Students – Maine College of Engineering and Computing

Francis Crowe Society Honors Excellence at 26th Annual Induction Ceremony

christopher.karlen — Mon, 18 May 2026 17:42:49 +0000

The 26th annual Francis Crowe Society Induction Ceremony highlighted a broad range of alumni, faculty, students and leaders whose achievements reflect excellence across engineering, computing, education and industry. The event brought together the Maine College of Engineering and Computing community to recognize professional impact at every stage of the field.

This year’s Distinguished Engineers and Dean’s Distinguished Members represent leadership across academia, research, and industry. Emily A. Haddad was recognized for her extensive leadership in higher education, overseeing academic programs, faculty, and student success initiatives that support thousands of students and a broad general education curriculum across the university. She has also played a crucial role in supporting UMS TRANSFORMS and the early development and momentum of the Maine College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC), helping shape system-level academic innovation and cross-campus collaboration.

Ahmed Aboelezz was honored for his research and teaching in UAV systems, aerodynamics, and bio-inspired flight, supported by extensive externally funded research and a strong commitment to student mentorship. In addition, Aboelezz has demonstrated his commitment to making his research accessible through extensive K–12 outreach and engagement, including student rocket launch activities designed to spark interest in engineering and inspire the next generation of students.

Distinguished engineering alumni and leaders honored this year included Ross Bryant ’98, president and CEO of Fluid Imaging Technologies, recognized for leadership in analytical instrumentation and life sciences innovation; Christopher Gordon ’85, president of Wynn Development for Wynn Resorts, honored for global leadership in large-scale real estate and infrastructure development; Ben Townsend ’08, co-president and owner of Colby Company Engineering, recognized for multidisciplinary engineering consulting leadership; and Robert Monahan ’86, CEO and co-founder of UPPAbaby, honored for engineering-driven innovation in consumer product design and global brand development.

Student recognition highlighted outstanding academic achievement, research and leadership across the college.

Top graduating and outstanding students included Ella Boxall, outstanding graduating student in civil engineering, recognized for work in water resources engineering, sustainability and environmental resilience; Isabelle Irani, 91�� co-salutatorian in biomedical engineering, recognized for excellence in academics, Division I athletics and research in sustainable biomaterials in the Neivandt Lab; and Karun Varghese, outstanding graduating international student in electrical engineering, recognized for work in robotics, autonomous systems and research across multiple 91�� laboratories, as well as leadership and global engagement.

Additional MCEC outstanding students by unit were also recognized, including Wyatt Fessler (biomedical engineering), Kenzie Karpinski (chemical engineering), Ella Boxall (civil and environmental engineering), Chris Persinger (electrical engineering), Karun Varghese (computer engineering), Brianna Gannett (computer science), Benjamin Schmidt (engineering physics), Kat Gross (mechanical engineering) and Katie Fletcher (new media).

The Francis J. Hovey Award recipients were also honored for academic excellence and distinction, including Wyatt Fessler (biomedical engineering), Jacob Levesque (chemical engineering), Joe Thorpe (civil and environmental engineering), Brianna Gannett (computer science), Samuel Bach (electrical and computer engineering) and Benjamin Schmidt (engineering physics).

All eligible students in attendance were formally inducted into the Francis Crowe Society, joining a professional community of engineering and computing graduates committed to lifelong learning, service and impact in their fields.

Together, the ceremony reflects the mission of the Francis Crowe Society: to recognize excellence across all stages of the engineering and computing profession and to celebrate the lasting contributions of 91�� students, alumni and faculty to society.

Distinguished Lecturer Series – Dr. Raymond Pettit

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 21:31:21 +0000

Broadening the Dimensions of AI Application: Implications for Commerce, Industry, and Education

Date: Dec 4, 2025 | Time: 2:00 – 3:30pm | Location: Ferland Welcome Center

Biography:

Dr. Raymond Pettit has blended a 20+ year career as an advanced analytic consultant and trainer in business and industry with academic appointments at UCSD, UNH, and Northeastern University. Most recently he was named Director of the Institute for Experiential AI housed at the Roux Institute in Portland, ME. Currently, Ray is Chief AI Officer at Neuro-AI Design, where he has created and curated course, curriculum, practicums and workshops on the foundations and principles of AI; AI + Leadership; Practical Applications of AI; and the Statistical Foundations of AI. In addition, he co-created and is co-teaching AI and Marketing at The College of NJ in the winter, 2026 semester.

Ray is a proud alum of the U of Michigan and the U of Illinois, where he received his doctoral degree in 1996.

Electronics for Extreme Environments: 91�� Pushes Sensors Beyond Limits

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:53:00 +0000

ORONO, Maine — Imagine sensors that don’t just survive extreme heat — they turn it into power. 91�� engineers have built a simple wireless circuit that can operate from room temperature to more than 550 degrees Fahrenheit, opening the door to rugged, self-powered monitoring systems in environments such as jet engines, oil wells and spacecraft.

In a breakthrough with sweeping industrial implications, 91�� researchers designed a minimalist oscillator that enables sensors to transmit critical data wirelessly in environments where people, and conventional electronics, cannot survive.

“This work is important because of the potential applications, especially in terms of industrial safety. Not only does constant monitoring in industrial applications allow for more efficient operation with minimal production time loss, but it maximizes safety for human operators by removing the possibility of a surprise failure” said lead author Jude Zanoni, an electrical engineering graduate student and lead author on the study. “By using commercial components, we also demonstrated a potential avenue for cheap development of this technology.”

The research contributes to solving a decades-old problem: how to keep electronics stable in extreme heat without complex biasing, bulky power supplies or fragile components. Traditional silicon devices fail well below 300 degrees, forcing industry to rely on expensive, short-lived or wired systems in high-temperature operations. 91��’s solution is different — a single-supply oscillator built with one silicon carbide transistor, delivering more than 12 dBm of output power to extend detection range and reliability.

“This is about building electronics that don’t just survive the heat, they could make it useful,” Zanoni. “The circuit produces the same amount of power as a pair of Bluetooth earbuds — but it keeps working at more than 570 degrees Fahrenheit.”

By reducing parts and stabilizing operation under uniform high-temperature testing, the 91�� circuit produced up to nine times the power of previous designs at room temperature and nearly doubled at nearly 500 degrees. In practical terms, that’s like turning a walkie-talkie that only works across your yard into one that can reach across your neighborhood. At extreme heat, it still boosts detection range by about 50 percent, meaning problems can be spotted earlier and from farther away. Because the design can be paired with thermoelectric generators, these sensors could power themselves from the very heat they monitor, which eliminates the need for batteries or wires and makes them easier to deploy in remote or dangerous places.

Zanoni, originally from Lubec, Maine, came to 91�� where he participated in a Research Experience for Undergraduates program introducing him to this research. He continued on to complete his undergraduate Honor’s Thesis on this topic and will continue to study high temperature, harsh environment sensing in pursuit of a PhD at 91��.

The research, demonstrating robust modeling and successful fabrication under realistic harsh-environment testing, was recently published in IEEE Access under the title “”

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

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

Back on Track: 91��’s Black Bear Racing Makes Triumphant Return to National SAE Competition

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 13:35:32 +0000

The 91�� Formula SAE team, Black Bear Racing (BBR), recently returned to national competition at the Michigan International Speedway. It marked their first appearance in Detroit since 2013. While the team did not compete in dynamic events, they persevered through rigorous technical inspections that drew praise from judges and seasoned competitors.

Upon arriving at Michigan International Speedway, the Black Bear Racing (BBR) team immediately set to work preparing their car. They successfully navigated the initial technical inspection, a demanding process involving over 100 checks, a notable achievement for a “rookie” team that impressed judges and competitors alike. While subsequent challenges, including a tilt test and a full day spent on noise restriction modifications, demonstrated the team’s adaptability, they ultimately ran out of time to complete the final brake test, preventing them from participating in dynamic driving events. Despite this, the team’s spirits remained high. No other rookie team passed all four technical inspections, and even some experienced teams fell short, underscoring BBR’s significant accomplishment. The team gained invaluable technical and managerial knowledge, benefiting from advice offered by judges and other teams.

Looking Ahead to the 2026 Racing Season

The 2025 season represented a rebuilding effort for Black Bear Racing. With limited resources, the team incorporated components from the 2013 car into their new design. Their success in bringing a running, driving car to the international competition is a feat many first-year teams, and some second-year teams, do not achieve. Judges praised the quality of 91��’s car, noting its polish compared to other first-year entries they had seen.

Energized by their Michigan experience, BBR is highly motivated for the The team plans a complete redesign of the formula car, aiming to integrate new technologies and ideas prevalent in the SAE International world. Their goal is clear: return to Michigan and improve upon this year’s performance putting 91�� in the national spotlight.

Support Black Bear Racing’s Journey

The 91�� Formula SAE team is dedicated to providing hands-on experience in design, manufacturing, and project management. Their journey is made possible through the support of individuals and organizations. If you’re interested in helping Black Bear Racing achieve their 2026 goals and beyond, , helping the team acquire materials, tools, and resources needed to build a competitive vehicle. Contact Seth Dixon, Black Bear Racing President at seth.dixon@maine.edu to learn more about sponsorship or material donations.

2025 Francis Crowe Induction Honors graduates and distinguished engineers

Tue, 20 May 2025 20:16:59 +0000

May 11, 2025 | College of Engineering & Computing

The 2025 Francis Crowe Society Induction Ceremony took place on Sunday, May 11, celebrating the accomplishments of some of the 91��’s most distinguished engineering alumni and over 250 graduating students. Named after Francis Trenholm Crowe, 91�� Class of 1905 and chief engineer of the Hoover Dam, this annual tradition recognizes graduates who have made significant contributions to the engineering profession through research, industry, and education.

Crowe, known for his pioneering work on major water infrastructure projects in the American West, serves as an enduring symbol of 91��’s legacy in engineering excellence. His career was shaped by an early lecture he attended while at 91�� and later led him to innovate dam construction techniques that are still influential today.

The ceremony was hosted by Giovanna Guidoboni, Dean of the Maine College of Engineering and Computing. The Pledge and Preamble was delivered by Mohamad T. Musavi, Associate Dean, and the Fundamentals of Engineering Cord Presentation was given by Brent M. Bridges, PE, Chair of the State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers.

2025 Distinguished Engineer Inductees

Kevin Libby – Electrical Engineering
A native of Farmington, Maine, Kevin Libby earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from 91�� in 1986 and an M.S. in Computer Engineering from UMass Lowell in 1992. Currently a Distinguished Engineer at NVIDIA Corp., Kevin has led innovations in Static Timing Analysis and design methodology for over two decades. He also serves on 91��’s Electrical and Computer Engineering visiting committee and is preparing for retirement while pursuing his interest in vintage pinball machines.

Larry Foster – Mechanical Engineering
Larry Foster brings 38 years of aerospace engineering experience, focusing on composites and structural innovation. His work spans elite organizations like Pratt & Whitney and Wisk Aero. He has 13 patents and has significantly influenced both academic and industrial practices. Larry serves on 91��’s Mechanical Engineering Advisory Board and is passionate about mentoring and next-generation flight systems.

Carrie Enos – Chemical Engineering (B.S. 1999)
As President of the 91�� Pulp and Paper Foundation since 2014, Carrie Enos has expanded employer partnerships and scholarship opportunities. A former business unit manager at Verso Paper, Carrie is a recognized leader and mentor in the pulp and paper industry. She serves on the Board of Directors for TAPPI and continues to champion student success.

Julia O’Neill – Chemical Engineering (B.S. 1981)
With over 30 years of experience in pharmaceuticals and chemicals, Julia O’Neill has made her mark as a statistician and chemical engineer. She played a vital role in Moderna’s Spikevax vaccine development and was named a Fellow of the American Society for Quality. Julia’s interdisciplinary expertise has helped bring life-changing medicines to market.

Matthew Tonello – Civil & Environmental Engineering (B.S. 1994)
Matthew Tonello leads Consigli Construction’s Northern New England operations and has overseen major 91�� infrastructure projects including the Ferland Engineering Education and Design Center. With dual graduate degrees in structural engineering and real estate development, he continues to shape Maine’s built environment and serves on multiple advisory and nonprofit boards.

Outstanding Graduating Students

Zachary Hopp – Mechanical Engineering
From Maple Grove, Minnesota, Zach is the Outstanding Graduating Student in the College. A member of the Men’s Swimming and Diving Team, he has completed multiple internships and contributed to research on sustainable packaging. His work exemplifies the application of engineering in real-world challenges. Zachary was also the inaugural Prashanth Chandrasekar Excellence Award recipient, recognized as the first Chandrasekar Scholar.

Siddhartha Bajracharya – Electrical Engineering
Originally from Kathmandu, Nepal, Siddhartha is recognized as the Outstanding Graduating International Student. His passion for embedded systems was cultivated through national ballooning research collaborations. He plans to pursue a master’s degree in computer engineering at 91��.

The Francis Crowe Induction Ceremony remains a hallmark event celebrating the enduring impact of 91�� engineers. With honorees whose work spans global innovation, community development, and academic mentorship, this year’s celebration reaffirms the 91��’s commitment to excellence in engineering education. As new graduates and seasoned professionals stood together to recite the engineering pledge, the spirit of integrity, service, and innovation that defined Francis Crowe continues to inspire future generations. In addition to the distinguished alumni, over 250 undergraduate graduating seniors were also inducted into the Francis Crowe Society, highlighting the depth and promise of 91��’s engineering legacy.

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

Seeking CS or New Media Undergrad for Employment with Maine eDNA

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 21:41:20 +0000

We are seeking an undergraduate student employee to join the Maine-eDNA team, a large NSF EPSCoR funded project (/edna/). One goal of the project is to build an integrated data repository of environmental DNA (eDNA), which is DNA obtained from fresh and marine water samples and subjected to high throughput sequencing. eDNA samples need to be stored at very low (-80C) temperatures in special freezers. Given the growing repository of stored samples we are seeking a creative student with proficient coding skills to help with design and creation of a Freezer Mapping application that will support fast and accurate location, management and retrieval of samples.

Freezer Mapping Project (This project may be accomplished remotely)

Junior or Senior in CS or New Media

As part of the Maine-eDNA team, the student will gain hands-on research experience and other professional skills to advance their career. The student will work with the 91�� Coordinated Operating Research Entities (CORE) environmental DNA (eDNA) Laboratory and the eDNA Data Management Team to facilitate the development of a web application for the management and tracking of eDNA samples.

The 91�� eDNA laboratory offers Next-Generation Sequencing, Digital Droplet PCR, and quantitative PCR. As these samples need to be stored within -80°C lab freezers to preserve the DNA, fast and efficient tracking of sample attributes such as each sample’s remaining eDNA volume and location in the freezer is vital. The student will work closely with the eDNA laboratory to assess needs and produce a database web application built in the .

The applicant should have a desire to learn and work through problems. Coding will be required and there will be an end of project technical report and presentation open to eDNA colleagues.

The position is full-time (40 hours per week at $12.30 per hour) during May through August, with the option to continue working part-time during the academic year.

Required

Programming experience (Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS)
Familiarity with GitHub and collaborative coding practices
Familiarity with Databases with respect to web application design
Familiarity with Linux environments (CentOS, Ubuntu)

Desired

Familiarity with Django Framework

Applicants must be a Maine resident or, if not a Maine resident, attending a university or college in Maine.

To apply, please send the following application materials to Maine EPSCoR at maine.epscor@maine.edu: (1) Cover letter explaining interest and qualifications for this position, (2) current resume or CV, (3) a copy of unofficial academic transcript, and (4) a list of the names and contact information of three references of anyone familiar with your work performance including teachers. Applications are being accepted immediately until positions are filled.