A 91±¬ĮĻ alumna and MaineMBA graduate, Leary is traveling to four universities across Europe through the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters program, where she is pursuing a masterā€™s degree in smart cities and communities. 

Managed by a consortium of European universities, the program focuses on integrating data, internet connectivity, modern energy and digital technologies into urban systems to improve residentsā€™ quality of life. The two-year degree is designed to train the next generation of engineers and scientists who can support this emerging type of urban development worldwide. 

Leary began taking courses for her program at University of Vaasa in Finland, and is continuing her studies at the University of Mons in Belgium, the International Hellenic University in Greece and the University of the Basque Country in Spain.  

ā€œSince starting at 91±¬ĮĻ in 2019, Iā€™ve always wanted to study or work abroad,ā€ Leary said. ā€œPursuing a specialized education in a topic Iā€™m passionate about in countries that are leading in this field was an opportunity I couldnā€™t pass up.ā€ 

With guidance and support from 91±¬ĮĻā€™s Office of Major Scholarships, Leary applied for a fellowship that would allow her to participate in the program by covering her education, travel costs, insurance, visa support and living expenses. 

ā€œThe Office of Major Scholarshipsā€™ expertise helped me understand what makes an application stand out and how to strategically align my narrative across all the components,ā€ she said.

As an undergraduate at 91±¬ĮĻ, Leary was also a Maine Top Scholar and leadership coach for the Society of Women Engineers.

Miner, a 91±¬ĮĻ Ph.D. candidate in biomedical engineering, is researching breast cancer cell dormancy in bone marrow at the Cancer Research Center of Lyon. These dormant cells can evade chemotherapy and are a major factor in cancer recurrence and poor prognosis. A deeper understanding of this process could reveal new therapeutic opportunities to prevent relapse in patients. 

Minerā€™s work ā€” part of her dissertation ā€” was made possible after she earned fellowships from two of the most prestigious international research awards available to U.S. students: the Fulbright U.S. Student Program and the STEM Chateaubriand Fellowship.

Outside the lab, Miner is immersing herself in French culture through her love for sports and the outdoors. She is skiing; practicing karate, of which she is a third-degree black belt; attending local events; and exploring the cityā€™s museums, food offerings and historical sites. 

When she found out she was a Fulbright finalist, Miner was attending a research conference in Lucca, Italy.

ā€œIt was after dinner, and I was chatting with some friends I had met at the conference when I received an email that a notification was posted to my portal. I announced it to the group, and they all gathered around me as I nervously but eagerly logged in to see that I had been accepted,ā€ Miner said. ā€œThe entire group celebrated with me and started sharing recommendations of all the amazing things I should experience during my trip abroad.ā€

At 91±¬ĮĻ, Miner is a member of CompuMAINE, overseen by Andre Khalil, professor of biomedical engineering, and associate professor of bioengineering Karissa Tilburyā€™s lab. She was also a Maine Top Scholar and outstanding graduating student for the Maine College of Engineering and Computing during her undergraduate career. 

Miner has been conducting research since her first year of college. The research, which focussed on the potential benefits of electrical stimulation for Duchenne muscular dystrophy using zebrafish models, was in collaboration with professor of biological sciences Clarissa Henryā€™s lab. 

Originally from the small town of East Baldwin, Maine, Miner said that growing up around nature sparked both an adventurous spirit in her and curiosity about the world. When she learned about opportunities to conduct research abroad, she knew it was something she wanted to pursue. After attending an information session about the Fulbright U.S. Student Program hosted by the Office of Major Scholarships in March 2024, she realized this was the perfect path for her. 

As a result of his efforts, Nachamie of North Andover, Massachusetts received the 2025 , identifying his potential as a leader in environmental stewardship. He was and is the first recipient from 91±¬ĮĻ in over 15 years.

ā€œI am incredibly grateful to have been awarded the Udall Scholarship,ā€ said Nachamie, who received support for his application from the Office of Major Scholarships and by professor Darren Ranco,  the faculty representative at 91±¬ĮĻ for the scholarship. ā€œWeā€™re at a pivotal moment in history where our actions on environmental issues matter more than ever.ā€

Nachamie, a 91±¬ĮĻ Honors College student majoring in ecology and environmental sciences, has been involved in research targeted at improving public health and the environment throughout his college career. 

During his first year at 91±¬ĮĻ, Nachamie worked on a study to reduce food waste in K-12 schools conducted by the Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions in collaboration with the Maine Department of Education, Maine Department of Environmental Protection and Governorā€™s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future. After implementing several measures, such as including school community fridges and educational programming, the four school districts that participated in the study were able to reduce their food waste by 20%. 

In 2024, Nachamie drafted a policy review of PFAS legislation in Maine and the U.S. It details ways other states and local governments can mitigate peopleā€™s exposure to these toxic chemicals, which can lead to immune system disorders, thyroid hormone disruption, cancer and other adverse health outcomes. He worked on the review with associate professor of sustainable agriculture Rachel Schattman. 

ā€œI have been lucky to have the mentorship of Rachel Schattman from the School of Food and Agriculture to support me in my research about PFAS compounds in Maine and throughout the United States,ā€ he said. ā€œDr. Schattmanā€™s feedback on my policy review showed me what I was capable of from a research perspective.ā€ 

Nachamie previously worked as a research technician collecting data that supported wild blueberry research at 91±¬ĮĻā€™s Agroecology Lab overseen by Schattman. He has also worked as a forest technician for the Cooperative Forestry Research Unit and the University Forests, through which he learned about low impact forestry practices.

Outside of school and research, Nachamie serves as president of the Permaculture and  Gardening Club at 91±¬ĮĻ and as a resident steward at the Terrell House Permaculture Living & Learning Center. He hosts workshops and events focused on gardening, food preservation and other topics.

ā€œ91±¬ĮĻ has an extremely supportive and cooperative academic atmosphere,ā€ Nachamie said. ā€œStudents are excited to help each other out, form study groups and work together to succeed in their classes. The academic atmosphere is rigorous but not competitive, and Iā€™ve found that professors are always willing to help accommodate student situations and concerns.ā€

When he graduates, Nachamie plans to work in environmental education and advocacy with nonprofit organizations in Maine and Alaska. After a few years, he hopes to return to school and obtain his Juris Doctor and Masters of Law in Environmental Law.

91±¬ĮĻ undergraduate students interested in applying during the 2026 cycle of the Udall Scholarship must do so through the Office of Major Scholarships by Feb. 6 to meet the national deadline of March 4. Those interested in applying can reach Nives Dalbo-Wheeler at the Office of Major Scholarships by emailing nives.dalbowheeler@maine.edu, or Ranco, chair of 91±¬ĮĻā€™s Native American Programs, by emailing darren.ranco@maine.edu.

The Udall Foundation awards scholarships, fellowships and internships for study in fields related to the environment and to Indigenous communities in fields related to health care and tribal public policy. It also provides funding to the Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy and to the Native Nations Institute to conduct environmental policy research, research on American Indian and Alaska Native health care issues and tribal public policy issues and training. Additionally, it offers assessment, mediation, training and other related services through the John S. McCain III National Center for Environmental Conflict Resolution. 

Contact: Marcus Wolf, 207.581.3721; marcus.wolf@maine.edu 

Biro, a biochemistry major, and Hoy, a mechanical engineering major, are two of 441 college students nationwide who received the award for the 2025-26 academic year, according to the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation . This year, there were 1,350 nominees from 445 academic institutions. 

Read More about Esther Biro

Read More about Gus Hoy

In the last nine years, 91±¬ĮĻ has had eight Goldwater Scholars ā€” six in the natural sciences and two in engineering. 

In honor of the former U.S. Sen. Barry Goldwater, the scholarship supports undergraduate students who demonstrate potential to lead the nation in STEM research. 91±¬ĮĻ students are nominated to participate in the national selection by a faculty committee led by Robert Wheeler, professor of microbiology, and Melody Neely, associate professor of molecular and biomedical sciences, and supported during the application process by the Office of Major Scholarships. 

ā€œGus and Esther are both exceptional scientists who bring curiosity, intensity and creativity to their projects,ā€ Wheeler said. ā€œIt was a privilege to work with them both to highlight their accomplishments and future goals in their applications. We are incredibly proud to play our parts and train these future leaders in materials science and biomedical research.ā€

Students interested in applying for the upcoming cycle of the Goldwater Scholarship should email the Office of Major Scholarships: Nives Dal Bo-Wheeler at nives.dalbowheeler@maine.edu. The internal application deadline is set for November.

An informational session is scheduled for Monday, October 16 at noon. The location will be determined at a later date and posted on the Office of Major Scholarships website. 

Contact: Ashley Yates; ashley.depew@maine.edu and Nives Dal Bo-Wheeler; nives.dalbowheeler@maine.edu

The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Program encourages students from all academic backgrounds to participate in study abroad programs to gain professional skills and experience new cultures. Since the inception of the program in 2001, over 44,000 scholarships between $3,000 and $5,000 have been awarded to U.S. students to participate in study abroad programs around the world, according to the . 

Overall, 1,600 students from across the U.S. have been awarded a Gilman scholarship in the fall 2024 application cycle. An additional group has been awarded the Gilman-McCain scholarship in January and 3,500 U.S. students were awarded in the Spring 2025 application cycle. 

Samuel Lausier, a senior student in the Maine Business School from Madawaska, Maine, is one of the 91±¬ĮĻ recipients from the fall 2024 application cycle. He plans to study at the University of Mannheim in Germany in the fall through the exchange program 91±¬ĮĻ has offered for over 12 years. 

ā€œI’ve always wanted to travel, and studying abroad in Germany is a perfect way to do so. I’m excited to be surrounded by a different culture and experience life from a perspective I’ve never had before growing up in Maine,ā€ said Lausier, who is double majoring in accounting and finance. ā€œI’m also extremely excited at the prospect of traveling outside of the country during my time abroad. There are so many things to see throughout Europe, and I intend to spend all of my free time exploring as much of it as I can!ā€ 

Drew Parent, a senior double majoring in social work and womenā€™s, gender, and sexuality studies from Acton, Maine is another recipient from fall 2024 application cycle. They used the scholarship to study abroad in Portugal during the May term. 

ā€œI would not have been able to experience this opportunity without the funding from the scholarship, so anything that I gained from this experience is directly related to the Gilman Scholarship. Whether that is the personal growth gained from this experience, or the professional development from immersing myself in the policies there, literally every aspect of this opportunity I am crediting to the Gilman Scholarship,ā€ said Parent. ā€œIt was truly the experience of a lifetime. I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity and I strongly encourage anyone who is interested in studying abroad to consider applying for a Gilman Scholarship.ā€

Lausier, Parent and others were made aware of this scholarship opportunity through email newsletters sent out by the Office of Major Scholarships or by the Office of International Programs. These offices also provided information sessions and a workshop to students interested in applying for this scholarship opportunity to provide application support.

The Office of International Programs, the Division of Lifelong Learning as well as other units were also pivotal in supporting these studentsā€™ applications.  

ā€œMy biggest takeaway from the workshop was learning more about what the panel is looking for from their applicants in the various essays they require you to write. This helped me better formulate the direction of my essays and definitely played a big role in my being awarded the scholarship,ā€ Lausier added. 

The next application cycle for the Gilman Scholarship is open and the deadline is Oct. 3 for study abroad programs starting in 2026. 91±¬ĮĻ students who are interested in applying can contact Nives Dal Bo-Wheeler, director of the Office of Major Scholarships, at nives.dalbowheeler@maine.edu.

Story by former news and social media intern Luke ONeil.

Contact: Marcus Wolf, 207.581.3721; marcus.wolf@maine.edu

The National Security Education Programā€™s Boren Awards provide U.S. undergraduate and graduate students funding to build critical language skills and gain international expertise through immersive experiences in regions vital to national security. In return, award recipients commit to at least one year of service in the federal government, applying their insights and skills to national service.

As Boren Fellows, Farrington and Oā€™Neil chose to travel to Latvia and Tanzania, respectively. Their time abroad not only offered them a chance to strengthen their language skills, but also allowed them to forge connections that deepened their appreciation for other cultures. Whether building friendships through community involvement or spending time with a host family, both found that these experiences shaped them, personally and professionally.

Farrington travels to Latvia

Farrington, from Lincoln, Maine, initially attended 91±¬ĮĻ for his undergraduate studies, earning a bachelorā€™s degree in economics and political science. In 2021, he returned to pursue a masterā€™s degree in global policy from the School of Policy and International Affairs (SPIA), drawn to its security and foreign policy concentration.

Farrington says that 91±¬ĮĻ has unlocked numerous opportunities for him. Through graduate assistantships, he gained valuable experience and funded his masterā€™s degree. He attributes his success to mentors such as assistant professor Nicholas Micinski, whose exceptional feedback and advice on his writing greatly contributed to his success academically and professionally, and SPIA Executive Director Jim Settele, whose mentorship provided invaluable guidance, networking connections and inspiration.

SPIA funding enabled him to intern at a Washington D.C. think tank, while guidance from the Office of Major Scholarships (OMS) secured the prestigious Boren Fellowship that allowed him to immerse himself in Latvia, achieving his dream of living in Europe.

“Beyond just the Boren application, OMS made me a better professional writer, preparing me for crafting future applications and similar written pieces,ā€ he said.

Preparing to travel to Latvia was stressful for Farrington, who had yet to spend a significant amount of time abroad. However, his Washington D.C. internship taught him to trust his adaptability. Upon arrival, he discovered Latvia’s vibrant culture ā€” rich in dance, song and festivals ā€” shared surprising similarities with his own.

ā€œJust because we are from vastly different geographical areas, speak a different language, live different lives, does not mean we are all aliens to each other,ā€ he said. ā€œWe are more alike than different.ā€

A highlight of Farringtonā€™s time in Latvia was volunteering at a speaking club for Ukrainian refugees, where he helped participants practice their English language skills. In return, many graciously practiced Russian with him after meetings, sharing stories and forming lasting friendships.

Farrington describes his experience in Latvia in one word: phenomenal. 

ā€œIf I could leave today to do it again I would,ā€ he said. ā€œAt times it was a lot, and seemed overwhelming, but I never once doubted the path that took me there. It is an absolute must do for anyone that is presented with the opportunity. 

Oā€™Neil travels to Tanzania

Oā€™Neil, from Orono, Maine, transferred to 91±¬ĮĻ as an undergraduate student and later chose to pursue a graduate degree here. Like Farrington, Oā€™Neil pursued a masterā€™s in global policy through the SPIA.

ā€œUnlike many of the other schools I considered for both my undergraduate and graduate careers, 91±¬ĮĻ provided me a unique space to pursue all my varied educational interests while encouraging me to draw connections between the learning I engaged in across different colleges and programs,ā€ he said.

Oā€™Neil credits his academic success to mentors across various departments, including Settele, Maine Business School and SPIA instructor William Farrell, libra professor of international relations Seth Singleton, professor of political science Richard Powell, adjunct lecturer in leadership studies Peter Madigan, senior lecturer in leadership studies and public service Ryan LaRochelle, associate professor Emily Haigh, associate professor of political science and honors Rob Glover, Department of Political Science Chair Mark Brewer and Honors College Associate Dean Melissa Ladenheim. One mentor, Kenneth Hillas, adjunct professor of international affairs, had a particularly profound impact.

ā€œI was grateful for how he pushed me intellectually, challenging me and my classmates to communicate more clearly while thinking in more critical, nuanced ways about politics, culture, identity and history,ā€ he said.

As a Boren Fellow, Oā€™Neil took part in the African Flagship Language Initiative, which required two months of intensive language and cultural study at the University of Florida, equivalent to a full academic year of coursework.

Following his rigorous preparation, Oā€™Neil traveled to Tanzania, where he immersed himself in the Swahili language and was welcomed into the home of his host family. Over the course of four months, he spent time cooking with his host mother, playing and studying with his younger host siblings, visiting their extended family and sharing stories about their homes, communities and experiences.

ā€œIt was amazing to have such an intimate and personal window into the authentic, everyday life of a family living in Tanzania,ā€ he said.

Building on his transformative experience in Tanzania, Oā€™Neilā€™s academic foundation at 91±¬ĮĻ proved instrumental in shaping his professional path.

ā€œMy time at 91±¬ĮĻ helped me develop what I feel is a really valuable ability to view issues from several different disciplinary lenses and perspectives at once,ā€ said Oā€™Neil. ā€œThe difference this interdisciplinary training has made in my life has been significant, not only helping me to receive the Boren Fellowship that sent me to Tanzania over the past year, but also something that helped set me apart from other recent graduates trying to enter the workforce.ā€

Following his experience abroad, Oā€™Neil is working toward fulfilling his service requirement as a federal contractor at IBM. Inspired by Tanzanian culture’s emphasis on community and respect, he plans to integrate these values into his work and daily life.

Apply for a Boren Award

The application for the Boren Awards is now open. You can find out more about the awards at . 

On Oct. 31, Sarah Chow, IIE Boren awards program specialist on application and selection, will visit 91±¬ĮĻ. OMS will be hosting a Boren Information Session held by Chow from 12:30-1:45 p.m. in Room 300 of the Memorial Union’s Career Center. Students can and also set up a 15-minute meeting with Chow on Oct. 31 by emailing nives.dalbowheeler@maine.edu. 

Contact: Samantha Perry, samantha.j.perry@maine.edu

Griffith is majoring in economics with a minor in mathematics and international studies. She is primarily interested in understanding rural economics through mathematics and data science. Griffith has been able to explore her interest through her coursework at 91±¬ĮĻ, and through the various research positions she has held with Kathleen Bell, professor of resource economics and policy, and Andrew Crawley, associate professor of regional economic development.

ā€œKnowing Ruth, she will definitely make the most of her experiences abroad,ā€ Bell said. ā€œRuth brings wisdom, passion, courage, integrity, creativity and openness to every experience. More broadly, Ruth’s willingness to engage mindfully with different cultures, places and ideas combined with her commitment to public service establish her as an excellent George J. Mitchell Peace Scholar.ā€

Previously, Griffith has been named a and . She said that before this scholarship, the only international destination she has visited is Quebec, and ā€œthatā€™s closer to [her] house than Boston.ā€

ā€œIā€™m very excited about immersing myself in a new educational environment, gaining a new perspective on economics and experiencing a new culture,ā€ Griffith said. ā€œThe George Mitchell Peace Scholarship is a way for me to do that ā€” in a financially feasible way, of course.ā€

Griffithā€™s application was sponsored by Melissa Ladenheim, associate dean of the Honors College. Ladenheim also serves as the adviser for the 91±¬ĮĻ Fiber Arts Club, where Griffith is the Vice President, and organizes the annual Maine Day Meal Packout, where Griffith holds the position of Fundraising Chair. 

ā€œRuth is an outstanding choice for the Mitchell Peace scholarship,ā€ Ladenheim said. ā€œHer academic achievements, strength of character and history of community engagement have positioned her to take full advantage of all this experience will offer her, both in and outside of the classroom. In the tradition of Sen. Mitchell, Ruth is committed to living out her core value of providing service to others in all that she does. She will be an excellent ambassador for 91±¬ĮĻ.ā€

Jakob Streipel, assistant professor of mathematics, also sponsored Griffith. 

ā€œRuth is a wonderful student in ways above and beyond her excellent grades. She is compassionate, helps her fellow students eagerly with things she has a good handle on and gracefully receives help in the reverse situation. Living abroad, let alone studying there, is a wonderful and enriching experience that I expect will only further these qualities of hers,ā€ Streipel said. 

Griffith will attend UCC in spring 2025 after she defends her economics thesis in the fall, which focuses on regional economic volatility in Maine and the policies that can help mitigate its impacts. She said that she is most excited about learning about different economic systems in Ireland, and she hopes to take a course on Irish labor economics.

ā€œThereā€™s so much value in the diversity of thought,ā€ Griffith said. ā€œIā€™ll also have the opportunity to engage with the local community and see what theyā€™re doing differently there. So much in terms of microeconomic practice could be different so it will allow me to explore that entirely new landscape.ā€

She also hopes to get involved with UCCā€™s Women in Business club and adventure outings club, as well as local volunteer opportunities.

The George Mitchell Peace Scholarship began in honor of Sen. George J. Mitchellā€™s work brokering a peace deal in Northern Ireland in 1998; the inaugural class of the scholarship exchange was in the 1999-2000 academic school year. 

Griffith didnā€™t piece together that she would be the scholar sent during the 25th anniversary of the scholarship until after she was awarded it, but admits to being a fan of Sen. Mitchellā€™s writings even before she won the scholarship. 

ā€œIn one of his books ā€” itā€™s called ā€˜The Negotiatorā€™ ā€” in multiple points in the text, he goes back to his core values and his parentsā€™ core values and I really appreciate how committed he is to those values in all facets big and small. I have read a few of his other books as well, and I think his story is really amazing,ā€ Griffith said.

In the following Q&A, Griffith discusses what motivated her to study abroad, the researcher and extracurricular activities that helped her earn this prestigious scholarship, and what she cherishes the most about her 91±¬ĮĻ experience so far. 

What motivated you to study abroad? 

Iā€™m motivated to study abroad because I believe that immersing myself in a new educational environment will not only broaden my academic horizons, but also provide me with a fresh perspective on economics and culture. Iā€™m confident that the lessons Iā€™ll gain from this experience will be invaluable, shaping both my personal and professional growth. 

How do you feel about earning the Peace Scholarship?

Earning the [Mitchell] Peace Scholarship feels surreal and incredibly validating. The scholarship recognizes a student who demonstrates excellence in scholarship, leadership and service ā€” qualities I strive to embody. It’s deeply meaningful to know that the scholarship committee, my recommenders and my network believe I fit that description. 

Why did you choose to come to 91±¬ĮĻ?

I chose to come to 91±¬ĮĻ because it offers a wealth of opportunities for both personal and academic growth. The university’s strong emphasis on undergraduate research, community service and leadership development was exactly what I was looking for in a college experience.

Describe any research, internships or scholarly pursuits in which you have participated. 

I have had the opportunity to engage in research with Dr. Kathleen Bell and Dr. Andrew Crawley. Under Dr. Bell, Iā€™ve studied community resilience at the municipal level, exploring how local communities adapt to and recover from challenges. With Dr. Crawley, Iā€™ve researched the economic impact of the biannual time change and examined how economic resilience is measured in published academic research. 

I am also currently writing my honors thesis. My thesis adviser is Dr. Crawley and my committee members are Dr. Bell and Dr. (Adam) Daigneault. My thesis aims to uncover regional economic volatility throughout Maine. 

What extracurricular activities occupy your time at 91±¬ĮĻ?

Iā€™m very involved on campus at 91±¬ĮĻ! I serve as the secretary for the Honors College Student Activities Board, where we work to support the Honors College community and various service projects, including the Maine Day Meal Packout, which last year donated over 47,000 meals to food pantries across the state. Iā€™m also the vice president of the Fiber Arts Club, the sector head for international investments for the 91±¬ĮĻ Student Portfolio Investment Fund (SPIFFY), and I previously served as the president of the 91±¬ĮĻ Women in Economics Club. Additionally, I dedicate time to off-campus volunteer work.

Have you worked closely with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at 91±¬ĮĻ better? 

Yes! Dr. Ladenheim has been an incredibly supportive mentor, consistently encouraging me to align my actions with my values and to consider different perspectives. Dr. Bell has also been an invaluable mentor, teaching me that mentor relationships are two-sided. She emphasizes that while I learn from her, she is also learning from me, which has made her mentorship especially meaningful. I have also had many other valuable mentors, including Dr. Crawley and my professors. 

Describe 91±¬ĮĻ in one word, and explain.

Opportunity. At 91±¬ĮĻ, students have the chance to explore their interests and pursue what excites them most. I deeply appreciate the flexibility and abundance of opportunities the university provides for both personal and academic growth.

Story by Sam Schipani. 

Contact: Marcus Wolf, 207.581.3721; marcus.wolf@maine.edu

As a part of CLS, Wilson attended an intensive language program at Okayama University, where she improved her Japanese speaking skills, met new friends and enjoyed the country in her spare time. A highlight of her adventure was the nights spent playing games with fellow students.Ā 

“It is a fun way to improve my Japanese skills while also getting the chance to relax from classes and school work,” Wilson said.Ā 

On her free weekends, Wilson explored Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, and participated in day trips as a part of a sustainability course at the university.

One of Wilson’s favorite Japanese phrases isć€Œč½ć”ē€ć‘ć€(o-chi-tsu-ke), which means “calm down.” As she navigates the challenges of learning a new language, Wilson occasionally finds herself overwhelmed. When her friends and teachers remind her to “č½ć”ē€ć‘,” she’s able to refocus.

“Hearing that is a nice way to understand that it isnā€™t the end of the world when you donā€™t know something yet.” Wilson said. “Thatā€™s why Iā€™m in Japan, so I can learn something new.”

Wilson found the CLS program online while searching for a budget-friendly option to study abroad. She navigated the application process, which included writing three short essays showcasing her language-learning journey, her motivation to learn Japanese and her future academic and professional goals, with help from family and friends and guidance from 91±¬ĮĻā€™s Office of Major Scholarships.

“I would highly encourage seeking out help from the Office of Major Scholarships,” Wilson said. ā€œThey truly made my application much better than I could have achieved on my own.”

Wilson said she believes her experience in Japan will have a lasting impact on her academics and her future. She plans to continue her language studies, return to Japan and pursue a career within the realm of world politics, global policy or country relations.

The application cycle for the CLS program opens in early fall and has a November deadline. 91±¬ĮĻā€™s Office of Major Scholarships organizes info sessions in September and is available to support students as they prepare all materials. The first step for interested students is to explore clscholarship.org and meet with Nives Dal Bo-Wheeler, Director of 91±¬ĮĻā€™s Office of Major Scholarships, nives.dalbowheeler@maine.edu.

Learn more about 91±¬ĮĻā€™s Office of Major Scholarships at umaine.edu/majorscholarships.

Contact: Samantha Perry, samantha.perry@maine.edu

Jamie Fogg, a rising junior marine science major with a concentration in marine biology and Maine Top Scholar, was awarded the prestigious National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship in the last application cycle. Fogg is one of only two students in Maine and 130 nationwide to receive this honor.

“I am passionate about environmental protection and research,” said Fogg. “My goal is to produce tangible research that will influence policy in local communities. I also want to help increase accessibility to ecological education.”

As a NOAA Hollings Scholar, Fogg will receive $9,500 each year for the next two academic years, a paid internship and funding to attend professional conferences. She will also have the opportunity to work with NOAA, where she is excited to connect with talented and accomplished minds in the field and gain valuable experience.

This summer, Fogg attended the Hollings Orientation, where she connected with her fellow scholarship recipients and with senior NOAA managers and staff. The experience not only fostered meaningful relationships, but also expanded her understanding of NOAA’s diverse scope of work through their six line offices: the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, the National Ocean Service, the National Weather Service, the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations.

When applying for the scholarship, Fogg says she gathered strong references from professors and Ph.D. students with whom she had built meaningful professional connections. Over the past two years, she worked with Kristina Cammen, associate professor of marine mammal science, which drastically influenced her academic interests. She also found guidance through the 91±¬ĮĻ’s Office of Major Scholarships (OMS), which supported her throughout the application process.Ā 

“The Office of Major Scholarships and Nives Dal Bo-Wheeler were so helpful throughout my application process,” she said. “They met with me to go over my application and offered review sessions before I submitted my application. OMS is an amazing resource at 91±¬ĮĻ, I highly recommend them to anyone planning to apply for any merit scholarship in the future.”Ā 

Throughout the summer, Fogg worked as a research assistant in collaboration with Allied Whale, where she has contributed to a 50-year research effort to identify and input sighting data on humpback whales in the ; and Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company, where she collected behavioral and distributional data on whale sightings and photographed them for photo identification. In summer 2025, she’ll complete her NOAA Hollings Internship, which could take her anywhere in the U.S.

The application cycle for the NOAA Hollings Scholarship opens on Sept. 1, 2025, and the national deadline is Jan. 31, 2025. 91±¬ĮĻ students who are interested in applying should meet with Dal Bo-Wheeler, director of the Office of Major Scholarships, at nives.dalbowheeler@maine.edu.

Learn more about 91±¬ĮĻā€™s Office of Major Scholarships at .

Contact: Samantha Perry, samantha.perry@maine.edu

Ligia Naveira, a Ph.D. student with 91±¬ĮĻā€™s Climate Change Institute, earned a Fulbright Open Study/Research Award; and Cora Saddler, who graduated in May with a masterā€™s degree in English with a creative writing concentration, was awarded the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship. They are among 33 other 91±¬ĮĻ students who have participated in the Fulbright U.S. Student Program since its start in 1946

The program, created by the U.S. Department of State, funds opportunities for students nationwide to conduct research, earn a degree or teach English as a second language in one of more than 140 countries. Recipients like Naveira and Saddler are selected based on their academic achievements and potential to be cultural ambassadors. 

91±¬ĮĻ students and faculty will explore additional opportunities to conduct research abroad when Belinda Theriault, director of the Iceland-U.S. Fulbright Commission, visits campus on May 22. 

Microplastics in the Arctic

With her award, Naveira will investigate the extent to which microplastic pollution is present in the largest glacier in mainland Europe: the Jostedalsbreen Glacier in Norway. Microplastics, an environmental problem that is worsening, are broken down from larger goods as they degrade and are smaller than 5 millimeters in length but hundreds of trillions have been found worldwide. As glaciers melt ā€” a process made faster by climate change ā€” the ice can release large amounts of plastic debris into oceans, fjords and rivers, contaminating food supplies and disrupting ecosystems. 

Starting in August, Naveira will collect and analyze samples from the Jostedalsbreen Glacier to determine how much microplastic pollution resides in it, where the contaminants came from and where they travel to once they are released into waterways. She will use advanced imaging technology, such as an automated electron microscope, to analyze the samples at the University of Stavanger in Norway, where she will be based during her project for 10 months. 

In addition to conducting research, Naveira will host workshops and educational programs about water chemistry, pollution and climate science for college students in Norway. 

ā€œGlaciers cover around 10% of Earthā€™s land, and the lack of attention in the literature regarding microplastics is surprising, given that global warming could prompt these glaciers to release significant amounts of plastic debris. I hope this project will address this gap and contribute to understanding plastic pollution in these ecosystems,ā€ Naveira said. ā€œItā€™s an opportunity to connect, learn and grow globally. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of the Fulbright network and ready to embark on this journey.ā€ 

Naveira, of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, began her Ph.D. in 2021 through one of 91±¬ĮĻā€™s National Science Foundation Research Traineeship programs, Systems Approaches to Understanding and Navigating the New Arctic. Since then, she has participated in several field expeditions in the Arctic, particularly Greenland and Svalbard, an archipelago that is part of Norway, to study pollution in glaciers. She earned a bachelorā€™s degree from the University of Ouro Preto and a masterā€™s degree from the University of Stavanger.

ā€œThe Climate Change Institute is very proud to have Ligia represent the 91±¬ĮĻ as a Fulbright Awardee in Norway,ā€ said her adviser, Paul Mayewski, professor and director of the CCI. ā€œThe microplastics research she will conduct will be of great value in understanding the long range transport of microplastics and their potential impacts on human and ecosystem health. 

Educating youth abroad

Saddler will assist local teachers in Taiwanā€™s capital city, Taipei, with English language instruction throughout the 2024-25 academic year. She will also collaborate with local teachers to design projects that introduce students to aspects of American culture. 

In addition to teaching, Saddler will write and edit educational materials, participate in English camps, facilitate club activities and consult local teachers on American cultural issues. Through community service activities, her goal is to make person to person connections and foster cultural engagement with the larger community in Taipei. 

ā€œI hope to support local Taiwanese students in their English language acquisition and open doors for conversations on shifting cultural identities. Itā€™s important to me that English serves as a tool for connection as well as a gateway for growth and opportunity,ā€ Saddler said. ā€œItā€™s a once in a lifetime honor to receive a Fulbright. It still feels like a dream, but I take it as a sign to keep dreaming as big as I can.ā€ 

Originally from Cabot, Arkansas, Saddler came to 91±¬ĮĻ in 2022 after writing and editing for StreetWise, a nonprofit magazine about the Chicago metropolitan area. She worked as a graduate teaching assistant and as editor of Spire: The Maine Journal of Conservation and Sustainability. In summer 2023, she also interned with the Maine Department of Education as a professional development assistant. Before 91±¬ĮĻ, Saddler earned a bachelorā€™s degree from Ouachita Baptist University.

ā€œCora has been an outstanding teacher, scholar and leader during her entire time at 91±¬ĮĻ,ā€ said Ryan Dippre, Saddlerā€™s adviser and associate professor of English. ā€œIn the composition program, TAs have regular meetings throughout the semester to discuss, unpack and analyze their teaching choices with one another. I frequently referred to those meetings as ā€˜time to learn from Cora.ā€™ She had plenty to teach all of us, her supervisor included.ā€

Saddler and Naveiraā€™s applications were supported by the 91±¬ĮĻ Office of Major Scholarships and by Fulbright Program advisers Nives Dal Bo’-Wheeler and Professor Christine Beitl. Several 91±¬ĮĻ faculty members contributed to the success of their applications by writing recommendation letters and by participating in the internal campus review process. Students interested in pursuing a Fulbright award can visit the Office of Major Scholarshipsā€™ website and contact Dal Boā€™-Wheeler at nives.dalbowheeler@maine.edu.

Contact: Marcus Wolf, 207.581.3721; marcus.wolf@maine.edu

91±¬ĮĻ junior Jacob Cote of Brewer, a double degree student in microbiology and biochemistry, has been named a 2021 Goldwater Scholar.

Cote is one of 410 scholars selected nationwide for the prestigious undergraduate scholarship, designed to foster and encourage outstanding students to pursue research careers in the fields of the natural sciences, engineering and mathematics, according to the . This year, there were 1,256 applicants who passed the nomination process of their institutions; among those 410 were chosen based on their likelihood to have a significant impact on their research fields.

Cote is a Maine Top Scholar who has received two 91±¬ĮĻ Center for Undergraduate Research fellowships. Throughout his time on campus, he has been a student researcher in the laboratory of professor Sally Molloy, studying the impact of prophage ā€” bacterial viruses integrated into bacterial genomes ā€” on host fitness, specifically antibiotic resistance. His current project involves identifying and characterizing novel prophage in Mycobacterium abscessus. His other mentors are professors Melissa Maginnis and Edward Bernard.

On campus, Cote has been active in teaching as a peer tutor, teaching assistant, and a Maine Learning Assistant.

ā€œJacob is an absolute wonder,ā€ wrote Molloy in her nomination letter. ā€œHis curiosity and passion for discovery is infectious. He is possibly one of the most agile learners I have had in my laboratory and his potential as a scientist is limitless.ā€ 

Molloy noted that this summer, Cote will take the lead on writing a manuscript for publication describing a novel group of prophages, integrated bacteriophage genomes, found in one of the most drug resistant bacterial pathogens, M. abscessus. Cote played a key role in identifying and extracting prophage sequences from bacterial sequences and worked collaboratively with other students to characterize the prophage genomes. Characterizing the genome content of these prophages will be key in better understanding how prophages are important drivers of stress responses and drug resistance in mycobacterial pathogens. 

When he graduates from 91±¬ĮĻ next year, Cote plans to pursue a Ph.D. in microbiology and conduct research in the application and development of phage therapy as a viable medical treatment to combat antibiotic resistance. 

ā€œI am so proud of Jacob for being awarded the Goldwater Scholarship,ā€ said Maginnis. ā€œIt has been an honor to work with Jacob as both his Maine Top Scholar mentor and an instructor. Since his first year in the Phage Genome Discovery course, he immediately demonstrated that he was incredibly bright, dedicated to academic success, and ignited by the challenge of research. He has maintained that momentum in the classroom and through his research in Dr. Sally Molloyā€™s laboratory, being awarded two CUGR fellowships and making significant contributions to research. Jacobā€™s combination of excellent critical-thinking skills and curiosity make him an exceptional student researcher. He is an excellent representative for 91±¬ĮĻ and the Goldwater Scholarship.ā€

We asked Jacob to tell us more about his 91±¬ĮĻ student experience:

What difference has 91±¬ĮĻ made in your life and in helping you reach your goals? 
I was initially hesitant to come to 91±¬ĮĻ as a freshman because I grew up a few minutes away and I wanted a different experience than high school, particularly when it came to classes and research. Small class sizes in my department combined with many active research labs and professors that really care about student success allowed me to become part of the research community at 91±¬ĮĻ my freshman year. Being able to start my research so early was likely key to being awarded my Goldwater Scholarship and has allowed me to build a lot of skills and experience that I think will definitely help me with applying to graduate schools and beyond.

Have you had an experience at 91±¬ĮĻ that has changed or shaped the way you see the world?
The ability to not only participate but influence the direction of our research in my lab has been very impactful. Antibiotic resistance is a huge problem for medicine in the near future and the ability to work alongside other research groups that are pioneering phage therapy as an alternative to antibiotics has really changed the way I interact with my research and motivates me to reach my goals.

Have you worked closely with a professor or mentor who made your 91±¬ĮĻ experience better?
My mentor and lab professor Dr. Molloy. Dr. Molloy was a judge at the Maine State Science Fair where I got my scholarship to come to 91±¬ĮĻ in high school. I guess in a way she started recruiting me for her lab before I even knew I was going to come to 91±¬ĮĻ. Dr. Molloy has been an amazing mentor in both my research and academics and Iā€™ve been truly lucky to be able to work with her and all the faculty in my department.

What advice do you have for incoming students to help them get off to the best start academically? 
Make a plan. During the academic year it can be really stressful with classes, research, etc. so I have found it helpful to plan the classes I want to take months or years before so when signups come around, Iā€™m not scrambling to find classes to take. Making faculty connections provide you the opportunity to get into research early and can often help you decide on classes and give advice on career goals. Get to know the students in your department, even upperclassmen. Your fellow students have many more eyes and ears than you do and sometimes will know about opportunities you didnā€™t. Upperclassmen will have also taken the classes you will need to take and so they are sometimes the best resource to find out what classes to take and what you can expect.

Goldwater Scholarship applications are due in November each year. Students interested in learning more about this undergraduate funding opportunity can attend the Goldwater Scholarship information session organized by the Office of Major Scholarships at noon on April 27, or contact the campus representative Robert Wheeler at robert.wheeler1@maine.edu.

Contact: Margaret Nagle, nagle@maine.edu