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. 

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.

Nearly 300 high school students from 11 different Maine high schools are expected to visit the flagship campus in Orono for the event. They will take part in an informational resource fair, student life interactive presentations, student panels featuring Early College alumni, and specialized campus tours tailored to students鈥� academic interests. 

91爆料 Early College allows high school students to take courses through the flagship for credit and tuition-free through a partnership between the 91爆料 System and the Maine Department of Education. Doing so helps them develop confidence and study skills, and see postsecondary education as a place where they belong and will succeed. The result of these 91爆料 Early College opportunities is increased high school and postsecondary degree attainment and lower debt.

鈥淒iscovery Day is an exciting opportunity for high school students to experience the 91爆料 firsthand and see what makes our campus so distinctive,鈥� said 91爆料 Associate Dean of Online and Continuing Education Patricia Libby. 鈥淎t 91爆料, students dive into a one-of-a-kind, discovery-driven education that begins with hands-on learning from day one in an immersive environment. As Maine鈥檚 learner-centered R1 research university, we are a hub for innovation 鈥� from advanced manufacturing and the blue economy to the health and life sciences and beyond. As a Space Grant and Sea Grant institution, and home to NCAA Division I athletics, 91爆料 offers students the chance to explore their interests and imagine what鈥檚 possible at Maine鈥檚 flagship university.鈥�

The inaugural Early College Discovery Day was made possible by generous funding from the Alton 鈥�38 and Adelaide Hamm Campus Activity Fund, with additional support from the 91爆料 Division of Lifelong Learning and the Maine College of Engineering and Computing.

For more information, contact 91爆料 Early College Program Coordinator Allison Drinkwater, at 207-581-8024 or um.earlycollege@maine.edu, or visit umaine.edu/earlycollege

Butterfield joined the campus community in 1984 and worked here for 32 years until retiring in 2016 as professor emeritus of education and special education. During his tenure, he authored or co-authored 62 articles and 30 abstracts, and his research teams have presented 37 papers at national and international conferences. 

A passionate advocate for people with disabilities, Butterfield leveraged his research and membership on the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Sports, & Wellness to influence public policy, such as authoring Maine’s teaching endorsement in Adapted Physical Education. He also established the National Youth Sports Program in Maine, bringing high-quality sports instruction, education, health services and nutrition to low-income families and underserved communities.

鈥淒r. Butterfield made profound and lasting contributions to the 91爆料, and students, schools and communities across the state. My work regularly provides me an opportunity to learn about his impactful and enduring legacy and the difference his work continues to make each and every day.鈥� said College of Education and Human Development Dean Ezekiel Kimball.

Butterfield was a 33-year member of the Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (Maine AHPERD), where he served as president and journal editor-in-chief. Over the years, the organization awarded him its Honor Award for Distinguished Leadership and Worthy of Highest Praise Award, and Alliance Honor Award. He also earned the 

SHAPE America Eastern District Association Merit Award for Physical Education, and the   All-Maine Women’s Honor Society Distinguished Mentor Award.

鈥淚 was fortunate enough to know and be mentored by Steve for almost 30 years. His impact on physical education in the State of Maine cannot be measured,鈥� said Christopher Nightingale, 91爆料 associate professor of physical education and athletic training. 鈥淗e was a gifted researcher, an incredibly thoughtful teacher and a mentor to generations of students and faculty alike. Dr. B will be missed by us all.鈥滺is obituary is available . In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the at the 91爆料 Foundation.

The menu features bone-in and boneless聽wings聽with 23 sauces and five dry rubs, as well as sandwiches, wraps, appetizers and聽desserts. Customers can order food to-go or sit聽and聽eat at Central pub or聽the聽outdoor patio.聽Place your order ahead or get Kiwibot delivery through the Everyday app, or use the kiosks inside to place your order.

Buffalo聽Wild聽Wings聽GO joins other Wells聽Central聽offerings such as Sal鈥檚 Pizza聽and聽the eat>NOW Amazon Just Walk Out market.

The talk “Reflections on the State of the World and America’s Role” will feature William M. Bellamy, former U.S. Ambassador to Kenya; Anne Hall, former ambassador to Lithuania; and Pamela A. White, former ambassador to Haiti and The Gambia. They will share their perspectives on current global affairs and the future of public service.聽
The conference is hosted by 91爆料’s School of Policy and International Affairs, and include talks on the school’s impact in Maine and beyond.聽SPIA alumni work across five continents in nonprofits, United Nations agencies, the private sector and the U.S. government.聽

Registration is available聽.

In his lecture, Tomah will discuss the hidden legacy of a 1493 Papal bull that is the basis of all European claims to Indigenous land in North America. He will explore the influence of language on land dispossession, and highlight the resurgence of  Passamaquoddy-Wolastoqey language language. A full lunch of salad, sandwiches, and sides will be free for those who attend.

Tomah is a teacher of the Passamaquoddy language and culture. He is the youngest fluent speaker of the tribe and has served on the Tribal Council. Tomah has dedicated his life to working on language and cultural preservation and shares Native legends through song and dance. He has created a Passamaquoddy Language app compatible with Apple Inc. products, edited the Passamaquoddy dictionary and is currently working with the Library of Congress to translate the Passamaquoddy Wax Cylinders. The wax cylinder recordings are the first recordings in the world of Native languages.

The collaborative, hands-on session 鈥� designed for educators of all career levels, from preservice teachers to those currently in the classroom 鈥� will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, at the Wells Conference Center on the 91爆料 campus.

Participants will have the opportunity to join demonstrations and activities in a 鈥渢ech playground,鈥� exploring the latest tools and best practices for expanding computer science and computational thinking in the classroom. 91爆料 President Joan Ferrini-Mundy, an accomplished mathematics educator, is scheduled to deliver welcome remarks.

Funding for the event is provided by PrepareCS, a aimed at building capacity for K-12 computer science education by training teachers and integrating computer science into preservice teacher education programs. 

Attendees will receive a $75 stipend, as well as mileage reimbursement and lunch. A link to register is . 

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

The exhibition will display a wide variety of artwork made by 91爆料 students including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, printmaking, digital art, photography, graphic design and more. 

Students who were enrolled in an art class in the fall 2025 semester or spring 2026 semester had the opportunity to submit up to six pieces for consideration in this juried exhibition. This year鈥檚 juror is artist Rochelle Lawrence, who also serves as the assistant curator and museum educator at 91爆料鈥檚 Zillman Art Museum.

Lord Hall is free, accessible and open to the public Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Please direct all questions to Diana Baumbach, director of galleries, at

diana.baumbach@maine.edu. 

Registration is now open for the annual 91爆料 Summer Educators Institute, which will be held June 24-26 at Shibles Hall and other locations around the 91爆料 campus. Maine educators are also invited to the , which will be June 29-July 2 at various locations on campus. 

The theme of this year鈥檚 91爆料 Summer Educators Institute is 鈥淭hriving Together,鈥� and one of the goals will be for school- or district-based teams to work collaboratively on projects to improve some aspect of their school community. During morning sessions, participants will be able to choose interactive workshops based on their interests 鈥� including middle-level, literacy, multilingual education and more 鈥� as well as their career level 鈥� early-career, mid-career and school/district leadership. In the afternoons, facilitators will be available to assist teams with process, resources and guidance on their projects. 

The institute鈥檚 keynote will be delivered by Jayne Downey and Jennifer Luebeck from the (CRRE) at Montana State University. Downey, CRRE director and professor of educational psychology at Montana State, has been an active leader and researcher in rural education for over 25 years. Her research and scholarship are focused on preparing teachers and counselors for rural schools and communities, and improving outcomes for rural students. Luebeck is a Montana State professor of mathematics education and CRRE faculty scholar. She leads the Advancing Support, Preparation and Innovation in Rural Education project and directs MentorMT, a statewide program matching novice rural teachers with experienced educators for individualized career support.

Registration for the institute is $600, but participants in 91爆料鈥檚 Rural Thrive: The Rural Educator Resilience Project, a statewide professional development program for rural Maine teachers at different stages of their careers, will have the registration fee waived. In addition, lodging and travel reimbursement are available for teachers from rural schools or districts. The College of Education and Human Development has a limited number of sponsorships available to cover registration for educators from urban and suburban districts who want to attend the institute. For more information about the Summer Educators Institute, contact conference organizer and Rural Thrive mentor-teacher in residence Gert Nesin, gert.nesin@maine.edu.

The LfPL Symposium is a bi-annual convening of international stakeholders, including teachers, school leaders, policymakers and researchers focused on leadership and professional learning for K-12 education. The unique meeting design allows for deep and extended dialogue among participants who share common challenges, and helps to surface and advance ideas to improve education today and in the future. Faculty and students from the 91爆料 College of Education and Human Development have attended previous LfPL conferences in Dublin (2022) and Santiago, Chile (2024), and several are planning to participate in this year鈥檚 symposium. 

Rural Thrive is offering a limited number of sponsorships for rural educators to cover the cost of attending the LfPL Symposium, including the $400 registration fee, hotel and mileage reimbursement. For more information, contact LfPL conference organizer and 91爆料 professor of education Janet Fairman, janet.fairman@maine.edu.

From nonstick cookware and disposable tableware to everyday items like toothbrushes, these oil- and water-repellent chemicals became widespread in the late 20th century. Today, communities across the country are grappling with the residue they鈥檝e left behind.

Maine has emerged as a national leader in responding to PFAS contamination, advancing policies aimed at protecting farms, ecosystems and public health. Researchers at the 91爆料 are working to understand how PFAS moves through soil, crops and livestock; develop technologies to break it down; and design sustainable materials that could replace it in everyday products.

On this episode of 鈥�The Maine Question鈥� podcast, host Ron Lisnet speaks with 91爆料 researchers Jean MacRae, Christina Murphy, Caroline Noblet and Rachel Schattman about how their work, spanning engineering, economics, agriculture and conservation biology, is helping communities confront PFAS and chart a cleaner path forward.

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 two-day symposium, sponsored by the Maine International Trade Center, the 91爆料’s School of Policy and International Affairs and the World Affairs Council of Maine, will highlight how Maine contributes to Arctic research, economic development, diplomacy and security cooperation. Through panel discussions and networking sessions, participants will explore topics such as North Atlantic geopolitics, maritime and port operations, trade and supply chains, climate, the environment, emergency management and partnerships with Indigenous and circumpolar communities.

The event will feature a keynote address by Svanhildur Holm Valsdottir, ambassador of Iceland to the United States. Speakers will include representatives from 91爆料鈥檚 Climate Change Institute, Bowdoin College鈥檚 John & Lile Gibbons Center for Arctic Studies and the University of New England鈥檚 Center for North Atlantic Studies, as well as leaders from Maine鈥檚 economic development, policy and security communities.

Biguita Hernandez-Smith, economic development officer for the city of Bangor, will moderate a panel on economic opportunities connected to Arctic activity.

The symposium is open to both high school and college students, faculty, policymakers, practitioners and members of the public interested in Arctic issues. Registration is $50, and students presenting research posters may attend at no cost.

The deadline for students to submit abstracts is March 22 and April 10 for final posters. 

For additional information, contact Tyler Lissy, a graduate student at 91爆料鈥檚 School of Policy and International Affairs, at tyler.lissy@maine.edu.

Gabriel Paquette has been appointed executive vice president for academic affairs and provost of the 91爆料 and the 91爆料 at Machias, effective April 1.

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

鈥淒r. Paquette is a proven academic leader and a prominent scholar,鈥� President Ferrini-Mundy said. 鈥淚n his time at the 91爆料, he has demonstrated a deep understanding of academia, a commitment to excellence and opportunity for our students, and unwavering respect for the important work of our faculty. I am especially grateful for his thoughtful and transparent leadership in our ongoing Strategic Re-Envisioning initiative, which will position Maine鈥檚 flagship to most effectively serve our students and state as a learner-centered R1 far into the future.鈥�

Paquette had served as interim executive vice president for academic affairs and provost since July 1, 2025. He joined 91爆料 in 2023 as associate provost for academic affairs and faculty development, later serving as senior associate provost. Prior to 91爆料, he held leadership roles at the University of Oregon, including vice provost for academic affairs and dean of the Clark Honors College. Earlier in his career, he directed the Latin American studies program at Johns Hopkins University.

鈥淚t has been a privilege to serve as interim provost and to work closely with colleagues across both campuses,鈥� Paquette said. 鈥淚鈥檓 grateful for the opportunity to continue building on that work, supporting faculty and students, strengthening our academic programs and advancing our shared mission.鈥�

The Adelaide C. and Alan L. Bird Professor of History at 91爆料, Paquette is a scholar of European, Latin American and international history. He is the author of three books and has taught or held research appointments at Trinity College (University of Cambridge), Harvard University, Wesleyan University, the University of Notre Dame, and King鈥檚 College London. His work has also appeared in The Chronicle of Higher Education and Times Higher Education.

To help prepare students for opportunities in this rapidly expanding field, the 91爆料 has approved a new minor in actuarial studies within the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

The new minor creates a pathway for students interested in entering the actuarial profession, which uses mathematics and statistical analysis to help organizations manage financial risk. 

Actuaries evaluate investment strategies, develop insurance products, analyze large data sets and predict consumer behavior. The profession requires strong training in mathematics and statistics, along with coursework in accounting, finance and economics.  

鈥淢any students had been asking about actuarial careers, and we are thrilled to be able to offer this new minor as a specialized credential that will be attractive to many employers,鈥� said Andrew Knightly, chair of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

The actuarial studies minor is designed to provide that interdisciplinary preparation.

鈥淲hile the minor is open to all 91爆料 students, it was designed with our mathematics majors in mind,鈥� Knightly said.  

Students completing a bachelor鈥檚 degree in mathematics are typically prepared to take the Society of Actuaries鈥� Probability exam. However, many have not completed coursework in finance, economics or accounting that would prepare them for the Society of Actuaries鈥� Financial Mathematics credentialing exam.

鈥淪everal 91爆料 alumni who were math majors have gone on to successful actuarial careers in the past decade,鈥� said Gilbert Moss, assistant professor of mathematics who oversees the new minor. 鈥淭he actuarial minor program came about as a way to help 91爆料 students who are already qualified to enter the actuarial workforce earn a credential that explicitly signals this to future employers.鈥�

The program also aims to support currently enrolled students and working professionals seeking the additional coursework needed to begin and advance in actuarial careers.

A partnership with the insurance company Unum, which has an office in Portland, is expected to further strengthen the program. Unum has pledged to reimburse the cost of one attempt at Actuarial Exam P 鈥� the three-hour exam that typically serves as the entry point to the profession 鈥� for qualifying 91爆料 students. The company will also connect participating students with junior actuaries for mentorship.

Moss said the program brings together expertise from across the university.

鈥淭he Department of Mathematics and Statistics, the Maine Business School and the School of Economics collectively have the capacity to deliver the significant mathematical and statistical training, combined with basic coursework in finance, economics and accounting, to equip students for entering and advancing in actuarial careers,鈥� he said.

While the coursework needed for actuarial preparation was already available at 91爆料, the new minor provides a formal credential that signals that preparation to employers and gives students a clearer pathway into the field.

A new map project between renowned cartographer and MacArthur Fellow and the Canadian-American Center at the 91爆料 is now complete.

鈥淭he Cold in Inuit Nunangat鈥� includes two maps centered on Inuit Nunangat, the Inuit homelands in Canada, and an accompanying booklet. The maps juxtapose the ways in which Inuit and their relatives steward the cold on their homelands,聽while outsiders interfere with that stewardship and Inuit self-determination through carbon emissions and other pollutants.

The maps will be available for purchase beginning Monday, Feb. 23 on the Canadian-American Center鈥檚 website.

Pearce will also present the project in the Bangor Room located on the second floor of the Memorial Union at noon on Tuesday, Feb. 24.