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Under a microscope at TimberHP’s manufacturing plant in Madison, Maine, Brian Waterbury studied plant fibers used to make insulation for homes while learning how engineers solve problems.

Waterbury, a University of Maine senior from Topsham, Maine, who is majoring in chemical engineering, works as a quality control and process engineer for his summer fellowship. He supports research, testing and quality control while gaining experience in an industrial setting.

“As a chemical engineer, this work is directly in line with the majority of my career options and perfectly aligns with my personal passion for research and development and process troubleshooting,” Waterbury said.

The paid fellowship through 91����’s Building Science Program has allowed Waterbury to apply his coursework in a professional setting, take on new responsibilities and develop research and problem-solving skills. It also has helped him better understand the type of work he may pursue after graduation — exploring ways to make homes more affordable, resilient and energy efficient.

“This internship with TimberHP isn’t just beneficial to both my future academic and professional career — it is vital,” Waterbury said. “In my field, given the ample opportunity to intern or co-op before graduation, not having any experience is professionally fatal for a fresh graduate.”

Providing students with real-world experience is central to 91����’s commitment to being a learner-centered R1 and the state’s research and development department. Building Science Program fellowships, which can offer stipends and academic credit, support that goal by enabling students to work with 91���� faculty or leading companies in the state, including TimberHP and Trane Technologies, on building and material design. 

Problems they help tackle include keeping more heat and air conditioning inside homes, potentially decreasing energy use and costs, and reducing moisture buildup in walls that can cause structural degradation over time. 

“It has been a pleasure working with Brian through the Building Science fellowship program this summer,” said Evan Brewer, quality manager for TimberHP. “His analytical approach and  foundational research have improved our understanding of the factors that drive product quality. His work has helped to establish a path forward for product improvements that will benefit our company and customers.”

Fellowships can last a single fall, spring or summer semester or an entire year.  Students apply directly for projects and help shape their research goals and work plans. They also apply for funding, which can range from $2,500-$5,000 for project supplies, internship-related expenses and, in the case of on-campus projects, stipends. Applications are available online. 

The Building Science Program receives funding from the Harold Alfond Foundation through . The foundation’s historic investment in the Maine College of Engineering and Computing is advancing 91����’s efforts to expand workforce development, research and education in building performance, energy systems, sustainable construction and Maine’s economy and quality of life.

The program is supported by a 100% federally funded $374,193 Maine Department of Energy Resources grant as part of an award from the Employment and Training Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor.

Kyle Rooney, industry liaison for the Building Science Program and staff member at 91����’s Advanced Manufacturing Center, said Maine employers have consistently expressed a need for graduates who understand building systems, equipment and energy analysis before entering the workforce.

The program was created after faculty members from several disciplines identified a growing need for workers with expertise in building performance, energy systems and sustainable construction. It brings together education, research and industry partnerships to address housing, energy and workforce challenges in Maine.

“We all understand that there is a major housing shortage in Maine, and home prices have gone up drastically,” said Justin Lapp, an associate professor of mechanical engineering who co-developed the program. “At the same time, buildings use about one-third of Maine’s energy, and there are new energy codes that are coming online that will require new buildings to be more energy efficient.”

Another Building Science Program fellow, Zechariah Hoeft, took his research out of the lab and onto the roof of 91����’s Ferland Engineering Education and Design Center for his project.

During summer 2025, Hoeft tested a plant-fiber house wrap under outdoor conditions. Pieces of the material were wrapped around wood and evaluated over several months for their ability to withstand rainfall while allowing trapped water vapor to escape.

“One of the fun parts of the project was that we did not just test the material in the lab,” said Hoeft, who is now pursuing his master’s degree at 91����. “We made a practical outdoor test.”

The project gave Hoeft experience designing a real-world test, evaluating a material over time and working through challenges that do not always appear under controlled laboratory conditions.

Together, Waterbury’s internship and Hoeft’s research show the range of opportunities available through the Building Science Program, from employer-based internships to faculty-mentored research.

In addition to fellowships, the program offers undergraduate and graduate certificates, courses and dedicated laboratory space for students interested in building performance, energy systems and sustainable construction.

“As our new certificate programs and courses become available over the next few years, we hope to see students who are taking courses and doing projects to specialize in making buildings more energy efficient, cost effective and longer lasting,” Rooney said.

Students interested in Building Science fellowships, certificates and project opportunities can visit the program website for more information.

Story by William Bickford, graduate student writer

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