UMaine Advanced Structures and Composites Center

05/20/2026

Thank you our 4-year returning sponsor, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, for supporting the !

General Dynamics Bath Iron Works constructs some of the world’s most advanced naval vessels. Their commitment to engineering excellence, workforce development, and cutting-edge manufacturing plays a critical role in strengthening both national security and Maine’s economy.

Learn more about General Dynamics Bath Iron Works here: https://www.gdbiw.com/

05/18/2026

University of Maine Researchers Develop High-Performance Composite from Lobster Shell Waste.

David J. Neivandt from the University of Maine and Greg Simms from the Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC) were recently featured on the Composites Weekly podcast for their research developing biodegradable composite material made from waste lobster shells.

05/08/2026

Last Friday, we welcomed hundreds of Maine middle and high schoolers into our lab spaces for the 11th Annual Matthew R. Simmons Windstorm Challenge. We are excited to share more about this year’s amazing competition, but before we do, we want to extend our gratitude to our dedicated sponsors.

This event would not be possible without the help of our sponsors. Because of them, we are able to make this engineering competition and carnival completely free for students!

Platinum Sponsors:
Matthew Simmons Foundation, Maine College of Engineering and Computing, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, Kleinschmidt, Versant Power, and Onward Energy

Diamond Sponsor:
Reed & Reed, Inc.

Gold Sponsors:
Consigli Construction Co., Inc., Maine Engineering Promotional Council, University of Maine School of Forest Resources, Casella Waste Systems, Haley Ward, Inc., and Natural Resources Council of Maine.

Silver Sponsors:
American Society of Civil Engineers, Thornton Tomasetti, Maine Turnpike Authority, & E**O

04/28/2026

The University of Maine recognized two ASCC cooperating faculty members for their excellence in research, teaching, innovation, public engagement, and extraordinary impact.

Mehdi Tajvidi earned the Presidential Research and Creative Achievement Award, and Bill Davids was honored with the Presidential Innovation Award.

“These awards recognize the very best of the University of Maine. Each of these individuals demonstrates a deep commitment to excellence, innovation and service. Their work strengthens our university, advances knowledge and makes a meaningful difference for the people of Maine and beyond.” President Joan Ferrini-Mundy

Read more: https://umaine.edu/news/2026/04/umaine-announces-2026-presidential-award-winners/

04/13/2026