The three-day virtual conference, held Aug. 4-6, will explore practical strategies for using emerging technologies to strengthen teaching and learning while keeping students at the center of the classroom experience. This year’s theme, 鈥淧owering Progress,鈥� focuses on helping educators prepare for the rapidly evolving role of technology in education ahead of the new school year.

Highlights include:

• A plenary session 鈥� 鈥淧assive to Powerful: Teaching a Distracted Generation to Create鈥� 鈥� and workshops led by Kristen Brooks, a nationally recognized educational technology consultant.
• Another plenary session 鈥� 鈥淎I Workout: Strengthening Human-Centered Classrooms with AI鈥� 鈥� led by Maine Department of Education Emerging Technology Specialist Nicole Davis.
• Workshops and presentations by technology educators, specialists and coordinators from Maine, California, Texas and Abu Dhabi, as well as faculty, staff and researchers from 91爆料鈥檚 College of Education and Human Development and the Maine Center for Research in STEM Education (RiSE Center).聽聽

The Summer Technology Institute is held every year for students in two summer courses offered through the Instructional Technology graduate programs, both of which run July 20 to Aug. 14.

Educators who are not registered for the courses can still sign up to attend the institute for professional development credit and earn 25 contact hours or 2.5 continuing education units (CEUs). More information about the different registration options is available online.

Administered by the 91爆料 College of Education and Human Development, the Instructional Technology graduate programs are operated cooperatively by the 91爆料, the 91爆料 at Farmington and the University of Southern Maine. Courses are delivered remotely via 91爆料Online. 

For more information: 91爆料 Senior Lecturer in Instructional Technology Mia Morrison, mia.morrison@maine.edu

The fellowships were developed to increase undergraduate student involvement in faculty-supervised research and creative activity. Winners receive $3,000 to put toward their research projects over the summer months.

The 2026 CUGR Summer Undergraduate Fellowship Recipients are:

• Abigail Bergmark, microbiology, for a project titled 鈥淐yclic-di-GMP Effects on Candida albicans in the Presence of Fluconazole.鈥� Bergmark will be advised by Robert Wheeler.
• Amelia Bradford, anthropology, for a project titled 鈥淲ho鈥檚 Who In Biddeford, ME: The Life of 20th Century Textile Mill Workers as Told Through the Company Newspaper.鈥� Bradford will be advised by Susan Pinette.聽
• Rachel Harrington, marine science, for a project titled 鈥淧FAS Contamination and Temperature Effects on American Lobster.鈥� Harrington will be advised by Amalia Harrington.
• Alyssa Hinderer, marine science, for a project titled 鈥淧redicting PFAS Deposition In Maine Estuaries.鈥� The award for Hinderer, who will be advised by Margaret Estapa, was funded by Maine Sea Grant.聽
• Emily Leszczewski, marine science, for a project titled 鈥淓ffects of 41% Glyphosate Exposure On Behavior, Molting, And Stress Response Of Postlarval American Lobsters (Homarus americanus).鈥� Leszczewski will be advised by Amalia Harrington.
• Tyler Lilya, marine science, for a project titled 鈥淎 Novel Multi-Trophic Bio-Filter Apparatus To Remove Point Source, Anthropogenic Eutrophication From Waste Treatment Outflows.鈥� Lilya will be advised by Timothy Bowden.
• Willow McConochie, botany, for a project titled 鈥淎ssessing the Emotional Responses of Hikers to Hand Drawn Versus Generative AI Imagery of a High Alpine Species.鈥� McConochie will be advised by Jacquelyn Gill.
• Declan Mercer, engineering physics, for a project titled 鈥淔ueling The Magnetic Machine: Applications Of Superparamagnetic Functionalization.鈥� Mercer will be advised by Ioan-Augustin Chioar.
• Mackenzie Michaud, wildlife ecology, for a project titled 鈥淣esting Ecology of Maine Wood Turtles.鈥� Michaud will be advised by Matthew Chatfield.
• Emma Morrison, biochemistry, for a project titled 鈥淎ntibacterial Agent Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC) Ironically Inhibits Immune Cell Function: Mechanisms of Action on Signaling and Cytokines.鈥� The award for Morrison, who will be advised by Julie Gosse, was funded by the 91爆料 Institute of Medicine.聽
• Lindsey Pellett, child development and family relationships, for a project titled 鈥淧arental ACE Scores and Family Dynamics: A Qualitative Study.鈥� Pellett will be advised by Daniel Puhlman.
• Wyatt Perron, philosophy, for a project titled 鈥淧osing In Bondage: A Phenomenological Investigation of The Male Loneliness Epidemic.鈥� Perron advised by Derek Michaud.
• Jayde Temby, child development and family relations, for a project titled 鈥淎 Qualitative Analysis of Family Relations with Children with ASD.鈥� Temby will be advised by Puhlman.

The 2026 MSGC Summer Undergraduate Award Recipients are:

• Berra Algul, engineering physics, for a project titled 鈥淧olar Magneto-Optic Kerr Effect Microscopy.鈥� Algul advised by Nicholas Bingham.
• Keith Falkner, physics for a project titled 鈥淚nverse Magnetic Origami: Exploring Collective Magnetic Behavior By Unfolding Platonic Solids.鈥� Falkner will be advised by Chioar.
• Eloise Fontaine, physics, for a project titled 鈥淢easuring Exchange Bias in Hysteresis Loops.鈥� Fontaine will be advised by Bingham.
• Drake Grove, biomedical engineering, for a project titled 鈥淚mproving CNF Processing Through Press-Assisted Dewatering.鈥� Grove will be advised by Caitlin Howell.
• Mino Iobs, physics, for a project titled 鈥淕rowth, Characterization, and Quantum Analysis of Weyl Semimetal Mn2Sn Thin Films.鈥� Iobs will be advised by Bingham.
• Mackenzie Jones, physics, for a project titled 鈥淐reating Fe3O4 Films for Quantum Sensing & Astronomy Applications.鈥� Jones will be advised by Bingham.
• Gavin Libby, engineering physics, for a project titled 鈥淪olar Thermal Reactor Prototype Sensor Update.鈥� Libby will be advised by Justin Lapp.
• Benjamin Morgan, mechanical engineering, for a project titled 鈥淓ducation for K-8 in Manufacturing Engineering.鈥� Morgan will be advised by Philip King.
• Alexander Thayer, physics, for a project titled 鈥淚nvestigating Electronic Band Structure of Cr-doped WSe2 via Vertical Magnetoelectrical Transport.鈥� Thayer will be advised by Dinh Loc Duong.

The five-day camp caters to students exploring careers in engineering and computing by immersing them in microchips, transistors and of the latest building blocks for modern technology worldwide: semiconductors. By the end of the week, participants will integrate and build and test their own semiconductor system. 

In addition to experiments and games, students will also tour Texas Instruments鈥� South Portland facility, giving them industry exposure, opportunities to interact with experts and a glimpse into future career paths.

The camp is hosted by the Maine College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC) at 91爆料 and funded by the National Science Foundation. Register and learn more about the camp at . 

The 91爆料 is among the partners supporting the event, which will feature panel discussions, networking opportunities, startup showcases, demonstrations and field trips highlighting innovation and collaboration across Maine鈥檚 marine and coastal sectors.

Two 91爆料 leaders have been selected for the prestigious 2026 Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI), a national leadership development program of the (AASCU).

Giovanna Guidoboni, interim vice president for research for the 91爆料 and the 91爆料 at Machias and dean of the Maine College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC), and Hannah Carter, deputy provost and dean of 91爆料 Cooperative Extension, are among 31 higher education leaders nationwide chosen for the 2026 cohort.

MLI prepares senior administrators for executive leadership roles through mentorship, executive coaching and professional development. Since its founding in 1999, the program has supported more than 800 higher education leaders, including many who have gone on to serve as college and university presidents and chancellors.

As the inaugural dean of the MCEC, Guidoboni leads a flagship initiative of the 91爆料 System鈥檚 UMS TRANSFORMS program to build a statewide hub for engineering and computing. She oversees efforts to modernize academic programs and facilities, expand hands-on learning opportunities and foster innovation. As interim vice president for research, she has also helped advance 91爆料鈥檚 research enterprise and engagement with federal funding agencies.

As dean of 91爆料 Extension, Carter leads statewide education, applied research and public service programs that support communities across Maine. She oversees strategic planning, personnel development and stakeholder engagement while working closely with government, industry and community partners.

鈥淲e are proud to welcome this exceptional group of leaders in the MLI network as they continue their progression toward the presidency and senior leadership roles,鈥� said Charles L. Welch, president and CEO of AASCU. 鈥淢LI has long played a vital role in cultivating a dynamic community of higher education leaders who are prepared to meet the challenges facing our institutions and students.鈥�

The 2026 cohort is meeting in Washington, D.C., June 10-13 to begin the yearlong program.

The awards celebrate alumni and professionals affiliated with the Maine Graduate School of Business, 91爆料 School of Law, Maine College of Engineering and Computing and the Muskie School of Public Service, as well as leaders contributing to economic growth and innovation in Maine.The 2026 Maine Center Awards ceremony will be held on June 8.

Barbara Kerr Hamilton, senior director of process technology at Packaging Corporation of America, received the Distinguished Alumni Award. A 91爆料 alumna with a background in chemical engineering, Hamilton has held leadership roles in engineering, industrial automation, process control and operational technology while remaining actively involved with 91爆料 through the Pulp and Paper Foundation and 91爆料 Board of Visitors.

Ron Roope, senior vice president and director of business banking at Bangor Savings Banks, received a Distinguished Alumni Award. Roope has built a career in commercial banking and business leadership while maintaining a longstanding involvement with 91爆料, including as a cooperating faculty member for the Maine Business School for five years. He has also served on Maine Business School Advisory Board, the Katahdin Area Council Boy Scouts Board and the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire Board. 

Andrew Murry, an audit manager at Baker Newman Noyes, received an Emerging Leader Award. A MaineMBA alumnus and certified public accountant, Murry specializes in healthcare and nonprofit assurance services and remains active in mentorship and professional service throughout Maine鈥檚 accounting community. He is active in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Maine Society of Certified Public Accountants, and serves as treasurer of the Healthcare Financial Management Association鈥檚 Northern New England Chapter. 

Kyle Warren, CEO and co-founder of Evergreen Additive Inc., received an Emerging Leader Award. Warren earned his bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering from 91爆料 and previously led advanced manufacturing initiatives at the Advanced Structures and Composites Center, including work on the world鈥檚 largest 3D-printed logistics vessel for the U.S. Department of Defense.

Mark Skinner, founder of Skinner Retirement and Benefits Consulting and executive chairman of Daybright Financial, received the Maine Center Award for Innovation. A 91爆料 Business alumnus, Skinner has spent decades leading retirement and employee benefits organizations while helping develop integrated financial and benefits strategies used nationally. He has served as a corporate academy liaison for the National Academy Foundation and participated in Habitat for Humanity rebuilding efforts after Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy. He continues to support the 91爆料 Graduate School of Business as an architect and advisory board member of the Maine MBA Academy.

Published by SAGE, Group & Organization Management is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes research focused on management and organization theory and its implications for practitioners. The journal is ranked among the top 10% of publications in organizational behavior and applied psychology on the SCImago rankings.

Obenauer’s research focuses on diversity and inclusion issues within organizations and the use of replication research to better understand those issues. His work has been published in journals including The Leadership Quarterly, Group & Organization Management, Acta Psychologica and Journal of Management Scientific Reports. 

He previously served as an associate editor of Group & Organization Management and serves on the editorial review boards of The Leadership Quarterly, Journal of Management Scientific Reports and Journal of Business and Psychology.

At the 91爆料, Obenauer teaches courses in human resource management, leadership and organizational behavior. He earned a doctorate in management with a concentration in organizational behavior from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York.

In 鈥淎I Ethics and Governance: Historical, Cultural, and Regulatory Perspectives,鈥� W枚rsd枚rfer explores AI through the lens of history, philosophy, ethics, political economy and public policy. Through six interconnected essays, the book analyzes the origins of AI research, portrayals of artificial intelligence in popular culture and the emerging approaches to regulation.

Held in April in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the competition tasked teams with touring and assessing participating farms, then providing detailed recommendations on how they can enhance their businesses. The teams focused on ways farms could improve nutrition, reproduction, milking procedures, animal health, cow comfort and labor and financial management.

Out of eight teams that evaluated Tri-Cross Dairy in Viborg, South Dakota, 91爆料鈥檚 group delivered the third best presentation. Members of the 91爆料 team included animal and veterinary science majors Cece Desautell, Felicity Gregware and Riley McAllaster, as well as zoology major Amanda Allen. They were coached by Glenda Pereira, assistant professor of animal science at 91爆料 and dairy specialist at 91爆料 Cooperative Extension.

The programs are designed to benefit professionals from a range of sectors, including healthcare, education and nonprofits, as well as people who are unemployed or underemployed. They offer training in grant writing, public speaking, mediation, project management, and effective communication, among others. A new offering this fall is 鈥�.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

The full program list and additional details are available on the . Most programs are online and synchronous, while some are held in person or in a hybrid format.  

A certificate of completion and Continuing Education Units will be available. Reduced rates are available for groups of four or more participants from a single employer who register together for the same program. Eligible employers can also apply for Maine Workforce Development Compact matching funding support.

In addition to scheduled programs, requests for custom programming on various professional development topics are welcome. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Kathleen Toole at um.continuinged@maine.edu or 207.581.3167.  

Michael Brzezowski, a technology teacher and integrator at Pemetic Elementary School in Southwest Harbor, was named Hancock County Teacher of the Year. Brzezowski earned his master鈥檚 degree in secondary science education from the 91爆料 College of Education and Human Development.

Marcy Soucy was named Penobscot County Teacher of the Year. A fourth and fifth grade teacher at Fairmount Elementary School in Bangor, Soucy earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree in elementary education from 91爆料.

Allison Mundee, a pre-kindergarten teacher at Harold B. Emery Jr. Memorial School in Limington, was named York County Teacher of the Year. Mundee earned her early childhood education certification from 91爆料.

In all, nine of the 16 Maine County Teachers of the Year have degrees or earned their certification from Maine’s public universities.

County Teachers of the Year serve as ambassadors for schools, students and the teaching profession for the next year. They are nominated by members of their community and selected by a panel of other teachers, principals and business leaders based on their service in education and dedication to their students.

The field of 16 will be narrowed to a smaller group of semifinalists, who will put together a professional portfolio, part of the National Teacher of the Year selection process. Finalists will be chosen following a review of the portfolios and presentations to an expert panel, and the Maine Teacher of the Year will be named in the fall.

More information about the 2026 Maine County Teachers of the Year is on the and websites.

The proceeds for the sale will support the Black Bear Exchange food pantry, Black Bear Mentors program for local children, community service projects and other offerings from 91爆料鈥檚 Bodwell Center for Service and Volunteerism. Students were informed about the program ahead of the event and encouraged to donate items they no longer need.

Returning from a two-year hiatus during renovations at the Alfond Arena, the sale will feature used furniture, organizers, decorations, appliances, bedding and clothing, as well as a limited selection of excess campus furnishings. Items will be priced and cash and card payments will be accepted. A pickup area will be designated for large items, and delivery will be available on Friday by donation.

Attendees are encouraged to park in the Dunn, Corbett and Steamplant lots, as well as the north side of the arena by the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) house. The Bear Necessities Fan Shop will also be open on Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

For more information, please contact Lisa Morin at 207.949.3611 or lisa.morin@maine.edu.

The panel follows the journal鈥檚 release of . It will will feature leaders in healthcare, economic development and agriculture who contributed to the publication, including: 

• Rhiannon Hampson, vice president for economic development and the Gulf of Maine Research Institute.
• Shelley Megquier, director of policy and research for Maine Farmland Trust.
• Dora Anne Mills, chief health improvement officer at MaineHealth.
• Tora Johnson, director of the Sunrise County Economic Council鈥檚 Sustainable Prosperity Initiative.
• David Vail, professor of economics emeritus at Bowdoin College
• Ann Acheson, former research associate at Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center.

Housed at 91爆料鈥檚 Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center, the Maine Policy Review is the leading peer-reviewed journal focusing on policy analysis and research in the state. It鈥檚 published twice per year by the center and Margaret Chase Smith Foundation. 

Andrea Gifford has been appointed dean of students for the 91爆料 and the 91爆料 at Machias.

Gifford has served as interim dean of students over the past year, providing leadership and guidance for students across both campuses while supporting student success, belonging and crisis response efforts.

The appointment was announced by 91爆料 President Joan Ferrini-Mundy in a letter to the campus community.

鈥淎ndrea鈥檚 deep institutional knowledge, student-centered approach and dedication to fostering a supportive campus environment have made a lasting impact on countless students, faculty and staff,鈥� Ferrini-Mundy said. 鈥淗er leadership has strengthened the university鈥檚 ability to support student well-being, academic achievement and community engagement.鈥�

Gifford brings more than three decades of experience at 91爆料, with expertise in student affairs, academic advising, crisis management, student advocacy and university administration.

Since joining 91爆料 in 1991, Gifford has served in a variety of leadership and administrative roles across the university. Prior to her appointment as interim dean of students, she served as senior associate dean within the Division of Student Life. 

She currently serves as chair and case manager for the Student Behavior Review Team, helping lead the university鈥檚 threat assessment and care management efforts for both 91爆料 and 91爆料 Machias.

Earlier in her career, Gifford served as an instructor for academic and career exploration and held positions within the Division of Lifelong Learning and the Division of Administration and Finance.

鈥淚 am honored by the opportunity to continue serving the students of the 91爆料 and the 91爆料 at Machias in this role,鈥� Gifford said. 鈥淚 look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with colleagues across our campuses to support student success and foster a welcoming and supportive university community.鈥�

Gifford earned her master鈥檚 degree in education and student development and bachelor鈥檚 degree in business administration from 91爆料.

Jenny Boyden has been appointed vice president for finance and administration and chief business officer of the 91爆料 and the 91爆料 at Machias.

Boyden has served as interim vice president for finance and administration and chief business officer over the past year, overseeing budget and accounting operations, auxiliary enterprises and facilities management and planning.

The appointment was announced by 91爆料 President Joan Ferrini-Mundy in a letter to the campus community.

鈥淛enny鈥檚 collaborative leadership style, deep knowledge of public finance and strong commitment to the mission of public higher education have already made a significant impact on our university community,鈥� Ferrini-Mundy said. 鈥淪he has provided important leadership in facilities planning and capital investment efforts, including the development of a comprehensive master planning process designed to align our physical infrastructure with the university鈥檚 long-term goals for education, research, student life and athletics.鈥�

Prior to joining the 91爆料 System, Boyden served as associate commissioner for the Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services, where she also served as department lead for the Maine Jobs and Recovery Team. Earlier in her career, she held senior financial leadership positions within Maine state government and healthcare organizations.

In addition to her leadership responsibilities at 91爆料, Boyden currently serves as head of finance for UMS TRANSFORMS, helping guide the financial administration of the systemwide initiative.

鈥淚 am honored by the opportunity to continue serving the 91爆料 and 91爆料 at Machias in this role,鈥� Boyden said. 鈥淚 look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with colleagues across our campuses to strengthen the university鈥檚 financial foundation and support the success of our students, faculty, staff and broader community.鈥�

Boyden brings nearly three decades of experience in financial leadership, public administration, healthcare finance and strategic budgeting. Throughout her career, she has led budget development and analysis, operational planning and organizational leadership initiatives across governmental and nonprofit sectors.

Boyden earned her MBA from Thomas College and her bachelor鈥檚 degree in economics and finance from Bentley College.

The collection includes items such as Boat and Tote bags, fleece vests, blankets and additional apparel and accessories.

The merchandise will be available exclusively through the , both in-store and online, beginning Friday, May 8.

To celebrate the launch, the 91爆料 Bookstore will host a pop-up shop during Hearty Maine Farewell, featuring the L.L. Bean Bootmobile, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday.

The agreement brings together two iconic Maine brands and expands the university鈥檚 licensed merchandise offerings with products designed for students, alumni, families and supporters of the Black Bears.

Other recent 91爆料 licensing agreements include Orono Brewing Company, Marin Skincare and Coffee Hound.

The Foster Center for Innovation is hosting the event to highlight research innovations from the eighth cohort of the 91爆料鈥檚 MIRTA accelerator program. MIRTA, coordinated by 91爆料鈥檚 Foster Center for Innovation, assists teams from research institutions throughout the state in advancing lab discoveries into public and commercial use.

Projects from the 2026 cohort span sustainable materials, agricultural biotechnology, and AI safety. 

Registration is available through . General admission for Demo Day is $25, but 91爆料 faculty, staff, and students can attend for free using the code 91爆料Staff/Faculty or 91爆料Students.

At Demo Day, the current MIRTA teams will pitch commercialization plans shaped through market research, intellectual property analysis and business model development during the 16-week program. 

Commercialization plans vary depending on the type of invention a team brings to MIRTA, and the result could be starting a new company or licensing to an existing one. Guiding them throughout the process are business incubation staff from the Foster Center and expert advisors from industry. The teams are eligible to receive up to $25,000 each to help develop commercialization implementation plans.

Twelve start-up ventures have been formed from 36 teams that have taken part in our first seven MIRTA cohorts. They have collectively raised more than $14.3 million in external funding and prototype sales to support ongoing commercialization.

MIRTA is made possible by support from the 91爆料 System Research Reinvestment Fund. The fund is a pool of competitive internal grants allocated to advance research projects along the path from discovery to becoming commercial products with public benefit. All projects are tied to Maine businesses or industries critical to the future of the state.

Beth Bisson, associate director of Maine Sea Grant鈥檚 midcoast office, is the recipient of the 2026 Steve Gould Award for demonstrating superior qualities of unselfishness and compassion in service to the 91爆料 and its ideals.

Under Bisson鈥檚 guidance, Maine Sea Grant has transitioned toward a more inclusive and supportive model for research and outreach. Her dedication to creating an environment that puts people first has not only enhanced staff and student success, but has also deepened the program’s positive influence across the 91爆料 community.

Stephanie Kennedy, head teacher of the Chapel Preschool Program at the 91爆料 Children鈥檚 Center, and Richard Corey, the director and co-founder of the VEMI Lab, were the recipients of the 2025 Steve Gould Award for selfless service to the university

Kennedy was honored for her tireless commitment to her students and colleagues. Peers lauded Kennedy for leading a classroom of 20 four- to five-year-olds with grace while mentoring fellow teachers and 91爆料 students. She often spends her weekends setting up new themes for her units and decorating the classroom on her own time to ensure a vibrant learning environment.

During his tenure, Corey has taught over 40 courses, served on eight Ph.D committees and eight master’s committees and mentored numerous undergraduate students He won 91爆料鈥檚 Supervisor of the Year in 2018. His efforts focus on human-technology interaction and accessibility, and he remains dedicated to advancing collaborative undergraduate education and cutting-edge research processes.

The award recognizes classified employees鈥� exceptional service and dedication to 91爆料, increasing the campus community鈥檚 awareness of the indispensable contributions that represented and nonrepresented classified employees make to the quality and overall mission of the university. Award winners receive $1,000 in recognition of their contributions.

Mentus has been a part of the 91爆料 community since 2013, when she joined the Advanced Structures and Composites Center. In December of 2022, she then joined OIRA.

Beyond her primary professional duties, Mentus also serves as the voluntary building manager for Alumni Hall. In this capacity, she manages everything from maintenance and access requests to the vital safety coordination required between 91爆料 facilities and the 91爆料 Police Department to keep the building secure.

Mentus鈥檚 positive impact on the 91爆料 community and consistent ability to exceed expectations were highlighted repeatedly throughout her numerous nomination letters.

鈥淏ut the quality that truly sets Kim apart is the way in which she combines her dedication to our

collective work and goals, with her compassion and commitment to our well-being as people and

professionals,鈥� wrote one of her nominators. 鈥淔or example, one of our office tasks requires that for a period of one to two months each year, someone takes on supervising student workers on weekday evenings. Kim, knowing that being away from home in the evenings is challenging for some of us due to family commitments, has volunteered for this task for three consecutive years. Not only does she supervise the student workers so that others of us can get a break from the task; but she truly invests in the students as people, taking the opportunity to make a positive difference in their lives as well.鈥�

The award is based on a professional employee鈥檚 demonstrated dedication to serving others, maintaining the highest level of professional services, creating a better campus environment and engaging in public service in their field and community. Award recipients are recognized for their accomplishments with a $1,000 stipend.

Under her guidance as the lead teacher, she leads a classroom of 20 four- to five-year-olds, and mentors her fellow teachers and 91爆料 students who have participated in the program. She often spends her weekends setting up new themes for the units and decorating the classroom on her own time.

Additionally, she goes out of her way to organize after-school family activities to build community between children and parents, ensuring a smooth transition for those newly entering the program.

In several letters of nomination, Kennedy was described as someone who dedicates herself fully to the 91爆料 community. 

鈥淲here other, brilliant educators have struggled, Stephanie seems to tune in to my child鈥檚 behavior with curiosity and helps him fulfill his needs in a supportive way. I am immensely grateful for the steady demeanor and skill she brings to her work,鈥� said Erin Miller, a research communications manager in the Office of the Vice President for Research at the 91爆料, in her nomination. 鈥淪tephanie plays an essential role in supporting the mission of 91爆料 by providing a nurturing learning environment for the children of faculty, staff and students. Her dedication allows families across campus to pursue their work and studies knowing their children are in capable and caring hands.鈥�

Tim’s unlikely journey from rural Readfield, Maine, to 91爆料 to Los Angeles provides a backdrop for his latest gig: speaker for the 2026 undergraduate commencement ceremonies at his alma mater.

In this episode of 鈥淭he Maine Question鈥� podcast, host Ron Lisnet and Allen Adams, communications specialist and marketing coordinator for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, speak with Tim about his journey, the business of show business, memories of his days in Orono and much more.

Listen to the podcast on , , , , or 鈥淭he Maine Question鈥� website. 

What topics would you like to learn more about? What questions do you have for 91爆料 experts? Email them to mainequestion@maine.edu.

The symposium awards undergraduate and graduate students who displayed outstanding research, presentation and creative ability. Award winners were selected through judging across academic categories, all receiving a medal and a $500 cash prize. There were also several special awards, including the Student Innovation and Commercialization Awards, given to students and faculty. 

Over 350 projects from researchers at 91爆料 and its regional campus, the 91爆料 at Machias, were submitted to the annual event, co-hosted by CUGR, Student Government and the Graduate Student Government. 

Undergraduate category award winners

• Allied Health: Alyson Shook and Hannah Maker, for their project titled 鈥淪trengthening EMS Retention in Maine: A Path to Improved Patient Outcomes.鈥� They were advised by Sarah Hanscome.
• Arts: William Fortier, Oliver Rodi and Mikey Arbelo, for their project titled 鈥淭he Creativity of Mapping.鈥� They were advised by Andy Mauery.
• Biomedical Sciences: Hayden Kittell, Diana Goode and Moria Weese-Myers, for their project titled 鈥淢HCII Expression in Differential Doses of Chemotherapy Treatment on Mice.鈥� They were advised by William Otto.
• Business: Brady Merritt, for the project titled 鈥淐an Large Language Models Pass the CFA Exam.鈥� Merrit was advised by Sebastian Lobe.
• Education: Carly Philbrook, for her project titled 鈥淐omparison of High School Mathematics Textbooks Analyzing Higher Order Thinking Skills in New England.鈥� Philbrook was advised by Kamal Chawla.
• Engineering and Information Sciences: Elsa Perez Abella and Ahmed Kandil, for their project titled 鈥淪urface Flow Visualization Enhancement Using AI.鈥� They were advised by Ahmed Aboelezz.
• Engineering and Information Sciences: Wyatt Fessler, Cadence Kluck, Isabelle Irani and Marc Zoorob, for their project titled 鈥淎 Tissue-integrating, Resealable Hemodialysis Port for Reducing Complications Associated with Repetitive Vascular Access.鈥� They were advised by David Neivandt.
• Interdisciplinary Research: Richard Viveiros, for the project titled 鈥淪ublethal PFAS Exposure During Larval Stages of Culex: Consequences for Development, Survivorship, and Tissue Bioacculation of PFOA, PFBA, and PFBS.鈥� Viveiros was advised by Allison Gardner.
• Interdisciplinary Research: Luke Connolly, for the project titled 鈥淣ano-Pattern Fabrication Using Electron Beam Lithography.鈥� Connolly was advised by Dinh Loc Duong.
• Natural Sciences: Josie Aprea, Brendan Dahl, Emma Perry and Ian Bricknell, for their project titled 鈥減H vs. Predator.鈥� Bricknell also served as advisor for the project.
• Physical and Mathematical Sciences: Avery Richard, Ziyad ur Rehman, Henry Carfagno and Nuri Emanetoglu, for their project titled 鈥淔abrication and Characterization of Indenofluorene-based Organic Single Crystal Field-effect Transistors.鈥� They were advised by Dinh Loc Duong.
• Social Sciences and Humanities: Maya Aylesworth, for the project titled 鈥淩obert Johnson, the Crossroad Mythos, and the Lasting Effects of a Legend.鈥� Aylesworth was advised by Jennifer Moxley.

Graduate category award winner

• Allied Health: Katherine Brewer, for the project titled 鈥淭elehealth and Prenatal Care Utilization in Rural Communities: Addressing Access, Satisfaction, and Health Outcomes.鈥� Brewer was advised by Kathryn Robinson.
• Arts: Celena Powell, for the project titled 鈥淎t the Threshold: Domestic Space as a Site of Contemporary Resistance.鈥� Powell was advised by Susan Smith.
• Biomedical Sciences: Chloe Bossow, Lydia McCarthy and Melody Neely, for the project titled 鈥淚nteractions Between Group B Streptococcus and Candida albicans Are Influenced by Environmental Stress.鈥� Neely also served as the advisor for the project.
• Education: Kayla McLagan, Kate Ruskin, Alison Jolley, Karen Pelletreau and Edgelynn Venuti, for their project titled 鈥淭o What Extent Does a Weekend-long Field Course Influence Students鈥� Sense of Belonging? A Focus on Influential Course Elements.鈥� They were advised by Kate Ruskin.
• Engineering and Information Sciences: Mahbuba Daizy, Yu Zhang, Douglas Bousfield, Jinwu Wang and David Neivandt, for their project titled 鈥淐omparison of Stabilization Systems for Soybean Wax Emulsions to Produce Sustainable Water-resistant Paper Based Packaging: Surfactant vs. Pickering.鈥� Neivandt also served as the advisor for the project.
• Interdisciplinary Research: Zainab Jafri, for the project titled 鈥淩eimagining the Waste Disposal Landscape – Industrial Symbiosis in Maine.鈥� Jafri was advised by Reed Miller.
• Natural Sciences: Nabanita Das, Islam Hafez, Colleen Walker, Douglas Bousfield and Mehdi Tajvidi, for their project titled 鈥淔actors Influencing the Effectiveness of Cellulose Nanfibril Coatings on Molded Fiber Substrates.鈥� Tajvidi also served as the advisor for the project.
• Physical and Mathematical Sciences: Hettikankanamge Kalani Samarasekara, for the project titled 鈥淧aving the Way for Novel Drug Delivery Systems: Peptoid Nanoparticles.鈥� Samarasekara was advised by Alessia Battigelli.
• Social Sciences and Humanities: Catherine Segada, Chyanne Yoder, William Breneman and Gianna DeJoy, for their project titled 鈥淩euseME: Investigating Waste Reduction and Cost Benefits in Coastal Communities Through a Pilot Reusable Food Packaging Program.鈥� They were advised by Cynthia Isenhour.
• Social Sciences and Humanities: Cynthia Cushing, Catherine Taylor, Rachel Coleman, MaryLou Ciolfi, Jennifer Crittenden, Len Kaye and Sarah Currie, for their project titled 鈥淏uilding a Workforce Readiness Model for Older Adults: Partner Insights From AmeriCorps Seniors Workforce Development Program.鈥� Crittenden also served as advisor for the project. 

Student Innovation and Commercialization Awards

• First Place: Nabanita Das.
• Second Place: Amir Baharvand.
• Third Place: Noro John.

Additional awards

• Dean of Graduate School Undergraduate Mentoring Award: Joshua Hamilton.
• Dean of the Graduate School Faculty Mentor Award: Christine Beitl
• Bruce and Joanne Fournier Award: Gregory Simms, Mikayla Reynolds, Isabelle Irani and David Neivandt.
• Provost鈥檚 Innovative and Creative Teaching Award: Jillian Fedarick.
• Susan J. Hunter Undergraduate Award: Madelynn DeBest.
• Susan J. Hunter Graduate Award: Mya Griffith. 

The award recognizes individuals whose work has significantly advanced scientific and engineering knowledge within the renewable materials sector. Division Technical Awards, presented by TAPPI, honor outstanding accomplishments or contributions that advance industry technology in a given field.

Tajvidi received the award on April 28 at the TAPPICon conference in Columbus, Ohio.

He holds appointments in 91爆料鈥檚 School of Forest Resources, the Advanced Structures and Composites Center and the Forest Bioproducts Research Institute. His research focuses on alternatives to petroleum-based products, particularly within forest-based industries.

Guests should park in Hilltop, CCA, Belgrade and Steam Plant lots, with ADA parking available near the arena. 

Additional guest parking will be available in Dunn Lot and Wells Lot, which must be accessed from Munson Road heading northbound. Shuttle buses will run continuously from these lots to the venue.

Shuttles will drop off at Long Road and Munson Road, a short walk from Alfond Arena, to reduce congestion near the building.

Long Road will be closed from College Avenue to Gym Drive during the events.

Parking will be restricted in some areas, including the west side of College Avenue, to maintain traffic flow and emergency access. Corbett Lot will be reserved for event staff parking only.

The ceremonies are scheduled for Friday, May 8 (graduate) and Saturday, May 9 (undergraduate).

Attendees should allow extra travel time and follow directions from event staff.