News – MAINE EPSCoR /epscor 91¸ŁŔű Thu, 08 Oct 2026 18:20:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.10 Tracking spruce budworm’s potential impact on Maine’s forest economy /epscor/2026/10/08/tracking-the-spruce-budworms-potential-impact-on-maines-forest-economy/ Thu, 08 Oct 2026 18:17:14 +0000 /epscor/?p=10410

One small insect could shape the future of Maine’s forest economy: the spruce budworm. The eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) is a moth native to Maine whose caterpillar stage can severely damage balsam fir and spruce trees. Outbreaks have been a consistent issue in the state, usually occurring every The caterpillars feed on the trees’ needles, causing defoliation. Repeated severe defoliation can reduce growth and eventually kill trees.. Outbreaks can have detrimental effects on Maine’s forest economy, making strategic planning necessary to mitigate future harm.

At the University of Maine, researchers are looking at the full scope of the spruce budworm’s potential effects by conducting targeted economic analysis that builds on the work of the 2016 spruce budworm task force. The task force examined potential effects on wood supply and harvesting, as well as pre-salvage and salvage planning and markets for affected timber. This summer, Wellesley College undergraduate Madeline Pierce explored the relationship between high-risk forests and Maine’s sawmills, pulp mills and biomass facilities through the NSF EPSCoR Maine-FOREST Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates) (REU) program.  Working with Adam Daigneault, Jianheng Zhao and Naresh Khanal in 91¸ŁŔű’s Forest Policy and Economics Lab, she mapped estimated procurement zones: areas from which mills could potentially obtain wood under the model’s economic assumptions. 

Madeline Pierce

“What we really want to look at is the trees that might be vulnerable in the future, and what mills, specifically, are those trees going to impact? So by looking at an estimated procurement zone of where these mills potentially could be getting their wood from, we will know which areas are more vulnerable and should have earlier intervention,” said Pierce.

Tackling the spruce budworm problem from both economic and biological perspectives, Pierce’s project seeks to identify areas where trees will be most affected and whether wood from those areas can successfully be procured before damage occurs. To do this, Pierce collected data on forest composition, mill locations, trucking routes, road networks and overall land constraints to map procurement zones and susceptibility of hosting spruce budworms. 

Her preliminary results show that the potential for successful procurement varies by region. Areas in southeastern and eastern Maine with high spruce budworm vulnerability generally fall within procurement zones, while areas in northwestern Maine fall outside them. The findings suggest that biological risk could be coupled with economic vulnerability in northwestern Maine.

For Pierce, insect damage to forests is not a novel concept. A Colorado native, she has seen firsthand the effects of the mountain pine beetle, an insect that can be highly destructive to the region’s pine trees.

“It was really interesting to compare this research to my experience growing up in Colorado and seeing the damage done to trees, but then seeing how different the situation in Maine is when you factor in the forest economy, connection to Canadian forestry and different dynamics overall,” said Pierce.

For Pierce, the summer also represented the chance to go beyond theoretical work and apply economic research in a real-world setting.

“I really enjoy theory work but there can be limitations to how well you can apply it. I’m really excited I got the opportunity to expand my knowledge this summer and can now take this experience to better approach empirical projects. Having both sides will be highly beneficial in my future career development,” said Pierce.

As spruce budworm threatens forests across the state, understanding where its biological and economic effects may be greatest can help Maine prepare for the outsized consequences of one small insect.

Story by Heather Johnson, EPSCoR Graduate Assistant

]]> Team of 91¸ŁŔű students develop drones for forest monitoring /epscor/2026/10/08/team-of-umaine-students-develop-drones-for-forest-monitoring/ Thu, 08 Oct 2026 17:23:04 +0000 /epscor/?p=10308

Monitoring forests is a complex task, requiring data collection in an expansive environment to assess forest health, tree measurements and wildlife conditions. Drone technology is increasingly being used to look at the forest in different ways and collect this data more efficiently. While often these drones fly above the canopy, some researchers are trying to go further by flying drones under the tree canopy. At the University of Maine, undergraduate students are getting first hand experience with drone technology as a tool for forest monitoring and research.

From left to right, Ethan Pinette, Kian dos Santos, Ahmed Aboelezz, and Dylan Freeman standing in the lab.

This summer, three students had the opportunity to intern with Ahmed Aboelezz, assistant professor of mechanical engineering. Jude Morrison, Ethan Pinette and Kian dos Santos, all 91¸ŁŔű undergraduate students in mechanical engineering, joined the lab for eight weeks as part of a NSF EPSCoR Maine-FOREST initiative to design a custom drone for under-canopy forest health monitoring. 

The project divided the design process among the interns, who focused on propeller design, propeller testing and development of the complete aircraft. Together, their work explored how individual design decisions can contribute to a drone capable of carrying a 0.7-kilogram sensor package during a roughly 40-minute mission involving climbing, cruising and brief hovering beneath the canopy.

Model depicting the drone prototype

Aboelezz and the interns were tasked with designing, manufacturing and testing a customized drone with improved efficiency to accomplish their mission. Each intern specialized in a different area throughout the process. 

Morrison designed 28 versions of custom propellers for the specific conditions needed to fly under the tree canopy before settling on the final design, using academic theory, propeller geometry, and computer-aided design. 

“Theories do not always match real conditions, and a design on paper may not work on the actual drone. A propeller optimized for actual conditions translates to longer flights and better data,” Morrison said.

Next in the process, Pinette experimented with how multiple propellers on a drone interact with one another, which can affect the aircraft’s overall thrust and efficiency. Testing nine different placement combinations, Pinette gained experience selecting experimental parameters, analyzing data and troubleshooting problems.

Dos Santos brought these concepts to life by designing and assembling the drone, using a combination of wood parts and 3D printing while integrating lidar technology and GPS. He also completed the Federal Aviation Administration exam to become a certified drone pilot, learning about airspace, flight restrictions, operating limits and other requirements for research and commercial drone operations.

The finished prototype presented additional challenges for the team, as the aircraft was heavier than expected and unable to achieve the desired flight performance. However, the interns are continuing the development process in the fall semester, incorporating what they learned over the summer.

For the students, working through these challenges was an important part of participating in one of the first major undergraduate research projects associated with Maine-FOREST. The experience offered an opportunity to apply academic knowledge outside the classroom.

“This was an eye-opening experience. As my first engineering experience outside of the classroom, it was really valuable to see concepts work in the real world, experience errors and self-correct,” dos Santos said.

The project not only provided insights into creating a drone capable of navigating Maine’s forests but also gave undergraduate researchers the opportunity to experience a meaningful, real-world research environment.

Story by Heather Johnson, EPSCoR Graduate Assistant

]]> Bridging Indigenous knowledge and science at 91¸ŁŔű /epscor/2026/10/08/bridging-indigenous-knowledge-and-science-at-umaine/ Thu, 08 Oct 2026 17:11:39 +0000 /epscor/?p=10324 Incorporating Indigenous Knowledge into science and research is an ongoing process, including at the University of Maine. One way this work is taking place is through science curricula, where 91¸ŁŔű faculty are exploring how Indigenous Knowledge can inform the way science is taught and understood. The Indigenous Science Faculty Development Program within 91¸ŁŔű’s Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL) is one effort supporting this work. 

Ph.D. student Adeline Hegde is helping this endeavor with support from the NSF EPSCoR Maine-SMART program and her adviser, Professor of Anthropology and Chief of Native American Programs, Dr. Darren Ranco. After completing her master’s degree in sustainability solutions at Arizona State University, Hegde arrived at 91¸ŁŔű this summer to further her studies in anthropology and environmental policy while contributing to research on Indigenous sovereignty and resilience, decolonial frameworks, and Indigenous science and knowledge systems.

At the core of Hegde’s work is the integration of Indigenous Knowledge into Western science and the elevation of Indigenous Knowledge systems. Hegde is involved with programs that followed the Wabanaki Youth in Science (WaYS) program such as the Indigenous Science Faculty Development Program, which is designed to help faculty, particularly non-Indigenous faculty, meaningfully incorporate Indigenous Knowledge into undergraduate science classrooms. Local knowledge sharers, community members and participating faculty come together to share their experiences and place-based knowledge relevant to their respective communities.

This summer, Hegde participated in a gathering that brought together faculty from the program’s first cohort with its newest participants, known as the Bumblebee Cohort. The gathering allowed participants to share insights on educational techniques and their experiences incorporating Indigenous Knowledge into their classrooms while strengthening relationships among faculty. Those relationships can allow faculty to turn to one another as resources as they continue this work.

The gathering provided opportunities for hands-on, place-based learning. Participants learned about ash trees and their ecological and cultural significance, including how threats to ash can affect much more than the surrounding ecosystem. Knowledge sharers connected the trees to cultural practices and ways of knowing, while participants took part in activities such as basket making and ash pounding. The faculty went on hikes where they learned about practices such as harvesting cultural significant plants for traditional craft making. These experiences demonstrated how ecological knowledge can be connected to culture, place and relationships within the environment.

“As I continue my education and work at 91¸ŁŔű, I hope to serve as someone who can strengthen these networks we’re building, inviting insightful and enlightening conversations for all faculty who want to incorporate more Indigenous Knowledge into their curricula,” Hegde said. “We hope that eventually, Indigenous Knowledge will be a core facet of the hard science courses that undergraduates in the 91¸ŁŔű System take, as a standard of education for seamless implementation into traditionally Western curricula.”

In the classroom, incorporating Indigenous Knowledge can mean looking at concepts commonly taught through Western science from a different perspective.

“For example, an Indigenous concept is returning fish bones and shells to the original water source after harvesting the food inside,” Hegde said. “The Indigenous lens sees the concept of reciprocity and returning resources back to their source, but it is also a really crucial component of the hydrological cycle. The calcium from those bones and shells helps the health of other living organisms and the water as a whole. We do a lot of reframing to rethink these scientific processes to be more inclusive of other thought processes.”

That reframing is part of the work Hegde and Ranco are helping facilitate, giving faculty opportunities to learn from local perspectives and place-based knowledge while considering new ways of approaching their own fields of study.

As Hegde continues her Ph.D. and work with CITL and the Indigenous Science Faculty Development Program, she hopes to explore new ways to strengthen these networks and support Indigenous knowledge, sovereignty and resilience in Maine.

Story by Heather Johnson, EPSCoR Graduate Assistant

]]> 91¸ŁŔű graduate student is turning wood waste into next‑generation manufacturing materials /epscor/2026/09/03/umaine-graduate-student-is-turning-wood-waste-into-next-generation-manufacturing-materials/ Thu, 03 Sep 2026 13:17:36 +0000 /epscor/?p=10289 As a leader in bioproduct development, researchers at the University of Maine are constantly developing new and innovative ways to use wood and wood byproducts as stronger, more sustainable alternatives to traditional materials. Ehsan Ullah Sardar, a Ph.D. student with the National Science Foundation’s Maine-FOREST project, is part of this effort. 

After earning his chemical engineering degree in Pakistan in 2018 and spending several years working in industry there and in Saudi Arabia, Sardar began to rethink what he wanted from his career. Watching former classmates leave for graduate school in the United States, he decided to apply as well. He dedicated to come to 91¸ŁŔű for an opportunity to work on a research project closely aligned with his undergraduate capstone.

“I originally came here just to do a master’s and then get a job, but I was having so much fun with the work that I decided to stay and do a Ph.D,” he said with a smile.

Sardar’s project focuses on developing new ways to make cellulose nanofiber directly from wood and other biomass, starting from raw material instead of purchased pulp.  This can be utilized in thin film packaging and bio composites. 

“Lignin is like a binding matrix that holds the tree together. We are trying to see what impact would lignin have on the properties of cellulose nanofiber,” explained Sardar.

He is testing how keeping more lignin, the natural glue in wood, changes the properties of cellulose nanofiber and how these lignin‑rich fibers can be blended with common plastics to create stronger, more sustainable composite materials. 

To test that, he prepares cellulose nanofiber from three different sources and compares how each behaves. 

Sardar’s process begins with raw biomass, different kinds of wood and recycled paper products, which he converts into different pulp using equipment at 91¸ŁŔű’s pilot plant in Old Town. From that pulp, he produces cellulose nanofiber and deliberately keeps varying the amount of lignin to study changes to the fiber’s properties. He repeats this with three feedstocks: pulp he makes directly from wood, material supplied by TimberHP (a Maine‑based manufacturer of wood‑fiber insulation) and recycled cardboard from a paper mill, then compares the resulting nanofibers. Finally, he blends these different cellulose nanofibers with plastics such as polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), and polylactic acid (PLA) to create and test composite materials that aim to be both stronger and more sustainable than conventional plastics.

“The challenge comes down to chemistry: bleached cellulose nanofiber is hydrophilic and attracts water, while plastics like polyethylene are hydrophobic and repel it. That mismatch keeps the fibers from dispersing evenly and bonds weakly with the plastic, resulting in poor properties of the bio composites. We are trying to incorporate lignin-containing cellulose nanofiber to address this challenge and enhance the properties of bio composites,” explained Sardar, “We want to use cellulose nanofiber to improve the properties of plastic, and then we are using that lignin that was derived during my reactions to give it a much better coupling.”

Because there are so many possible combinations of fiber source, lignin content and plastic type, he is also collaborating on an artificial intelligence component to guide experiments. Under the supervision of his advisor, Assistant Professor Chemical Engineering Sampath Gunukula, Sardar is working with fellow graduate student Md. Hafizur Rehman, Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Prabuddha Chakraborty, Professor of Renewable Nanomaterials Mehdi Tajvidi and Director of 91¸ŁŔű’s Process Development Center Dr. Colleen Walker to incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning models into his project, so that known material properties can be used to predict promising biocomposite formulations instead of relying only on thousands of trial‑and‑error experiments.

In addition to his lab work on lignin‑containing cellulose nanofibers and polymer composites, he helps design and lead “lab to classroom” activities that bring simple versions of his biomass experiments into school science classes. Sardar is committed to making sure younger students can see themselves in science and engineering.

“What we’re trying to do is educate the next generation about STEM, especially engineering and let them know that chemical engineering, and a place like 91¸ŁŔű, are actual options right here in Maine. If they see that early, staying in Maine to build a future in it becomes a real option, not something they have to leave the state to find,” said Sardar.

For him, those classroom visits are as energizing as any breakthrough in the lab. Many of the students initially think of wood only as fuel or as something you build cabinets with. 

Through his activities, he wants to broaden that view and show them that wood can also be turned into sustainable products, biofuels and other advanced materials. 

Hopefully, as sustainable materials advance and awareness grows, more people, especially children, will develop a mindset that values caring for the planet.

By Yoana Karageorgieva, research media intern

]]> Embedding Indigenous Knowledge into EPSCoR programming  /epscor/2026/09/03/embedding-indigenous-knowledge-into-epscor-programming/ Thu, 03 Sep 2026 13:15:11 +0000 /epscor/?p=10283 As environmental challenges become increasingly complex and frequent, it is more important than ever to approach these challenges from multiple perspectives. To advance this, researchers are working to bring Indigenous Knowledge and Western scientific knowledge together, creating a new lens to view problems and solutions. 

At the University of Maine, Professor of Anthropology Darren Ranco is at the forefront of this effort, working to embed Indigenous Knowledge in pedagogy and research. A citizen of the Penobscot Nation, this approach lies at the center of Ranco’s work with both the NSF EPSCoR Maine-FOREST and Maine-SMART. Serving as a primary investigator for themes on both EPSCoR grants, Ranco has the unique position to help mobilize Indigenous Knowledge across the university system, the state of Maine and education as a whole. 

With Maine-FOREST, Ranco’s work focuses on climate resilience and improving Indigenous access to traditional places. 

“We work with conservation and land partners to create a new mapping interface for Indigenous harvesters to be able to locate places that they have been locked out of because of conservation and other private property concerns, so creating frameworks of access helps reinvigorate Indigenous land care,” said Ranco. 

Through Maine-SMART, Ranco’s research is changing how research faculty and universities understand ecological knowledge and can incorporate Indigenous knowledge and science paradigms into the way they teach. To accomplish this, two cohorts of six 91¸ŁŔű faculty members across different disciplines have undergone training to change the way they teach core environmental science concepts, to better reflect Indigenous thought processes such as land stewardship and management. 

“All students benefit from being exposed to Indigenous Knowledge in science frameworks, in a respectful, ethical manner,” said Ranco. 

This program additionally helps empower Indigenous youth to seek out environmental and STEM careers, another research area that Ranco explores. He previously helped create the (WaYS) Program in 2012, which originally focused on integrating Indigenous knowledge into Western science curriculum for middle and high schoolers. 

“We found that this program created a lot of interest for Indigenous students entering the university system and they were excited to pursue environmental fields, but would then switch out often due to the way introductory classes were taught and the values reflected in those classes,” said Ranco. 

Ranco’s current programming with Maine-SMART works to shift the pedagogy in these courses while also creating frameworks of mentoring and support for students. 

“The real output and shift has been seen with the retention of Indigenous people in the life sciences, more degrees being awarded, and an increase of indigenous graduate students,” explained Ranco. “This has a significant impact on the University’s relationship with Indigenous communities and the projects we engage in, but it’s not just me anymore. It’s all of these students who are engaging in community-based research that’s supporting Indigenous sovereignty and also mobilizing Indigenous knowledge in a way that is ethical and framed up in the right way.”

For Ranco, his position with both EPSCoR grants reflects the core mission of a research university, engaging in community-led research while transforming educational systems to better support future researchers. 

“The promise of a research university is that students are being taught by the people creating new knowledge,” he said. “The research informs the pedagogy, and the pedagogy prepares the next generation to continue advancing that research.” 

By strengthening both research and education, Ranco’s work through Maine EPSCoR is helping create a more inclusive scientific community while demonstrating the value of Indigenous Knowledge as an essential component of environmental research, education and long-term stewardship. 

By Heather Johnson, EPSCoR graduate student

]]> Maine EPSCoR internship opportunities /epscor/2026/09/03/maine-epscor-internship-opportunities/ Thu, 03 Sep 2026 12:58:36 +0000 /epscor/?p=10278 Maine EPSCoR is hiring a student writer and an illustrator or graphic designer. These paid internships are available to students for 8-10 hours a week and do not require work study.

Please submit your resume, cover letter and an example of our work (this can be a professional, personal or academic work) to us at maine.epscor@maine.edu.

Student writer:

  • Create high-quality written content on Maine EPSCoR and 91¸ŁŔű Research for print and digital publication.
  • Provide written content as applicable for the Maine EPSCoR and 91¸ŁŔű research websites and social media channels.
  • Maintain and manage content files.
  • Assist as needed in the development of other communication materials such as brochures, posters, other printed materials, presentations, etc.
  • Other reasonable duties as needed

Illustrator or graphic designer:

  • Create high-quality illustrations and graphics that support research and education projects, events, and activities.
  • Ability to produce high quality digital or digitized illustrations, preference towards scientific illustration but open to variety of styles
  • Ability to use the Adobe Suite among other software products to produce graphic content for print and digital distribution.
  • Maintain and manage media content files.
  • Produce relevant media content for the research websites and social media accounts.
  • Assist with media, communication, and presentation needs for conferences, workshops, activities, events, etc.
  • Other reasonable duties as needed.
]]> New England regional AI and quantum information science symposium registration ends soon /epscor/2026/08/26/new-england-regional-ai-and-quantum-information-science-symposium-registration-is-open/ Wed, 26 Aug 2026 17:26:41 +0000 /epscor/?p=10259 Are you an early- or mid-career researcher or industry professional looking to sharpen your research ideas, find interdisciplinary collaborators, and dedicate focused time to strengthen your research and partnerships?

Join us in October for a hands-on regional symposium designed to advance your research, expand your network, and build your funding portfolio. Whether your work directly connects to the US National Science Foundation (NSF) Computer & Information Science & Engineering (CISE) directorate or aligns conceptually with its broader themes, this event is designed to move your ideas forward.

Attendance is limited.

Applications accepted until September 4, 2026.

Why Attend?

  • Mentorship & Expert Guidance: Gain direct insights from experienced faculty, industry mentors, and funding experts on proposal strategy, logic models, and crafting competitive concepts that align with federal priorities.
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Discover new partners through rapid lightning talks and small-group discussions tailored to find common research interests. While this symposium focuses on interest areas of the NSF Directorate for Computer Information Science and Engineering (), it is open to all fields.
  • Dedicated Idea Development & Writing Time: Move beyond preliminary concepts with structured small-group sessions that leverage the expertise of all participants.
  • Strategic NSF Priorities: Learn how to align your ideas with current NSF and Federal strategic goals and expectations.
  • Regional Relevance: This symposium’s goal is to strengthen research and development capacity in Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire and develop the industry partnerships that will shape our region.
  • Travel support: Travel support will be provided, per the conditions of the award.

What previous attendees valued most:

“The small group with other colleagues helped me feel more confident that my idea was worth working on more and help[ed] me think about how to make it more powerful.”

“Face-to-face conversations created a much stronger sense of connection and collaboration… I realized there are several people I can collaborate with.

TRAVEL SUPPORT PROVIDED per the conditions of the award.

  • What: Regional NSF CISE- Fall New England Regional AI & Quantum Information Science Symposium
  • When: October 13-14, 2026
  • Where: University of Maine, GEM Building, Orono, ME
  • Questions: Direct inquiries to Anne Heberger Marino, Associate Director of Maine EPSCoR: anne.marino@maine.edu.
]]> Expanding the possibilities of future nanocellulose products /epscor/2026/07/10/expanding-the-possibilities-of-future-nanocellulose-products/ Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:03:39 +0000 /epscor/?p=10175 Wood has been used by humans for millennia for good reason, and we are still finding new ways to use it. Wood-based materials are continuously evolving to reflect advances in research and industry capabilities. Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) is at the forefront of this field, stretching the possibilities for this biomass derived from wood pulp or agricultural waste. The integration and versatility of CNF create endless opportunities for sustainable manufacturing and innovative products. With applications in biomedical engineering, sustainable packaging, and composites, CNF research is a growing field in Maine and worldwide. 

Headshot of Maurelio Cabo Jr.
Maurelio Cabo Jr.

At the University of Maine, postdoc researcher Maurelio Cabo Jr. is strengthening this effort by bringing with him a global perspective. Originally from the Philippines, where he finished his Bachelor’s degree in Applied Science, Cabo worked in the powder coating industry in Saudi Arabia for six years, studied for his master’s degree in Smart Manufacturing Engineering in South Korea, and earned his Ph.D. in Nanoscience at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro- Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering. 

Working with 91¸ŁŔű’s Forest Bioproducts Research Institute (FBRI) and Process Development Center (PDC), Cabo is focused on creating new applications for nancellulose, a versatile and small form of CNF, across different disciplines and product applications. 

By developing ways nanocellulose can be functionalized for new products in different industries, Cabo hopes to create sustainable products with unique and impactful capabilities. His previous research focused on using bacteria as a producer of nanocellulose, creating anti-microbial wound dressings that help navigate antimicrobial resistance that emerges from overuse of antibiotics, in addition to being sustainable. 

At 91¸ŁŔű’s Product Development Center, Cabo hopes to utilize nanocellulose in alignment with the center’s mission to reduce plastic use while continuing to push the limits of bio-based materials and what they can accomplish. 

“I hope to utilize my background in flexible biomaterials, antimicrobial-resistant nanomaterials, and carbon-based research to create new composite systems out of nanocellulose at the PDC that solve energy, environmental, and biomedical problems while reducing the use of plastic,” said Cabo. 

His experience in industry also brings a unique perspective to this work, integrating his time as a quality control chemist in Saudi Arabia. 

“My background in Saudi Arabia focused on creating and testing coatings for substrate products and gaining knowledge of quality management,” explained Cabo, “which is an additional focus of the PDC here in Maine.”

Cabo hopes to use his broad professional experiences and expertise to help increase Maine’s biomaterials and manufacturing capacity, creating new products in a sustainable and functional manner. 

“My goal is to help develop new products that can be manufactured in a low-cost way that supports local economies through workforce development and future employment opportunities,” said Cabo. 

In addition to his research, Cabo is passionate about mentoring the next generation of researchers. With almost 20 publications, 11 of which were first-authored, in the last 6 years, Cabo hopes to use his experiences to help students gain their first publications during their time at the university, giving them valuable opportunities early in their careers. 

As 91¸ŁŔű continues expanding its leadership in forest-based biomaterials, Cabo’s combination of international research experience, industry knowledge and commitment to student mentorship will help strengthen the university’s efforts to develop sustainable technologies with real-world impact.

Story by Heather Johnson, Graduate Assistant

Contact: Daniel Timmermann, daniel.timmerman@maine.edu  

]]> Researchers explore the potential of biochar to improve Maine soils /epscor/2026/07/10/researchers-explore-the-potential-of-biochar-to-improve-maine-soils/ Fri, 10 Jul 2026 12:59:21 +0000 /epscor/?p=10194 Maine’s forests, which cover 89 percent of the state, are a pivotal part of the state’s economy, culture, environment and natural history. The forests help sustain Maine communities. And in turn Mainers are committed to the continued stewardship of their forests and have been working with many organizations and stakeholders to strengthen this integral resource. As part of this broader effort, Maine’s forest industries are working to reduce their environmental impact through the development of new techniques that improve carbon sequestration and increase drought resilience of trees to help promote healthy and productive forests. 

Kennedy Rupert-Nason standing in front of tree samplings.
Professor Kennedy Rupert-Nason

Kennedy Rubert-Nason, an associate professor of chemistry at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, is testing a new technology for carbon sequestration: a novel form of biochar made from the byproducts of cellulosic biodiesel production. Traditional biochar is a type of charcoal that can be added to soil to increase aeration, water and nutrient retention, and carbon content. The new product can also increase soil carbon, water and nutrient retention, although it is more acidic and its texture is similar to sphagnum peat moss. Cellulosic biodiesel research is incredibly important to reducing the carbon footprint of industries like long-haul trucking. Biodiesel production yields waste products and some manufacturers are finding a new way to utilize that waste in creating biochar.

If this new biochar can perform these tasks well it could offer a new avenue for sustainability while making use of waste products. Parts of Maine’s forest industry have invested in biomass boilers that help generate energy and biochar from what is otherwise waste in their sawmills. Rubert-Nason’s team received biochar materials from the Clean Maine Carbon and Forest Biofuels Research Institute. They also received donated spruce seedlings for the work. 

Rubert-Nason and his team of undergraduate students are testing whether soil amendment with traditional biochar and the new type of biochar can increase retention of carbon in soil and drought resilience in saplings of four tree species: balsam poplars, norway and white spruces, and sugar maples. These tree species represent common broadleaved and coniferous trees in Maine’s forests, several of which are commercially important.  The tree saplings are being  monitored while growing under water-limited and unlimited conditions to explore how biochar impacts the soil respiration and growth of trees experiencing chronic low level drought. Recognizing the important relationship between soil microbiome and tree health, Rubert-Nason’s team is concurrently exploring how these different experimental treatments impact the abundance and types of bacteria found in soil. This work is particularly relevant because much of Maine is experiencing drought conditions–a problem that is likely to get worse under forecast climate change scenarios ().Ěý

Rubert-Nason’s team is supported by the National Science Foundation EPSCoR Maine-FOREST and Maine-SMART projects, and the Maine Economic Improvement Fund. If this new biochar effectively increases soil carbon storage and water retention, it could become a simple way for corporations to offset their emissions and earn carbon credits. More work is needed to optimize the logistics for application of biochar in forests at scale, which is currently receiving the attention of engineers. Further improvements in biochar technology and distribution networks will continue to push the sustainability of the forestry industry and help strengthen Maine’s forests.

Story by Nathan Deveney, Research Media Intern

Contact: Daniel Timmermann, daniel.timmerman@maine.edu  

]]> Anne Heberger Marino: Building the Infrastructure for Collaborative Discovery /epscor/2026/07/10/anne-heberger-marino-building-the-infrastructure-for-collaborative-discovery/ Fri, 10 Jul 2026 12:49:54 +0000 /epscor/?p=10188

Anne Heberger Marino serves as the Associate Director of Portland Gateway and Maine EPSCoR. Her work is dedicated to the science of team science, leadership development in higher education, and multistakeholder capacity-building—ensuring that diverse teams have the tools to move beyond silos and work constructively toward ambitious shared goals.

Q: How did you become involved in your positions? 

Prior to my time with 91¸ŁŔű, I served as a Senior Program Director for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine where I led a 15-year, $40 million initiative to foster interdisciplinary research and leadership across academia, government, foundations, non-profits and industry. I started my own team effectiveness consultancy during the pandemic and joined the 91¸ŁŔű Portland Gateway in 2022. I was drawn in by the opportunity to partner with leaders across the state on issues that matter to Maine, and beyond.  It was a natural fit to work with Director Pips Veazey who emphasizes the power ofdeveloping research networks, because of our shared expertise in team science and commitment to building research collaboration capacity.

Q: What are the main aspects of your work and responsibilities? 

My work focuses on the “social infrastructure” of research and collaboration and getting better at working together. It crosses topics and sectors, which I find exciting. On the Maine EPSCoR side, we work with teams like the NSF E-CORE Maine-SMART (Strengthening Maine’s Research Ecosystem and Pathways Through Strategic Capacity Building) to assess and improve team effectiveness. Specific evidence-based instruments and frameworks give us tools to build an intentional team culture, identify what’s working, and adapt to change. I spend a lot of time listening and making connections between people to expand our network and leverage the strengths we have in the project. The vision of the 91¸ŁŔű Portland Gateway is to establish a place where collective problem-solving drives research and education to create a just, prosperous, and sustainable world. We facilitate workshops on areas of strategic importance like the blue economy, aquaculture research, the role of AI in Maine’s forestry industry, and many others. We also host an interdisciplinary graduate class every fall on complex problem-solving which brings me into contact with students from many disciplines. 

Q: What was your role with the NSF Convergence workshop last October?

The National Science Foundation recognized a vital need to bridge theory and practice in complex research centers. I was part of a team of experts from across the country that gathered twelve case studies from convergence research projects and brought those leaders together to share tools, experiences, and lessons learned across a variety of contexts. The Convergence Workshop: Combining Theory and Praxis in Complex Research Centers was the first time these leaders, researchers, and practitioners had an opportunity to share insights and learn from each other. There was a strong sense of camaraderie and shared purpose, even though they were from different states and working on different problems. 

Q: What did the work entail?

Convergence research is about curiosity and continual learning in a specific context. We wanted to explore what was common and different across these twelve teams.  For the case studies, we asked  how you structure these centers from an organizational perspective? What kind of convergence practices are you developing?   How are you training new leaders? What’s working, and what’s been challenging?  We shared the case studies before the workshop so participants could begin “conversations” by commenting on them in  a shared document. Then, over two days, we brought teams together from  multiple states and institutions to share their theories, tools, and resources. There is no step-by-step guide for leaders in higher education navigating the complexities of managing hundreds of people from different disciplines, backgrounds and sectors. That plurality is a strength and also a challenge. The compendium of practices, due out later this year, will serve as a roadmap for others. 

Most of my career has been alongside leaders doing work that’s never been done before. They’re trailblazers. We can’t help but be changed by the work we do.  It’s exciting, and humbling for me to be part of projects that have such wide-ranging positive ripple effects.

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