University of Maine

05/29/2026

Students from Presque Isle, Hermon and Richmond high schools recently traveled to UMaine to compete in the Black Bear Launch3D rocket competition. Participants designed, simulated, manufactured and tested their own 3D-printed air-powered rockets, applying engineering principles in a real-world setting.

The program introduces students to advanced manufacturing technologies while helping build Maine’s future STEM workforce. Faculty and educators say the experience gives students practical exposure to engineering careers and demonstrates how classroom concepts translate into real-world innovation.

Read more about the Black Bear Launch3D program on UMaine News: umaine.edu/news/2026/05/future-engineers-launch-3d-printed-model-rockets-at-umaine-competition

05/28/2026

Third-year animal science student Alden Falardeau is leading research focused on improving how scientists monitor parasites affecting Maine’s moose population.

Working with associate professor Pauline Kamath, Falardeau is studying lungworm and gastrointestinal parasites that can weaken moose and make them more vulnerable to disease and environmental stressors.

By testing DNA-based detection methods and noninvasive monitoring approaches, the research could improve scientists’ ability to track infections and better understand parasite prevalence across the state. The project also provides valuable undergraduate research experience while supporting wildlife conservation efforts rooted in the One Health approach.

Read more on UMaine News: umaine.edu/news/2026/05/umaine-student-explores-new-ways-to-detect-parasites-in-moose

05/27/2026

05/20/2026

05/15/2026

Congratulations to Bill Davids, Bodwell University Distinguished Professor and chair of civil and environmental engineering, on receiving the Presidential Innovation Award!

The award recognizes faculty whose work translates research into technologies with economic and societal impact.

Over nearly three decades at UMaine, Davids has focused on engineering research that supports innovation and real-world application. He co-invented new bridge technology used in Maine, Rhode Island and Florida, and contributed to improved methods for evaluating and maintaining bridges that extend their service life e and reduce the need for repair and replacement.

Learn more about Davids and other Presidential Award recipients on UMaine News: umaine.edu/news/2026/04/umaine-announces-2026-presidential-award-winners

05/14/2026

Congratulations to Melissa Ladenheim, associate dean of the UMaine Honors College, on receiving the Black Bear Award for Extraordinary Impact!

The award recognizes employees who exceed expectations and make an extraordinary impact through service and leadership.

Ladenheim leads the Maine Day Meal Packout, a campus-wide initiative that brings together hundreds of volunteers each year to provide meals to food-insecure communities across Maine while creating leadership opportunities for students.

Ladenheim is also involved in the Servant Heart Research Collaborative, which develops educational initiatives addressing social and learning challenges in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Haiti and Uganda.

Learn more about Ladenheim and other award recipients on UMaine News: umaine.edu/news/2026/04/umaine-announces-2026-presidential-award-winners

05/13/2026

Jay Wason, associate professor of forest ecosystem physiology in the School of Forest Resources, has earned the Presidential Public Engagement Achievement Award! Congratulations!

The award recognizes faculty who are advancing student learning through teaching and mentorship.

Through courses in forest biology, plant structure and function, and research methods, Wason helps students build scientific thinking skills through hands-on learning, experimentation and data analysis.

Student evaluations consistently highlight his preparation, clarity and enthusiasm, as well as his ability to help students understand complex topics.

Learn more about this year’s award recipients on UMaine News: umaine.edu/news/2026/04/umaine-announces-2026-presidential-award-winners

05/13/2026

Clean Sweep Sale! Friday, May 22 11-5 and Saturday, May 23 8-12 at the Alfond Arena, We will post pictures and more information here leading up to the sale. (announcement edited to remove typo :/)

05/12/2026

Congratulations to Darren Ranco, professor of anthropology and chair of Native American Programs, who has earned the Presidential Public Engagement Achievement Award!

The award recognizes faculty whose public engagement work applies academic expertise to benefit communities and the public good.

Ranco’s work with Wabanaki Tribal Nations focuses on environmental and cultural issues. He has contributed to strengthening relationships between the university and tribal communities, including efforts to support collaboration and culturally informed research practices.

His work also includes educational initiatives supporting the development of Wabanaki studies curriculum, working with legislators to support environmentally and culturally sound legislation, and participation in projects that address community needs.

Learn more about this year’s award recipients on UMaine News: umaine.edu/news/2026/04/umaine-announces-2026-presidential-award-winners

05/12/2026

Our commencement website has been updated with hundreds of photos from commencement weekend at the University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias!

Visit umaine.edu/commencement to explore the galleries.