabled by cellulose nanofibrils for lightweight insulation,” Compos. A Appl. Sci. Manuf., vol. 199, p. 109223, Dec. 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2025.109223
[8] W. Baldwin, S. Ghanavati, and M. Wörsdörfer, “Understanding ethical practices in AI: Insights from a cross-role, cross-region survey of AI development teams,” ACM Trans. [Journal Name], vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 1–45, Aug. 2025.
[9] S. Rieger, C.-J. Hsieh, C. Anthony et al., “Paclitaxel neurotoxicity is triggered by epidermal EG5 dependent microtubule fasciculation and X-ROS formation,” Res. Square, preprint, Aug. 20, 2025. [Online]. Available:
[10] D. Hatinoglu, S. S. S. Lee, M. Choudhary, J. Lee, S. B. Attanayake, K.-Y. Hwang, D. Detellem, M.-H. Phan, J. D. Fortner, and O. G. Apul, “Microwave heating of superparamagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles toward environmental hyperthermia-based applications,” ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, vol. 17, no. 35, pp. 49775–49783, 2025. doi: 10.1021/acsami.5c13454

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

MCEC July 2025 Publications

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 16:22:42 +0000

● S. Davis, A. S. Verma, A. M. Viselli, and C. Allen, “A floating offshore wind toolbox for planning of towing operations: Validation and application to the 91��’s VolturnUS design,” ASME Journal of Of shore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering, Jul. 7, 2025. [Online]. Available:

● T. Suha, M. H. Rahman, A. E. Rice, C. Smith, R. A. Awad, and P. Chakraborty, “TRIM: AI guided random number generation for resource-constrained IoT systems,” IEEE Access, vol. xx, pp. xx–xx, 2024. Date of publication: xxxx 00, 0000. Date of current version: xxxx 00, 0000. doi: 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.0429000.

● M. M. Rahman, I. Hafez, and M. Tajvidi, “3D printing with cellulose nanofibrils enabled by microwave irradiation,” Cellulose, Jul. 10, 2025. [Online]. Available:

● W. Baldwin, S. Chintakuntla, S. Parajuli, A. Pourghasemi, R. Shanz, and S. Ghanavati, “Generating privacy stories from software documentation,” arXiv preprint arXiv:2506.23014, Jun. 28, 2025. [Online]. Available:

● S. T. Mosavi Mirkolaei, S. K. Najafi, and M. Tajvidi, “Dynamic thermo-mechanical behavior of wood plastic composite based on microfibrillar blends of recycled HDPE/LDPE/PET,” unpublished.

● [1] J. C. Clark, W. G. Davids, R. A. Lopez-Anido, A. P. Schanck, and C. A. Sheltra, “Continuously formed fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite rebar for concrete reinforcement,” J. Compos. Sci., vol. 9, no. 7, p. 378, 2025, doi: 10.3390/jcs9070378.

● [1] M. Blair, S. R. Geedipally, and M. Shirazi, “Assessing the importance of functional form selection in developing calibration functions for the highway safety manual predictive models,” J. Saf. Res., vol. 94, pp. 362–369, 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.jsr.2025.06.022.

● [1] A. E. England, S. D. Collins, C. L. Emmerling, M. D. Mason, and R. L. Smith, “High speed microturbine mixer for kinetically controlled synthesis,” Lab Chip, Advance Article, 2025, doi: 10.1039/D5LC00488H.

● M. H. Rahman, Z. Haider, M. M. Rizvee, S. Shomaji, and P. Chakraborty, “Intelligent Layer Sharing (ILASH): A Predictive Neural Architecture Search Framework for Multi-Task Applications,” IEEE Access, vol. 13, pp. 1–1, Jul. 2025, doi: 10.1109/ACCESS.2025.3592039.

91�� engineers find new method for stronger, lighter 3D-printed parts

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 17:14:57 +0000

Engineers at the 91�� are developing a new method to more accurately predict the strength of lightweight 3D-printed objects. This research, conducted at the university’s (ASCC), will enable designers to create more robust and reliable components by controlling strength when lightweighting virtually any plastic component.

The research team was made up of Philip Bean, research engineer at the ASCC, and Senthil Vel, professor of mechanical engineering, alongside Roberto Lopez-Anido, professor of civil engineering. Their study, recently published in , integrates advanced computer modeling with physical experiments to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how these parts will perform under stress.

They focused on gyroid infill, an intricate, repeating internal structure commonly employed in 3D printing to minimize weight while preserving structural integrity. By utilizing computer simulations to analyze the gyroid’s response to various forces, the team validated these predictions through experiments on 3D-printed prototypes. The findings offer insights into how this complex internal pattern contributes to a part’s overall performance; a factor often not possible with conventional analytical methods.

“This work allows us to design 3D-printed parts with greater confidence and efficiency,” said Bean, one of the lead researchers. “By understanding the precise strength of these gyroid-infilled structures, we can reduce material use and improve performance across industries.”

This method is anticipated to significantly benefit sectors demanding strong, lightweight materials, including aerospace, automotive and medical device manufacturing.

See the full publication, “,” for more information.

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

Distinguished Lecture Series: Dr. Alon Harris

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 13:20:48 +0000

Date: Thursday, September 4th
Time: 1:30-3:00pm
Location: Hill Auditorium, Barrows Hall | Virtual

Building Bridges Across Sciences and Humanities to Preserve Vision

Description: Primary open-angle glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness, yet its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This lecture explores the role of vascular risk factors in disease onset and progression, introducing novel imaging technologies and hemodynamic biomarkers for diagnosis and monitoring.

The presentation will highlight the integration of mathematical modeling, machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance glaucoma risk prediction and improve diagnostic accuracy. Cutting-edge findings will demonstrate how combining AI and non-invasive imaging tools like optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) can revolutionize disease detection and monitoring.

The lecture will also showcase how ocular imaging, paired with AI, serves as a “window to the body,” aiding in early detection of systemic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Finally, the session will explore the “AI revolution,” featuring pioneering smartphone apps for glaucoma diagnosis and management. These advancements illustrate the transformative potential of AI-driven tools for early detection, personalized medicine, and comprehensive ocular and systemic health monitoring.

Biography:

Alon Harris, MS, PhD, FARVO, is Professor of Ophthalmology, Professor of Artificial Intelligence & Human Health, Vice Chair of International Research and Academic Affairs, Director of Ophthalmic Vascular Diagnostic & Research Program and Co-Director of the Barry Family Center for Ophthalmic Artificial Intelligence & Human Health at Mount Sinai Hospital. He is a leading expert in ocular blood flow and an internationally recognized clinical researcher in glaucoma risk assessment, disease progression monitoring, ocular perfusion, imaging, population studies, and artificial intelligence applications in ophthalmology.

Dr. Harris Leads a world-renowned ocular blood flow research center focusing on glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and ischemic optic neuropathy. He has published over 419 peer-reviewed articles, 23 books, 72 chapters, and 662 abstracts, and his Google Scholar h-index is 82. Dr. Harris is the co-founder and co-editor of the journal of Artificial Intelligence in Vision and Ophthalmology (AIVO), the co-founder of the Society for Artificial Intelligence in Vision and Ophthalmology (SAIVO) and is an editor and reviewer for dozens of other journals. Professor Harris serves on the Board of Directors and the Scientific Board of Directors for The Glaucoma Foundation (TGF).

Professor Harris has received numerous national and international awards throughout his storied career, including the “2025 The Glaucoma Foundation (TGF) Award” for excellence and innovation in glaucoma, the Edmund Benjamin Spaeth Oration Award for Outstanding Clinical Research, the Sam Rothberg Glaucoma Award, the William and Mary Greve International Research Scholar Award and the American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award. He has secured over $7 million in research funding from the NIH, NSF, ADA and NEI.

Dr. Harris holds patents on treatments to improve retinal and optic nerve blood flow. A sought-after key opinion leader, Professor Harris has lectured in over 60 countries and on every continent.

91��-led research featured by National Cancer Institute

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 18:27:38 +0000

A deep learning model developed by a team led by Yifeng Zhu, chair and professor of electrical and computer engineering, has been featured by the National Cancer Institute’s Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology in the article, “”. The team includes Jeremy Juybari, Josh Hamilton, Chaofan Chen, Andre Khalil, and Yifeng Zhu.

The model, called CGS-Net, or Context Guided Segmentation Network, improves medical image analysis by mimicking how pathologists switch between wide and detailed views under a microscope. This innovative approach significantly enhances cancer detection accuracy and holds promise for improving diagnostic speed and precision, particularly in underserved areas.

Learn more about the research, here.

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

Transforming cancer diagnosis: AI model offers greater accuracy

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 16:16:12 +0000

Researchers at the 91�� have developed an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) model to improve breast cancer diagnosis by mimicking how pathologists analyze tissue samples.

The new Context Guided Segmentation Network (CGS-Net) provides more accurate cancer detection, addressing key limitations in current diagnostic methods. The study that resulted in its creation, was published in Scientific Reports with Springer Nature. It is the result of a collaborative effort led by Yifeng Zhu, chair and Norman Stetson Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and the team at his Data Engineering and AI Lab (DEAL).

Zhu began applying modern AI technology for cancer detection in 2018. While caring for his mother during chemotherapy in 2017, he noticed the challenges pathologists face when reviewing biopsy samples under a microscope — an often tedious and error-prone process. Motivated by this firsthand experience, Zhu sought to streamline and improve diagnostic accuracy by leveraging advanced AI techniques, ultimately leading to the creation of CGS-Net.

His research group also participated in the international competition Liver Cancer Segmentation Challenge and ranked in the top 10 among all teams in 2019, with the results published in the journal .

This research is an interdisciplinary collaboration with Chaofan Chen, assistant professor of computer science, and Andre Khalil, professor of chemical and biomedical engineering and Ph.D. students Jeremy Juybari and Josh Hamilton. It explores a new AI model inspired by the way pathologists navigate slides under a microscope, zooming in and out to gather both broad context and detailed information. Because pathologists rely on contextual cues to identify and evaluate abnormalities, this model mimics that approach — incorporating surrounding context while also focusing on specific regions of interest.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, and its diagnosis depends heavily on the microscopic examination of stained tissue samples. However, limited access to trained pathologists, particularly in under-resourced regions, contributes to diagnostic delays. CGS-Net has the potential to assist pathologists, especially in areas with fewer healthcare resources, by identifying cancerous regions more efficiently.

“This research could significantly reduce diagnostic delays, especially in under-resourced regions where access to trained pathologists is limited,” said Jeremy Juybari, the first author of this paper and Ph.D. student in electrical and computer engineering.

CGS-Net is a dual-encoder deep learning model that simultaneously evaluates tissue at different magnification levels. Unlike traditional models, which analyze tissue at a single resolution, CGS-Net incorporates both detailed and contextual views, mimicking how pathologists zoom in and out during their examinations. This leads to more precise cancer segmentation and improved diagnostic accuracy.

Tested on the Camelyon16 dataset, which includes sentinel lymph node tissue samples, CGS-Net showed significant improvements in precise breast cancer detection over traditional models, with an area under the curve increase of 0.92% and a cancer Dice score improvement of 6.81%. These results highlight the model’s effectiveness in reducing false positives and improving accuracy.

The technical foundation of CGS-Net is a transformer dual-encoder architecture that incorporates cross-attention mechanisms to integrate detailed and contextual views. Unlike existing multi-resolution models, CGS-Net uniquely initializes cross-attention weights to enhance information sharing between magnification levels. The system was trained in two phases: first by optimizing the detail and context encoders separately, then by integrating them into a joint training model.

Additionally, the research introduced a robust patch-extraction algorithm to standardize data inputs, ensuring consistency and reproducibility in machine learning models for whole-slide imaging datasets. CGS-Net was rigorously evaluated using MiT and Swin V2 encoders, further validating its performance across various architectures and datasets.

“Our research goal is not to replace pathologists,” said Zhu. “Instead, we want to complement their expertise by providing an AI tool to assist them.”

Research – Maine College of Engineering and Computing

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