University of Maine News

Gwendolyn Beacham didn’t have much of a break during the University of Maine winter and spring recesses.

During the three-week respite between semesters in December and January, the sophomore molecular and cellular biology major researched and wrote her entry for the 2013 John M. Rezendes Annual Ethics Essay Competition.

Each night during the two-week March vacation, the Farmington, Maine resident rewrote, revised and tweaked her draft. Her days were otherwise occupied; she and other UMaine students worked on a sanitation system in Dulce Nombre in Honduras for an Engineers Without Borders project.

Her thoroughness paid off. In April, Beacham won first prize, which included $2,800 and an engraved sculpture, for her essay “Ethics of the United States’ Clinical Trials in India.”

“Writing isn’t my main focus of study,” says Beacham, an Honors College student recently accepted for a 10-week summer internship at Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research at Cornell University.

“But I thought it was important that I do something outside of my comfort zone. This forced me to look at an issue from all sides.”

All UMaine undergraduates were invited to submit an 8- to 10-page essay for the annual competition. The 2013 theme was “The Ethics of Globalization.”

Ciarán P. Coyle, a sophomore from Lebanon, N.H., and Gareth Warr, a sophomore from Stonington, Maine, were also finalists; each was awarded $300.

Coyle is majoring in philosophy and Spanish and minoring in history. His essay was titled “Globalization of Reflection: Latin American Experience of Exploitation Justified by Abstraction.”

After graduating from UMaine, Coyle plans to enter a doctoral program of philosophy, either in social and political theory or in phenomenology – the study of the development of human consciousness and self-awareness as a part of philosophy.

Warr, a second-year political science major and legal studies minor, titled his essay “The Ethics of Globalization: A Marxist Critique.”

The Honors College student from Stonington, Maine plans to join the Peace Corps then perhaps enter law school or work in the criminal justice system.

A financial gift from Dennis and Beau Rezendes provides the university the opportunity to annually offer the John M. Rezendes Ethics Essay Competition in conjunction with hosting the John M. Rezendes Visiting Scholar in Ethics.

Two University of Maine graduates are the recipients of prestigious Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowships awarded by the National Sea Grant College Program, according to Maine Sea Grant at UMaine.

Katherine Farrow of Cousins Island and Erin Wilkinson of Saco have joined 47 fellow graduates from throughout the country to work on marine policy in Washington, D.C. The one-year fellowships provide an opportunity for recent graduates to apply their scientific background to marine and coastal policymaking at the national level.

Since 1997, 12 of the Knauss Fellows have been from Maine, according to the National Sea Grant website.

Farrow completed her undergraduate studies in economics at UMaine in 2009, and earned two master’s degrees in global policy and resource economics and policy from the university in 2011 and 2012. She has worked as an assistant to the director of the UMaine School of Economics, and also collaborated with Maine Sea Grant and the National Sea Grant Network to survey and advance best practices for conducting economic impact evaluations of Sea Grant research, extension and education programs.

Farrow grew up on Casco Bay, where she first became aware of the intricate connections between ocean and coastal ecosystems and coastal economies. She also has worked as an island caretaker and field volunteer for the Maine Island Trail Association, a stewardship organization that cares for a recreational boating trail that links islands along the entire coast of Maine. For her Knauss Fellowship, Farrow is working as a fisheries economist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Science and Technology.

Wilkinson received an undergraduate degree in marine sciences from UMaine in 2008, and completed her master’s degree in marine sciences at the University of New England in 2012, where she examined ecological relationships between predatory fish and lobster in the Gulf of Maine. During her graduate studies, she worked closely with recreational fishermen in Southern Maine to raise awareness about striped bass research and to facilitate local angler contributions to research efforts.

Prior to her graduate work, Wilkinson participated in numerous research projects through internships and research technician positions with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, UMaine’s Darling Marine Center and Aquaculture Research Center, the University of Georgia Marine Institute on Sapelo Island, Ga., and MariCal Inc., an aquaculture research facility in Portland, Maine. In addition, she spent 13 months working at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Research Station on Antarctica. Wilkinson’s Knauss Fellowship position is with the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Sustainable Fisheries.

The Knauss Fellowship was established in 1979 for students interested in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources and the national policy decisions that affect those resources. Qualified graduate students spend a year with “hosts” in the legislative and executive branch of government in Washington, D.C. The program is named in honor of one of the founders of the National Sea Grant College Program, former NOAA Administrator John A. Knauss. More information about Knauss Fellowships is online.

Contact: Beth Bisson, 207.581.1440; beth.bisson@maine.edu

Challenges facing older veterans and the resources available to them in Maine will be the focus of the 8th annual University of Maine Clinical Geriatrics Colloquium May 13 on campus.

The colloquium, “Serving Our Older Veterans: Today’s Clinical Issues and Best Practices,” will be held from 7:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Monday, May 13 at Wells Conference Center, hosted by the University of Maine Center on Aging, University of Maine School of Social Work and Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education at the University of Maine.

There were 9.2 million veterans 65 and older in 2011 representing 43 percent of the military veterans in the United States. Some of the major challenges in serving veterans are developing programs and services that respond to the health needs of a rapidly aging population and ensuring that veterans in need of care are aware of the services that exist.

“We need to be aware of the extent to which veterans are surviving into old age but are not necessarily having their needs attended to,” University of Maine Center on Aging Director Lenard Kaye says.

The event, sponsored by Lunder-Dineen Health Education Alliance of Maine, Maine Veterans’ Homes, Maine Gerontological Society and Maine Association of Area Agencies on Aging, includes a screening of the award-winning film featuring Bangor troop greeters “The Way We Get By” and an evening performance of Outside the Wire’s “Theater of War.”

“Older veterans make up large proportions of every community across the state of Maine,” Kaye says. “We need to recognize the fact that they have issues and experiences having served in the military that can in some cases color the way they approach old age.”

Participants will hear from veterans who will describe their experience of growing older as well as practitioners and clinicians who will explain services available to veterans, according to Kaye, who is also a UMaine School of Social Work professor.

Several speakers including United States Congressman Mike Michaud and Chairman of the Maine Troop Greeters Board of Directors Charles Knowlen are expected to attend.

Participants can register online or download a paper form at the UMaine Center on Aging’s website, mainecenteronaging.umaine.edu/colloquium. The $50 regular registration fee includes all colloquium materials, continental breakfast, lunch and admission to the screening of “The Way We Get By.” Registration for Maine Gerontological Society members and employees of sponsoring organizations is $40. Students can register for $25. The deadline for mailed registration forms is Friday, May 3.

The Outside the Wire’s “Theater of War” performance 7 p.m., 100 D.P. Corbett Business Building is free and open to the public. Participants are asked to RSVP to Prudence Searl at prudence.searl@umit.maine.edu; 207.262.7925.

“Theater of War,” produced by social impact company Outside the Wire, presents readings of ancient Greek plays to serve as a catalyst for town hall discussions about the challenges faced by service members, veterans, their families, caregivers and communities. The May 13 performance will feature award-winning actor, David Strathairn, of “Lincoln” and “Good Night, and Good Luck.”

“It’s going to be a full day of events,” Kaye says. “People will learn, people will be entertained, people will have an opportunity to participate.”

The University of Maine Center on Aging, which was established in the winter of 2002, is a multidisciplinary center within the University of Maine System devoted to aging-related education and training, research and evaluation, and community service.

For additional information or to request disability accommodations, contact Prudence Searl, 207.262.7925.

More information about the colloquium can be found online.

Contact: Elyse Kahl, 207.581.3747

WLBZ (Channel 2), WABI (Channel 5) and WVII (Channel 7) reported on a collaboration between University of Maine researchers and Eastern Maine Medical Center clinicians to study human motion using 3-D technology. The new Human Performance Lab in the Cutler Health Center monitors human movement in an effort to train athletes correctly and prevent injuries.

Leslie Forstadt, child and family development specialist at UMaine’s Cooperative Extension, spoke with WVII (Channel 7) about talking to children who are dealing with tragedy.

Newburyport News of Massachusetts interviewed first-year chemistry student and Amesbury, Mass. native Bryer Sousa about winning a $10,000 Projects for Peace Grant from the Davis Foundation. Sousa, who researches water filters, will travel to Honduras in June to install filters in an impoverished region of the country. WaterWorld magazine and The Weekly also carried reports.

The Herald-Dispatch of Huntington, W.Va. spoke to Lenard Kaye, director of UMaine’s Center on Aging, at the seventh annual Drug Prevention Summit on April 11 in Huntington, W.Va. Kaye, who presented at the summit, spoke about Maine’s prescription drug mail-back program.

Student research was displayed during the 4th annual Undergraduate Research and Academic Showcase on April 16.

The event, sponsored by UMaine’s Center for Undergraduate Research and open to any undergraduate at the university, featured presentations from 117 students, consisting of 77 posters, 32 oral presentations or performances, and eight exhibits.

Following are the winning presentations:

Exhibits

• Carolie Dapice (new media), “Study of Creative Storytelling,” mentor Joline Blais; first place, $200

• Carolyn Pugliano (electrical and computer engineering), “A Lateral Field Excited Gas Sensor,” mentor John Vetelino; honorable mention, $50

Oral Presentations

• Jing “Jacky” Deng (molecular and biomedical sciences), “Clinical Trial Comparing the use of Intravenous Tranexamic Acid with Aquamantys Bipolar Sealer for Blood Loss Reduction in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty,” mentor Kim Carol; first place, $200

• Emily Hinkle (food science and human nutrition), “Cooking and Varietal Effects on Potato In Vitro Bile Acid Binding Capability,” mentor Mary Camire; second place, $100

• Valerie Smith (chemistry), “Detection of Aqueous Hg(II) with Infrared Spectroscopy,” mentor Carl Tripp; third place, $75

• Alex Nash (civil and environmental engineering), “Green Composites: From Under Foot to Under Hood,” mentor Douglas Gardner; honorable mention, $50

Posters

• Conrad Rier (physics and astronomy), “Habitability of Exomoons,” mentor Neil Comins; first place, $200.

• Joshua Jones (molecular and biomedical sciences), “Morphogenesis Mediates Candida albicans Dissemination,” mentor Robert Wheeler; tied for second place, $100.

• Kendra Bird (anthropology), “Specialized Activities in the Middle Woodland Period: An Analysis of Feature 8, Holmes Point West,” mentor Brian Robinson; tied for second place, $100

• Lydia Drown, Brett Radosti and Michelle Landry (communication science and disorders), “Effects of Mild-to-Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury on Speech in Adolescents,” mentor Nancy Hall; tied for third place, $75

• Paige Martin (psychology), “The Effect of Cataract Surgery on Depression and Vision-Related Quality of Life,” mentor Lira Yoon; tied for third place, $75

• Christopher Young (psychology), “The Relationship Between High Behavioral Inhibition and Cortisol Reactivity,” mentor Lira Yoon; honorable mention $50

Also announced at the showcase were the six winners of a $3,000 Summer Research and Creative Academic Achievements Fellowship:

• Ruth Castillo, “Biofilm Formation on Medical Implants, A Zebrafish Model,” mentor Paul Millard

• Jonathan Cole, “Virtual Simulations of Compensatory Techniques for Age-Related Vision Loss,” mentor Nicholas A. Giudice

• Jameson Ford, “Effects of Ketamine on Motor Coordination and Pain Sensitivity in Ethanol-withdrawing Animals,” mentor Alan Rosenwasser

• Audrey Maddox, “Abundance and Species Composition of the Pollinator Community on Squash in Northeastern Maine,” mentor Frank Drummond

• Jonathan McCullum, “Developing Critical Thinking and Collaboration Skills in Science Education,” mentor Jonathan Shemwell

• Nadine Nicke, “Multicolor Time-Lapse Imaging of Immune Damage to a Fungal Pathogen,” mentor Robert Wheeler

Click here to view the “Caring for Asparagus” video on YouTube.

Four faculty members in physics, insect ecology, finance and computer science will receive the University of Maine’s top annual awards May 11 as part of Commencement activities on campus.

Professor of Physics Robert Lad, director of UMaine’s Laboratory for Surface Science and Technology (LASST) is the 2013 Distinguished Maine Professor, an award presented by the University of Maine Alumni Association in recognition of outstanding achievement in the university’s mission of teaching, research and public service.

University of Maine President Paul Ferguson announced that Professor of Insect Ecology Francis “Frank” Drummond is the 2013 Presidential Research and Creative Achievement Award recipient. This year’s Presidential Outstanding Teaching Award recipient is Professor of Finance Richard Borgman. Professor of Computer Science George Markowsky is the recipient of the Presidential Public Service and Outreach Award.

“These annual awards offer us an opportunity to not only honor the outstanding achievements of the very best of our faculty members, but also to celebrate the teaching, research and outreach contributions of all our faculty who are at the heart of the UMaine community,” says Ferguson.

The award recipients will be honored at the Faculty Appreciation and Recognition Luncheon, noon–1:30 p.m., May 11 at Wells Conference Center.

The following faculty descriptions are excerpted, in part, from the nomination packages submitted to the selection committees.

Dr. Robert Lad, 2013 Distinguished Maine Professor Award

Bob Lad has been a member of the Department of Physics and Astronomy since 1988 and, for the past 16 years, has directed the Laboratory for Surface Science and Technology (LASST), an internationally recognized interdisciplinary center for surface science, nanotechnology, sensors, and materials science research. He received the 2006 University of Maine System Trustee Professorship and the 2004 UMaine Presidential Research and Creative Achievement Award. Lad, an internationally recognized materials researcher, has been a primary member of many of the LASST project teams, serving as principal or co-principal investigator on more than $35 million in research and development grants. Many of the projects, such as the current research on high-temperature sensors for use in jet engines, power plant generators and other extreme environments, have led to major advances and assisted Maine industries in their development and manufacture of high-tech products. Most recently while on sabbatical last year, Lad’s expertise aided the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s solar programs as he, concurrently, pursued his ongoing interest in finding new areas of research that can connect to Maine. Lad has a talent for blending fundamental and applied research, which is reflected in his collaborations with more than 30 Maine companies. The research teams he has led includes undergraduates, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, thus, training the next generation of physics and engineering researchers and industry leaders. In addition to his research, Lad teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses. His 200-level Introductory Quantum Physics course is legendary, not only for how Lad excites students about the field, but also how he engages them by interfacing examples of ongoing research with the rigorous theory. Current students, alumni and colleagues describe Lad’s enthusiasm for education, research and outreach as contagious.

Dr. Francis Drummond, 2013 Presidential Research and Creative Achievement Award

Entomologist Frank Drummond has been a member of the UMaine community for a quarter-century. He is a professor in the School of Biology and Ecology, and University of Maine Cooperative Extension. The breadth of his career is reflected in his research interests that range from pollination ecology to insect pest management, and scientific techniques that span statistical modeling and computer simulation to molecular genetics. His research venues range from Maine’s blueberry and potato fields to Australian sugarcane plantations. Drummond has always worked in cooperative research with other researchers at UMaine and beyond. Today, his productivity and project diversity involves 60 research colleagues. Drummond has been the principal or co-principal investigator on more than $15.7 million in research funding. That funding includes USDA grants investigating the genetics of blueberry production and pollinator conservation to address colony collapse disorder in honeybees. Since joining the UMaine community, Drummond has been leading bee research, focused on their health, conservation and role as crop pollinators. As an applied entomologist, Drummond finds solutions to important agricultural insect problems, especially in Maine. One of his many successful efforts to help farmers manage the blueberry maggot fly, an effort that saved growers money and reduced the environmental impact of insecticide applications. With several UMaine colleagues, Drummond has researched and developed organic methods for blueberry production — the only complete organic insect pest management plan for wild blueberry production in North America. Drummond also created a model to predict the impact of human activity on streams, which became the basis for Maine law and informed national Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.

Dr. Richard Borgman, 2013 Presidential Outstanding Teaching Award

Rick Borgman joined the Maine Business School faculty in 1995. He received the Maine Business School’s Excellence in Teaching Award in 2011. Borgman is cited as an enthusiastic teacher whose excellence has shaped the lives of numerous students, and whose deep knowledge of his subject results in engaging courses. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in finance, and has led a 2009 MBA study trip to Japan. Student evaluations reflect their appreciation of Borgman’s ability to effectively link theory with current developments in the business world, and apply this knowledge creatively to complex situations. Repeatedly, students comment on Borgman’s ability to seize learning opportunities from current events and correlate them with theoretical class presentations. One student noted that Borgman’s classroom was a place “to savor the pleasures and rewards of learning.” Borgman also is known for his excellent organization of course subject matter and his emphasis on developing students’ writing and analytical skills. He has developed numerous cases for classroom use that target concepts students need to learn; one case earned him the Maine Business School’s 2012 Research Award. Borgman also is involved in curriculum development at the graduate level. He served as adviser to the MBA Association from 1997–2003, and was director from 2001–04. He chaired the Maine Business School Graduate Committee from 2004–11, and was a major architect of UMaine’s revised MBA program that launched in 2004. Maine Business School alumni cite the difference Borgman made in their successful careers through his teaching excellence, outstanding mentoring and inspiration.

Dr. George Markowsky, 2013 Presidential Outstanding Public Service and Outreach Award

George Markowsky joined the University of Maine faculty as the first chair of the Department of Computer Science in 1983. He serves as associate director of the School of Computing and Information Science, and is a cooperating professor in the School of Policy and International Affairs, and in Mathematics and Statistics. Markowsky’s extensive public service record is testimony to his ceaseless vision in advancing people’s knowledge outside the classroom. He has provided leadership in the promotion of the computational sciences, providing outstanding, dedicated professional service to UMaine and the state. Markowsky has organized countless activities to promote the many facets of computer science and its importance to modern society. His vision of exposing students to the latest advancements culminates in events that raise student aspirations and public awareness. Those events include the Northeast Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition, a game programming project for first-year computer science majors, and the 2008 Green Supercomputing event. Markowsky’s service and outreach go far beyond campus, including his advocacy for the importance of university research in the state’s economy as a member the UMaine Faculty Five in the 1990s. Also during that time, Markowsky was founding president of the Maine Software Developers Association, which became the trade organization for all high-technology companies in the state called TechMaine. Currently, Markowsky serves as president of the Bangor Foreign Policy Forum and serves on the Maine Advisory Board for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition. In 2010, Markowsky received the Outstanding Achievement Award for Leadership and Outstanding Contributions in Cybersecurity Education from the World Congress in Computer Science, Computer Engineering and Applied Computing. Also that year, he received an honorary degree from the Ternopil National Economic University for his work in establishing the American-Ukrainian School of Computer Sciences and Technologies and for his role for establishing a municipal area network in Ternopil, Ukraine.

Contact: Margaret Nagle, 207.581.3745

A number of media outlets, including The Associated Press, reported on UMaine’s April 16 announcement of the seven-member search committee for the head coach of the men’s ice hockey team.

WABI (Channel 5) covered the 4th annual Undergraduate Research and Academic Showcase on Tuesday at the Wells Conference Center on campus. Ali Abedi, director of the Center for Undergraduate Research, was interviewed for the report.

Lauri Sidelko, director of the Student Wellness Resource Center at UMaine, spoke to WABI (Channel 5) about her experience running in the Boston Marathon during the explosions.

Around 200 people, including runners and UMaine students, gathered at Alfond Stadium at 9 p.m. Tuesday to run a mile in honor of the Boston Marathon tragedy victims. WABI (Channel 5) covered the event.

The Portland Press Herald published an opinion piece by Tony Brinkley, senior faculty associate at the University of Maine’s Franco-American Centre, and Margaret Lukens, academic director of UMaine’s Innovation Engineering program. The article argues for adding a fifth year after high school.

The Sun Journal of Lewiston reported Rob Taylor, a hands-on science teacher from Jay, was honored at the University of Maine earlier this month when he was named one of two teachers of the year by the Pulp & Paper Foundation. He was nominated by former student, Lexi Deering, who is studying engineering at UMaine on a Pulp & Paper Foundation scholarship.

The Village Soup reported Unity College President Stephen Mulkey will be the featured Earth Day speaker at the University of Maine on Monday, April 22. Mulkey will speak about Unity’s decision to divest from fossil fuel investments.

University of Maine Director of Athletics Steve Abbott has announced formation of a seven-member search committee to help identify the new head coach of the UMaine men’s ice hockey team.

The search committee will begin work immediately and seek to provide the director of athletics with the names of recommended candidates within the next two months, to be forwarded for a final decision by UMaine President Paul Ferguson.

Robert Corkum was named interim head coach of UMaine men’s ice hockey on April 10, replacing Tim Whitehead, who was released from his contract April 9. Corkum, a UMaine alumnus who played on the UMaine hockey team (1985–89) and then 12 years in the NHL, has been an associate head coach with the university’s men’s ice hockey program since 2008.

“Our aspiration with this coaching search will be to find that individual who can best build upon the significant successes of both Shawn Walsh and Tim Whitehead, and rekindle the collective spirit, energy and support of the entire Black Bear Hockey Nation,” says UMaine President Paul Ferguson.

Dr. George Jacobson, professor emeritus of biology, ecology and climate change, and the university’s former NCAA faculty athletic representative, will chair the search committee. Jacobson joined the UMaine faculty in 1979 and serves as the Maine State Climatologist. In addition to his years of research and service to the state, which included his role as a member of the “Faculty Five,” advancing research funding in the state of Maine, Jacobson has played an integral role in UMaine athletics. He has served on numerous search committees for coaches and athletic directors, athletic advisory committees and America East Conference committees.

“Through his participation in numerous head coach searches, and with experience as the NCAA faculty representative, George understands the necessary balance needed in athletics related to competition and student academic success,” says Abbott.

Joining Jacobson on the search committee will be:

Cherie Damon, president and long-time member of Friends of Maine Hockey, recipient of the 2011 Friends of Maine Hockey Volunteer of the Year Award and parent of a former player.

Dr. Nic Erhardt, UMaine assistant professor of management in the Maine Business School, faculty liaison to the men’s hockey team, and member of the Athletic Advisory Board. Erhardt played semi-professional hockey in Sweden.

Peter Metcalf, UMaine alumnus (Business, ’02), Portland business leader in financial advising and former professional hockey player. Metcalf was a defenseman when the Black Bears went to the 1999 National Championship and a captain of the 2002 team that was national runner-up.

Dr. Richard Powell, UMaine associate professor of political science, and director of the Peter Madigan ’81 Congressional Internship Program and the Kenneth Palmer Maine State Legislative Internship Program. Powell has been involved in hockey as a player, coach and administrator for more than 40 years in Michigan and Maine.

Jon Sorenson, UMaine alumnus (Economics, ’86), Massachusetts business leader in the energy industry, member of Business and Engineering Advisory Boards, co-chair of Black Bears of Boston, founder of the Boston Executive Club of the University of Maine, and a strong UMaine hockey supporter.

Janine Tremble, UMaine alumna (Merchandising, ’86), marketing specialist with Maine Savings and president elect of the Black Bear Board of Advisors.

The St. John Valley Times published a story about Lindsay LaJoie of Van Buren being named UMaine’s 2013 salutatorian. The Bangor Daily News also reported on LaJoie being named salutatorian and Spencer Hathaway of Turner being named valedictorian.

WVII (Channel 7), WLBZ (Channel 2) and WABI (Channel 5) covered the Great Maine Bike Swap on Sunday at the University of Maine’s New Balance Student Recreation Center. Nearly 100 people volunteered and more than 1,000 people attended the annual event to sell and buy used bicycles.