university of maine chemistry phd

The Department of Chemistry offers programs of study and research leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. A wide range of research projects is available in analytical, inorganic, materials, organic, physical, polymer, and sustainable materials chemistry. In addition, many of our faculty are actively engaged in interdisciplinary research projects.

The general requirements for admission to programs leading to advanced degrees are described in the general section of this catalog. Candidates for advanced degrees in the Department of Chemistry typically are expected to have completed the minimum undergraduate program established by the American Chemical Society Committee on Professional Training.

The graduate program in chemistry may include any chemistry courses numbered above 500, along with certain courses numbered between 400 and 500 if approved by the student’s advisory committee, or in the first semester of study, by the graduate executive committee of the department. Graduate courses in chemistry include advanced analytical techniques, synthesis, and reaction mechanisms in organic chemistry, molecular modeling and computer simulation methods, physical inorganic and inorganic reaction mechanisms, organometallics, quantum mechanics, molecular spectroscopy and statistical thermodynamics, and sustainable materials chemistry. Special topics courses and seminar courses are also offered. Suitable courses in other departments such as Biochemistry, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Geology, Mathematics, or Physics may also be included in a student’s program of study. Thesis-based research is an integral part of the student’s training. Research normally comprises about one-half of the 30 semester hours required in a master’s degree program and about two-thirds of the work in a doctoral program.

Placement examinations are given to each entering graduate student and are used as a guide in determining the program of study. Comprehensive examinations are part of the doctoral program as described in the general regulations of the Graduate School.

Graduate assistants usually require two years to complete the requirements for a master’s degree. The minimum time for completion of requirements for the doctorate is six semesters of full-time study and research beyond the bachelor’s degree. Four to five years usually are required.

Graduate assistantships are available to qualified students.

The Five-Year BS-MS degree program allows highly qualified undergraduates of The University of Maine to earn Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in five years instead of the normal six-year period. It is designed for a small number of very able students who wish to prepare for graduate school or medical school, or for direct employment where a master’s degree has become a distinct advantage in seeking professional positions in industry. Some electives for the bachelor’s degree are replaced by courses in chemistry, which count toward the graduate degree. Further information about research projects and curriculum requirements is available from the Chair of the Chemistry Department and the department web site: http://www.umaine.edu/chemistry/

Graduate Faculty

Alessia Battigelli, PhD ( University of Trieste & University of Strasbourg, 2012), Assistant Professor. Biomimetic self-assembled nanomaterials with applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering, polymeric hydrogels for stem-cell therapy, investigation of self-assembled peptoid-based nanomaterials.

François G. Amar , Ph.D. (Chicago, 1979), Professor of Chemistry and Member of the Honors faculty (former Dean of Honors College and past Chair of Chemistry). Physical chemistry; computer simulation of reaction dynamics in molecular, ionic, and metallic clusters, theory of photoelectron spectra of clusters; gas-surface dynamics; biofuel catalysis; optical and elastic properties of microspheres.  Chemical education research: analogical reasoning in chemistry; role of gesture in student and teacher interactions; active learning strategies for large classes and laboratories; differentiated instruction in chemistry teaching. Honors: collaborative and community engaged undergraduate research; international collaborations; fostering the liberal arts core. Matthew Brichacek , Ph.D. (Cornell Univ., 2010), Associate Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator. Design, synthesis, and evaluation of biologically active compounds.  Development of new reaction methodologies to enable the facile synthesis of complex biomolecules. Alice E. Bruce , Ph.D. (Columbia Univ., 1985), Professor and Chair. Inorganic, organometallic and bioinorganic chemistry; synthesis, structure and reactivity of gold(I) clusters; thiolate-disulfide exchange; detection of environmental mercury(II) using nanostructured supports.

Mitchell R. M. Bruce , Ph.D. (Columbia Univ., 1985), Professor. Inorganic, bioinorganic, and organometallic chemistry involving synthesis and reaction mechanisms; zinc and gold mediated thiol-disulfide exchange; metal-protein chemistry; electrochemical redox processes; calculations; reactivity of mercury and late transition metals; active learning strategies in class and laboratory. Barbara J. W. Cole , Ph.D. (Washington, 1986), Professor (and past Chair), Chemistry of sustainable materials including wood and paper, carbohydrates, lignin, and biologically active plant extracts; high-value bioproducts. Scott Collins, Ph.D. (Brigham Young Univ., 1980), Professor, Chemistry; Professor, Graduate School for Biomedical Sciences and Engineering; Professor and Member, Frontier Institute for Research in Sensor Technologies (FIRST); Co-Director, MicroInstruments and Systems Laboratory (MISL).  Micro and Nano Fabrication, nanoscience, electrochemistry of semiconductors, BioMEMS, fractal phase transitions, embryology. Brian G. Frederick , Ph.D. (Cornell, 1991), Associate Professor, and Member, Frontier Institute for Research in Sensor Technologies (FIRST) and FBRI (Forest BioProducts Research Institute). Physical chemistry, surface science and catalysis, biofuels and value-added chemical, materials characterization, spectroscopy, reaction mechanisms, quantum mechanical modeling. William M. Gramlich , Ph.D. (University of Minnesota, 2012), Associate Professor. Synthesis and characterization of polymers and materials that are used as renewable materials and composites, modular and stimuli responsive hydrogels for drug delivery and tissue engineering, and coatings to prevent and detect biofouling and infections.

Tomas Marangoni , Ph.D. (University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy, 2012) Assistant Professor Chemistry, Cooperating Faculty Member, FIRST (Frontier Institute for Research in Sensor Technologies).  Organic synthesis, nanostructured organic materials, graphene and graphene materials, supramolecular chemistry, and new sensors development.

Howard Patterson , Ph.D. (Brandeis,1968), Professor Emeritus.  

Jayendran C. Rasaiah , Ph.D (Pittsburgh, 1965).  APS fellow (2006), Professor Emeritus. Carl P. Tripp , Ph.D. (University of Ottawa, 1988), Professor of Chemistry and Member of FIRST (Frontier Institute for Research in Sensor Technologies). Surface chemistry of materials, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, chemical sensors, thermoelectric devices, sol-gel synthesis of metal oxides, polyelectrolyte/surfactant adsorption on surfaces, silane reactions on metal oxides, photocatalysts for water purification, molecular studies of paper coatings, supercritical fluids.

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Home > College of Science, Technology, and Health > Department of Chemistry

Department of Chemistry

• B.A. in Chemistry
• B.S. in Chemistry
• B.S. in Biochemistry

Submissions from 2020 2020

The role of chemoenzymatic synthesis in advancing trehalose analogues as tools for combatting bacterial pathogens , Karishma Kalera, Alicyn I. Stothard, Peter J. Woodruff PhD, and Benjamin M. Swarts

Submissions from 2019 2019

Degradation-resistant trehalose analogues block utilization of trehalose by hypervirulent Clostridioides difficile , Noah D. Danielson, James Collins, Alicyn I. Stothard, Qing Qing Dong, Karishma Kalera, Peter J. Woodruff PhD, Brian J. DeBosch, Robert A. Britton, and Benjamin M. Swarts

Chemoenzymatic radiosynthesis of 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-d-trehalose ([18F]-2-FDTre): A PET radioprobe for in vivo tracing of trehalose metabolism , Santiago Peña-Zalbidea, Ashley Y-T Huang, Herbert W. Kavunja, Beatriz Salinas, Maunel Desco, Christopher Drake, Peter J. Woodruff PhD, Juan J. Vaquero, and Benjamin M. Swarts

Submissions from 2018 2018

Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Trehalosamine, an Aminoglycoside Antibiotic and Precursor to Mycobacterial Imaging Probes , Jessica M. Groenevelt, Lisa M. Mients, Alicyn I. Stothard, Anne W. Poston, Taylor J. Fiolek, David H. Finocchietti, Victoria M. Mulholland, Peter J. Woodruff PhD, and Benjamin M. Swarts

Submissions from 2017 2017

Rapid One-step Enzymatic Synthesis and All-aqueous Purification of Trehalose Analogues , Lisa M. Mients, Anne W. Poston, Brent F. Piligian, Claire D. Olson, Katherine S. Badger, Peter J. Woodruff PhD, and Benjamin M. Swarts

Tailoring Trehalose for Biomedical and Biotechnological Applications , Mara K. O'Neill, Brent F. Piligian, Claire D. Olson, Peter J. Woodruff PhD, and Benjamin M. Swarts

The trehalose-specific transporter LpqY-SugABC is required for antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity of trehalose analogues in Mycobacterium smegmatis , Jeffrey M. Wolber, Bailey L. Urbanek, Lisa M. Meints, Brent F. Piligian, Irene C. Lopez-Casillas, Kailey M. Zochowski, Peter J. Woodruff PhD, and Benjamin M. Swarts

Submissions from 2014 2014

Flipping Crazy: The Large Lecture Flipped Classroom Model at the University of Southern Maine , Lucille Benedict Ph.D.

Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Trehalose Analogues: Rapid Access to Chemical Probes for Investigating Mycobacteria , Bailey L. Urbanek, Douglas C. Wing, Krystal S. Haislop, Chelsey J. Hamel, Ranier Kalscheuer, Peter J. Woodruff PhD, and Benjamin M. Swarts

Submissions from 2013 2013

Exploring Transmedia: The Rip-Mix-Learn Classroom , Lucille A. Benedict PhD, David T. Champlin PhD, and Harry E. Pence

The synthesis and unusual luminescence behavior of 1,1-dimethyl-2,5-di(2-naphthyl)-3,4-diphenylsilole , Katie A. Edwards, Kristopher M. Fecteau, Jaclyn M. Hopkins, Nicholas Benfaremo, James R. Ford PhD, Jerome L. Mullin, Caryn K. Prudenté PhD, and Henry J. Tracy

Chromate reduction is expedited by bacteria engineered to produce the compatible solute trehalose , Tamlyn M. Frederick, Erin A. Taylor, Jennifer L. Willis, Matthew S. Shultz, and Peter J. Woodruff PhD

Global Mercury and Selenium Concentrations in Skin From Free-Ranging Sperm Whales (Physeter Macrocephalus) , Laura C. Savery, David C. Evers, Sandra S. Wise, Carolyne Falank, James Wise, Christy Gianios Jr., Iain Kerr, Roger Payne, W. Douglas Thompson, Christopher Perkins, Tongzhang Zheng, Cairong Zhu, Lucille Benedict PhD, and John Pierce Wise Sr.

1,1-Dimethyl-2,3,4,5-tetraphenylsilole as a Molecular Rotor Probe to Investigate the Microviscosity of Imidazolium Ionic Liquids , Regina E. Scalise, Peter A. Caradonna, Henry J. Tracy PhD, Jerome L. Mullin, and Amy E. Keirstead

Submissions from 2012 2012

Teaching Chemistry Using Student-Created Videos and Photo Blogs Accessed with Smartphones and Two-Dimensional Barcodes , Lucille Benedict PhD and Harry E. Pence

Submissions from 2011 2011

Tolyl-Substituted Siloles: Synthesis, Substituent Effects, and Aggregation-Induced Emission , Trevor C. Bozeman, Katie A. Edwards, Kristopher M. Fecteau, Michael G. Verde Jr., Alex Blanchard, Danielle L. Woodall, Nicholas Benfaremo, James R. Ford, Jerome L. Mullin, Caryn K. Prudente Ph.D., and Henry J. Tracy

A Global Assessment of Gold, Titanium, Strontium and Barium Pollution Using Sperm Whales (Physeter Macrocephalus) As an Indicator Species , John Pierce Wise Sr., W. Douglas Thompson, Sandra S. Wise, Carolyne LaCerte, James Wise, Christy Gianios Jr., Christopher Perkins, Tongzhang Zheng, Lucille Benedict PhD, Michael D. Mason, Roger Payne, and Iain Kerr

Submissions from 2010 2010

Synthesis and application of organomercury haptens for enzyme-linked immunoassay of inorganic and organic mercury , Caryn K. Prudenté PhD, Rebekah S. Sirois, and Shaun Cote

Submissions from 2009 2009

A Global Assessment of Chromium Pollution Using Sperm Whales (Physeter macrocephalus) as an Indicator Species , John Pierce Wise Sr, Roger Payne, Sandra S. Wise, Carolyne LaCerte, James Wise, Christy Gianios Jr., W. Douglas Thompson, Christopher Perkins, Tongzhang Zheng, Cairong Zhu, Lucille Benedict PhD, and Iain Kerr

Submissions from 2008 2008

A Model for Incorporating Research into the First-Year Chemistry Curriculum , James R. Ford PhD, Caryn K. Prudenté PhD, and Thomas A. Newton

Submissions from 2007 2007

Tunable energy transfer from d10 heterobimetallic dicyanide(I) donor ions to terbium(III) acceptor ions in luminescent Tb[AgxAu1−x(CN)2]3 (x = 0 → 1) , Haiyan Lu, Renate Yson, James R. Ford PhD, Henry J. Tracy PhD, Alora B. Carrier, Aaron Keller, Jerome L. Mullin, Michelle J. Poissan, Samuel Sawan, and Howard H. Patterson

Characteristics of Aggregation Induced Emission in 1,1-Dimethyl-2,3,4,5-tetraphenyl and 1,1,2,3,4,5-Hexaphenyl Siloles and Germoles , Jerome L. Mullin, Henry J. Tracy PhD, James R. Ford PhD, Scott R. Keenan, and Fred Fridman

Submissions from 2006 2006

A Research-Based Laboratory Course in Organic Chemistry , Thomas A. Newton, Henry J. Tracy PhD, and Caryn K. Prudenté PhD

Combined application of δ13C and molecular ratios in sediment cores for PAH source apportionment in the New York/New Jersey harbor complex , Beizhan Yan, Teofilo A. Abrajano, Richard F. Bopp, Lucille A. Benedict PhD, Damon A. Chaky, Eric Perry, Jing Song, and Dennis P. Keane

Submissions from 2005 2005

Enhanced Photoluminescence from Group 14 Metalloles in Aggregated and Solid Solutions , Henry J. Tracy PhD, Jerome L. Mullin, Wim T. Klooster, James A. Martin, Judith Haug, Scott Wallace, Isaac Rudloe, and Kimberly Watts

Molecular tracers of saturated and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon inputs into Central Park Lake, New York City , Beizhan Yan, Teofilo A. Abrajano, Richard F. Bopp, Damon A. Chaky, Lucille A. Benedict PhD, and Steven N. Chillrud

Submissions from 2004 2004

The Characterization of an Organomercury Hapten and Bioconjugate using Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry , Elizabeth A. Stemmler, Anthony B. Costa, Caryn K. Prudenté PhD, and Margaret C. Hausman PhD

Trehalose Is Required for Growth of Mycobacterium smegmatis , Peter J. Woodruff PhD, Brian L. Carlson, Bunpote Siridechadilok, Matthew R. Pratt, Ryan H. Senaratne, Joseph D. Mougous, Lee W. Riley, Spencer J. Williams, and Carolyn R. Bertozzi

Levels and patterns of PAH distribution in sediments from New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex , Beizhan Yan, Lucille Benedict PhD, Damon A. Chaky, Richard F. Bopp, and Teofilo A. Abrajano

Submissions from 2003 2003

Organomercury Bioconjugate Synthesis and Characterization by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry , Caryn K. Prudenté PhD and Margaret C. Hausman PhD

Submissions from 2001 2001

Writing and Computing across the USM Chemistry Curriculum , Nancy R. Gordon, Thomas A. Newton, Gale Rhodes, John S. Ricci, Richard G. Stebbins, and Henry J. Tracy PhD

Submissions from 1999 1999

Electrochemical and Photophysical Properties of a Series of Group-14 Metalloles , Justin Ferman, Joseph P. Kakareka, Wim T. Klooster, Jerome L. Mullin, Joeph Quattrucci, John S. Ricci, Henry J. Tracy PhD, William J. Vining, and Scott Wallace

Submissions from 1998 1998

A One-Semester General, Organic, and Biochemistry Course Format Linked by a Molecular Model Project , Henry J. Tracy PhD

Submissions from 1995 1995

Chemistry Abounds: An Exciting Chemistry Demonstration Program for Elementary Schools , Henry J. Tracy PhD, Chris Collins, and Paul Langevin

Submissions from 1992 1992

Chemical modification of preceramic polymers: Their reactions with transition metal complexes and transition metal powders , Dietmar Seyferth, Heinrich Lang, Christine A. Sobon, Jutta Borm, Henry J. Tracy PhD, and Nathan Bryson

Near‐Stoichiometric Silicon Carbide from an Economical Polysilane Precursor , Dietmar Seyferth, Timothy G. Wood, Henry J. Tracy PhD, and Jennifer L. Robison

Submissions from 1991 1991

Sequential Radical Cyclization/Intermolecular Carbonyl Addition Reactions Initiated by Samarium(II) Iodide , Gary A. Molander and Caryn K. Prudenté PhD

Submissions from 1989 1989

Intramolecular reductive coupling reactions promoted by samarium diiodide , Gary A. Molander and Caryn K. Prudenté PhD

Submissions from 1988 1988

Lanthanides in organic synthesis. 9. Samarium diiodide promoted intramolecular pinacolic coupling reactions , Gary A. Molander and Caryn K. Prudenté PhD

Submissions from 1987 1987

Stereocontrolled intramolecular ketone-olefin reductive coupling reactions promoted by samarium diiodide , Gary A. Molander and Caryn A. Prudenté PhD

Submissions from 1986 1986

Application of Raman and laser light scattering to the melt polymerization of hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene. 1 , Day Chyuan Lee, James R. Ford PhD, George Fytas, Benjamin Chu, and Gary L. Hagnauer

Submissions from 1985 1985

Laser light scattering characterization of molecular weight distribution of worm-like chains poly(1,4-phenylene terephthalamide) in concentrated sulfuric acid , Benjamin Chu, Chi Wu, and James R. Ford PhD

Characterization of poly(1,4-phenyleneterephthalamide) in concentrated sulphuric acid. 2: Determination of molecular weight distributions , Benjamin Chu, Qicong Ying, Chi Wu, James R. Ford PhD, and Harbans S. Dhadal

Sedimentation and light scattering studies of copolymer latexes , James R. Ford PhD, A. A. Morfesis, and R. L. Rowell

Submissions from 1984 1984

Laser light scattering characterization of polyethylene in 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene , Benjamin Chu, M. Onclin, and James R. Ford PhD

Laser light scattering characterization of rod-like polymers in corrosive solvents: Kevlar in concentrated sulphuric acid , Benjamin Chu, Qicong Ying, Chi Wu, James R. Ford PhD, Harbans Dhadwal, Renyuan Qian, Jingsheng Bao, Jiyu Zhang, and Chaochou Xu

Electron-transfer reactions and luminescent quantum yield of the triplet excited state of tetrakis[.mu.-diphosphito(2-)-p,p']diplatinate(II) , William B. Heuer, Mark D. Totten, Gary S. Rodman, Eric J. Hebert, Henry J. Tracy PhD, and Jeffrey K. Nagle

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University of maine college of engineering, university of maine college of liberal arts and sciences, university of maine college of natural sciences, forestry, and agriculture, university of maine graduate school of biomedical science and engineering, university of maine graduate school of business, masters programs, most popular masters programs.

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Graduate students.

• White 70.5%
• Unknown 13.3%
• International (Non-Citizen) 10.2%
• Hispanic 1.4%
• Native American 1.4%
• Multiracial 1.3%
• African American 0.8%
• Pacific Islander 0%

Student Life

• Down-to-earth 25%
• Friendly 44%
• Intellectual 6%
• Online program only, not sure of other students. 6%
• Competitive and intense 13%
• Prepared me for the real world 25%
• Supportive/helped me grow 44%
• Inexpensive 6%
• It was available 13%

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The chemistry program provides a rigorous and exciting preprofessional education for students interested in pursuing STEM careers or graduate school. To prepare students for a wide variety of career choices, instructional laboratories provide interdisciplinary, project-based experiments for students to explore. The laboratory curriculum also provides students hands-on experience operating analytical instrumentation. Students have opportunities to engage in faculty mentored research projects within the department and to intern with local scientific firms in southern Maine.

Because the chemistry courses in each track are the same for the first two years, students may switch between the chemistry and biochemistry B.S. tracks through the junior year. Students considering the chemistry major are strongly urged to consult with a member of the Department of Chemistry faculty to discuss the program.

Program Requirements

To graduate as a chemistry major or minor in any program, a student must earn a grade of C or better in all chemistry courses and a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in all other courses required for the major. At least 12 credit hours beyond the 100-level must be taken within the Chemistry Department at USM.

Minimum number of credits in chemistry and related areas (exclusive of the University’s Core Curriculum) required for the major: 65.

The following courses are required: (41-44 credit hours)

• CHY 113 - Principles of Chemistry I Credits: 3
• CHY 114 - Laboratory Techniques I Credits: 1.5
• CHY 115 - Principles of Chemistry II Credits: 3
• CHY 116 - Laboratory Techniques II Credits: 1.5
• CHY 233 - Analytical Chemistry with Lab Credits: 5
• CHY 251 - Organic Chemistry I Credits: 3
• CHY 252 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I Credits: 2
• CHY 253 - Organic Chemistry II Credits: 3
• CHY 254 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory II Credits: 2
• CHY 371 - Quantum Chemistry Credits: 3
• CHY 373 - Chemical Thermodynamics Credits: 3
• CHY 374 - Chemical Thermodynamics Laboratory Credits: 2
• CHY 377 - Spectroscopy Credits: 3
• CHY 378 - Instrumental Analysis Laboratory Credits: 2
• CHY 421 - Inorganic Chemistry Credits: 3
• CHY 470 - Chemistry in Perspective Credits: 1-4

Choose one of the following offerings: (3 credit hours)

• CHY 345 - Polymer Chemistry Credits: 3
• CHY 385 - Pickles to Pints: Fermentation Science Credits: 3
• CHY 461 - Biochemistry I Credits: 3

The following courses are also required: (21 credit hours)

• PHY 121 - General Physics I Credits: 4
• PHY 114 - Introductory Physics Laboratory I Credits: 1
• PHY 123 - General Physics II Credits: 4
• PHY 116 - Introductory Physics Laboratory II Credits: 1
• PHY 261 - Computational Physics Credits: 3 or an approved math/computer science course*
• MAT 152 - Calculus A Credits: 4
• MAT 153 - Calculus B Credits: 4

*The following courses are approved by the Chemistry Department: COS 160 - Structured Problem Solving Java   , COS 170 - Structured Programming Laboratory   , MAT 120 - Introduction to Statistics   , MAT 252 - Calculus C   , PHY 211 - Modern Physics I   , PHY 251 - Principles of Electronics   .

USM Core Requirements

The USM Core Curriculum is a coherent, integrative, and rigorous liberal education that enables our graduates to be world-minded, intentional, life-long learners and captures your general education degree requirements. 

Please Note: Core requirements may be part of your major and/or minor, and Core may have been fufilled with transfer credit. Please consult your MaineStreet Degree Progress Report (DPR) and review your degree progress with your Advisor.  For additional information, access the USM Core webpage .

Home > Fogler Library > ETD

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The University of Maine Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD) project is a joint effort of Fogler Library and the Graduate School . Our goals are "to improve graduate education, increase sharing of knowledge, help universities build their information infrastructure, and extend the value of digital libraries," in keeping with those of the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations , a national initiative of which the University of Maine is a member.

This online collection features the final theses and dissertations approved by the Graduate School of the University of Maine.

For more information about finding additional theses and dissertations or obtaining copies of those not available electronically, see Fogler Library's Subject Guide on Theses & Dissertations .

Questions can also be directed to Fogler Library's Special Collections Department by phone at (207) 581-1686 or email at [email protected].

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

An Investigation of the Instructional Norms of Mathematical Communication when Students Present Geometry Proofs at the Board , Bukola T. Ake

Factors Contributing to Recurrent Homelessness Among Single Mothers Using Shelters , Favour O. Akhidenor

Impacts of Climate Warming on Nutritional Quality and Soil Bacterial Communities of Wild Blueberries , Oluwafemi A. Alaba

Cellulose Nanocrystals/Polydimethylsiloxane Composite Membranes for Air Dehydration With the Aim of Energy-use Reduction in Wood Kiln Drying , Nasim Alikhani

A Map-algebra-inspired Approach for Interacting With Wireless Sensor Networks, Cyber-physical Systems or Internet of Things , David Almeida

“What the Hell Just Happened?”: a Phenomenological Case Study of Teaching in the Covid Era , David Armistead

Climate Change and an Evolving Fishery: Do Declining Maternal Size and Planktonic Foods Affect Lobster Larval Survival in the Gulf of Maine? , Alexander J. Ascher

Optimizing Strategies To Hydraulically Plant Atlantic Salmon Eggs Based On Fry Dispersal Patterns , Ernest J. Atkinson

The Relationship Between Social Cognition and Social Behavior of Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder Using the UCLA PEERS® for Young Adults Social Skill Program , Meaghan Balsdon

Quantifying Tidewater Glacier-Fjord Environments in the Rapidly Changing Regions of West and South Greenland , Sydney Baratta

Climate Interactions Drive Tree Physiology and Growth in a Northeastern Forest Ecotone , Alexandra M. Barry

Longitudinal Case-Control Study of Mammographic Breast Tissue Subtypes , Kendra Batchelder

Mechanics and Mechanisms of Fracture for an Eastern Spruce Subject to Transverse Loading Using Acoustic Emission , Parinaz Belalpour Dastjerdi

Chemical Kinetics and Optimization of Continuous Syngas Production in a Chemical Looping Scheme Over CexZr1-xO2 Supported Ni Catalysts , Zoe C. Benedict

The Impact of Conservation Land on Property Taxes and Municipal Budgets in Maine: a Mixed-methods Study , Abigail Bennett

Exploring the Use of Audible Sound in Bone Density Diagnostic Devices , Evan J. Bess

Integrating Remote Sensing and Machine Learning to Assess Forest Health and Susceptibility to Pest-induced Damage , Rajeev Bhattarai

Efficient Sintering of Lunar Soil using Concentrated Sunlight , Diprajit Biswas

Comparison of Global Performance of a 15, 20, and 24 Mw Floating Offshore Wind Turbine , Benjamin Blood

Numerical Investigation of Subglottal Stenosis Effects on Human Voice Production , Dariush Bodaghi

Regeneration Response to Salvage Logging Following Tornado Disturbance , Colby K. Bosley-Smith

Elucidating the Pd Active Sites of Bimetallic Gold-palladium Catalysts Using Chemisorption and Titration Techniques , Andrew T. Boucher

Forest Management in a Changing Climate: Integrating Social and Biopysical Sciences to Inform Adaptive Responses to Future Uncertainty , Peter Breigenzer

Comparative Energetics of Mammalian Thermoregulatory Physiology , Ana M. Breit

Hattie: A Twin Territories Matriarch , Madison P. Brown

Navigating the Kaleidoscope of Object(ive)s: A User-Experience Approach to Cultural-Historical Activity Theory , Madeline Bruegger

Exploring the Role of Communication in Relational Outcomes in a High School Setting , Paul S. Butler

Analysis of Loading Rate, Fiber orientation and Material Composition through Image Processing and Digital Volume Correlation in High Performance Concrete , Aidan R. Carlson

They're Coming for Us: A Novel , Sarah Walker Caron

Performance of Helical Piles Retrofitted with a Novel Collar Vane Under Lateral and Torsional Loads , Juan Sebastian Carvajal Munoz

A Vector-valued Trace Formula for Finite Groups , Miles Chasek

Development of Food Packaging Films Based on Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNCS) , Cong Chen

Assessing the Role of the Microbiome, Parasite Infections, and Movement in Avian Health , Olivia N. Choi

Conceptualization and Perceptions of Student Preparedness in Quantitative Reasoning Among Introductory Biology Faculty , Ann Cleveland

Investigation into Sintered Lunar Regolith Construction Methods and Novel Usability Evaluation , Thomas A. Cox

Investigation of Spatial Frequency Domain Imaging Analysis in Diabetic Foot Testing and Microneedle Treatments , Christian Crane

Browntail Moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoea) Integrated Pest Management Program: Evaluation of Monitoring Traps and Biopesticides , Sadia Crosby

The Effects of PEERS for Young Adults on Anxiety and Quality of Life for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder , Alysha Cecile Dagg

Developing Novel Food Packaging Products With High Barrier Properties, Enabled by CNF , Nabanita Das

Examining Our Relationship with Death: A Participatory Art Project , Lia A. Davido

The Development of an Advanced Biorefinery to Produce Cellulosic Sugars and Bionanomaterials , Carlaile Fernanda de Oliveira Nogueira

The Performance Analysis and Optimization of Wave Energy Converters From Modeling to Basin Testing , Lauren Dickson

The Response of the Zooplankton Community in the Western Gulf of Maine to a Shift in Oceanographic Conditions: 2005-2017 , Emma Cecile Dullaert

A Small Molecule Screen on Zebrafish Embryos Identifies Pathways Vital to Hypaxial Muscle Precursor Migration , Teresa Easterbrooks

Community College Chief Academic Officers' Perceptions of the Pipeline for the Presidency , Jane Ellingwood

High Shear-High Residence Time Drying of Cellulose Nanofibrils , Charles Eme

Genetic Effects of Anthropogenic Disturbance on Native Charrs , Brad Erdman

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Furry thieves are running loose in a Maine forest, research shows

by University of Maine

Scattered across the Penobscot Experimental Forest are veritable treasure troves for its denizens, each containing riches beyond comprehension. These caches do not contain gold or jewels—they're filled with eastern white pine seeds and were placed by a team of researchers at the University of Maine for one purpose: to catch furry thieves red-handed.

Brigit Humphreys, a UMaine graduate student studying ecology and environmental science , has been working in the forest, which sits about 10 miles north of Bangor, for the past two years in an effort to determine which animal personalities are predisposed to pilfering.

Humphreys has been studying the behavior of small mammals in the wild. Her research adds to a growing body of knowledge showing that the unique personalities of individual small mammals play a critical role in forest regeneration by impacting seed dispersal . It also complements a larger project that has been eight years in the making and is nearing completion.

"The point of the project was to figure out how small mammal personality and animal personality in general influence different ecological processes," Humphreys said. "We're focused on small mammals because they're a great study system. They're abundant, we get a really good sample size and we can actually conduct experiments on them in the forest.

"Seed dispersal is a super important aspect to Maine's economy, recreation and aesthetics. A lot of research focuses at the species or community level, but many of the individual aspects have been ignored in science. The idea is to bring more attention to the individual and how variation and personality at the individual level is actually really important for ecosystems, tree growth and forest regeneration."

Humphreys has worked under the direction of professor Alessio Mortelliti of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology. From June–October 2022, Humphreys and a team of researchers set traps for small mammals, including squirrels, chipmunks, mice, voles and shrews. They worked in a six-grid system, slowly moving about 150 traps from one grid to another. Upon catching the animals, the team collected data about their personality traits and tagged each of them.

Once a grid was cleared of traps, Humphreys and her team planted artificial seed caches across the area, equipping each with a circular antenna buried around the cache . The caches contained eastern white pine seeds, which are an economically important species in Maine and a consistently preferred seed species among the small mammals involved in the study. Game cameras were also set up to observe pilferers in the act.

"The idea is when an individual that we have tagged crosses over the antenna, the antenna picks up on their unique tag, so we know what the personality of that individual was," Humphreys said.

Her findings indicate that small mammal personality determines the effectiveness of pilferage in mice and voles, with some individuals being more successful at stealing seeds than others. The most accomplished thieves: deer mice.

"We found that more exploratory deer mice were more likely to find caches to pilfer, which makes a lot of sense because they're likely moving around more and they don't consider predation risk as much, so they're able to find these caches and steal them. Those were our main personality results," Humphreys said.

"We found that individuals with a lower body condition, so skinnier animals, were more likely to pilfer because they were desperately hungry. We also found a sex effect. Female voles were more likely to pilfer, which aligns with past research on the same species of voles."

Humphreys and her team observed many other curious and hungry species over the course of the study as well.

"We had over 10 different species come and pilfer the caches," Humphreys said. "Some of them were unexpected, like raccoons came and took some of the seeds, which was interesting. The other common pilferers were American red squirrels, eastern chipmunks, Sorex shrews and jumping mice. For the jumping mice there were only a few individuals that we caught, but the ones that were present in our areas were very effective. They got like 10 caches in a night."

Humphreys' findings were recently published in the Journal of Animal Ecology as part of the special feature: "Intraspecific Variation in Ecology and Evolution." She's currently working on the last piece of the overall project, which focuses on comparing behavioral diversity in areas with varying styles of forest management.

"The take-home message of all the research we are doing is that individuals are important," Humphreys said. "There's a big push in the science community to conserve biodiversity, but beyond biodiversity, we have to be conserving behavioral diversity within a species if we truly want to have fully functional ecosystems."

Journal information: Journal of Animal Ecology

Provided by University of Maine

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From norway and taiwan, fulbright awardees hope to make a difference – l. naveira & c. saddler.

Saddler and Naveira’s applications were supported by the UMaine Office of Major Scholarships and by Fulbright Program advisers Nives Dal Bo’-Wheeler and Professor Christine Beitl. Several UMaine faculty members contributed to the success of their applications by writing recommendation letters and by participating in the internal campus review process. Students interested in pursuing a Fulbright award can visit the Office of Major Scholarships’ website and contact Dal Bo’-Wheeler at [email protected] .

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University of New England senior finds meaningful career in Maine conservation

It wasn’t just the breaking of the waves and chatter of coastal birds that drew Alex Woodworth’s interest to the University of New England. It was eventually playing a role in the environmental restoration of Maine’s woodlands, a career pathway he can now follow without hesitation, thanks to the education he received at UNE.   

“The environmental curriculum at UNE really set me up for success,” said Woodworth ’24, who is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and will be graduating this Saturday with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and a minor in biological sciences from the School of Marine and Environmental Programs .  

He said his journey at UNE has equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel after college, adding that conducting research on vernal pools in the University’s 363-acre forest was a standout moment in pursing his degree. The forest serves as an outdoor classroom and living laboratory for environmental science students. 

“I really just like being out in nature, and the vernal pools are awesome,” he said, sharing that as a part of a class, he spent time surveying the forest’s vernal pools, which are temporary wetlands where frogs and salamanders breed, allowing him to gain a hands-on understanding of Maine’s varied ecosystems. 

“It’s beautiful, and there’s a lot to learn out there as well,” he said. 

He also credits Pam Morgan, Ph.D., a professor of environmental studies in the College of Arts and Sciences , for having the most significant impact on his career trajectory.  

Alex Woodworth

“I've taken (a class from) her every single semester since I've been an environmental science major,” he said, “and she's given me some great career advice as well as ... a lot of knowledge.”  

Woodworth took full advantage of UNE’s field courses to gain the skills needed to succeed in environmental science, said Morgan, adding that she saw him applying what he learned to an internship in urban forestry as well as research in vernal pools and coastal erosion. 

“It was great to see Alex's confidence grow with each class and the hands-on projects he worked on,” she said, “All his hard work has prepared him well for life after graduation.”  

Woodworth said his new job with SWCA Environmental Consulting aligns perfectly with his passion for outdoor work and restoration projects.  

“I'm really excited to be outside and on the marsh,” he said, explaining that he will be situated in Brooksville, just 40 minutes from Acadia National Park, working on a marsh restoration project aimed at rebuilding and replanting the area that was previously an old mining site.  

“I really didn't want to be inside at a desk job,” he laughs, recalling his childhood summers spent volunteering at an urban farm — which he credits for sparking his interest in natural ecosystems.  

“(It was) getting my hands dirty, even if it was just cleaning or pulling weeds or harvesting vegetables, (that) just made me feel a certain way,” he explained. “And I've always been chasing that feeling and wanting to keep doing that.” 

As Woodworth embarks on this new chapter, he said being at UNE has provided him with invaluable learning experiences that will help shape the work he will do with the environment moving forward.  

“UNE has prepared me for my future career by giving me the knowledge I think that I need going into (restoration), as well as giving me a lot of critical thinking skills and teamwork skills to be successful,” he said. 

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest private university , with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college , Maine’s only dental college , a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs , as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees , natural and social sciences degrees , arts and humanities degrees , and business degrees .

Parasitic worm likely playing role in decline of moose populations

A parasitic worm that can infest the brains of moose appears to be playing a role in the decline of the iconic animal in some regions of North America.

Moose populations have been dwindling for years across the country due to many contributing factors, but new research at Washington State University has found the impact of Eleaophora schneideri, also known as the arterial worm, has likely been underestimated.

Researchers examined recently deceased Shiras moose in Idaho between March 2020 and July 2022. While the parasitic roundworm E. schneideri was not detected in any of the animals found in north Idaho, it was present in 10 of the 20 adult moose studied in the southeastern portion of the state. Nine of the infected not only had adult worms in their major arteries but their brains were littered with microfilariae, the microscopic early life stage of the worm.

"The microfilaria are just scattered throughout their brains, and even though the damage from each is miniscule, they're basically shot-gunning the whole brain," said Kyle Taylor, a pathologist at WSU's Washington Animal Disease Diagnostics Laboratory. "We hypothesize the cumulative effects of large numbers of microfilariae in the brain may be associated with increased morbidity or chance of mortality, with mortality more likely in cases with larger numbers of worms."

The research, published in the Journal of Wildlife Diseases , is part of a three-year collaborative project on moose mortality with the Idaho Fish and Game and Dr. Janet Rachlow of the University of Idaho, College of Natural Resources.

E. schneideri is primarily transmitted by tabanid flies like horse and deer flies. Mature worms can measure as long as 4.5 inches and are most commonly found in the carotid arteries in the area of the head and neck, where they will mate and release microfilariae into the bloodstream.

Infection can lead to a condition known as elaeophorosis in which the host's circulation system is disrupted. It can advance to blindness, abnormal behavior, damage to the ears and muzzle, and death. Infections have been reported in a variety of species, including deer, domestic and wild sheep, and elk. Unlike moose, mule deer and black-tail deer are considered to be natural hosts and typically show minimal to no signs of infection.

There are currently no tests available to determine whether a live moose is infected with the parasite.

Taylor's team examined 61 recently deceased moose in Idaho. No evidence of infection was found in northern Idaho moose or juveniles, but 10, or half, of the adult moose studied in southeastern Idaho were infected. Of those 10, three had damage to the tips of their ears, a condition attributed to E. schneideri infection. Four exhibited abnormal behavior prior to their deaths, possibly due to neuropathology associated with the parasite.

Based on their findings and that of other research, Taylor suspects the subtle but widespread damage to the brain caused by the worms may be leading to reduced fitness of the moose, which could increase risk of predation, and, sometimes, cause death.

"We really need to have an understanding of all the issues related to moose population decline, and this parasite appears to be a factor," Taylor said.

The study also explored the geographic spread of E. schneideri in Idaho. The parasite was found to be widespread in southeastern Idaho, aligning with its prevalence in neighboring regions of Montana and Wyoming. The distribution coincides with populations of mule deer.

Christine Haake, a pathology resident at WADDL and graduate student in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, helped to lead the study. Field sampling was performed and directed by Dr. Logan Weyand, who was a graduate student at the University of Idaho during the project. WADDL pathologist Chrissy Eckstrand and parasitologist Laura Williams assisted with the research.

• Pests and Parasites
• Wild Animals
• Microbiology
• Veterinary Medicine
• Endangered Animals
• Garter snake
• Icelandic horse
• American Mink
• Hip dysplasia

Story Source:

Materials provided by Washington State University . Original written by Devin Roktya. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference :

• Christine J. E. Haake; Kyle R. Taylor; Logan K. Weyand; Eric T. Van Beek; Chrissy D. Eckstrand; Laura B. A. Williams; Stacey Dauwalter; Nicole L. Walrath; Hollie M. Miyasaki; Shane B. Roberts; Mark A. Hurley; Janet L. Rachlow. Geographic Distribution and Neuropathology of Elaeophora schneideri in Moose (Alces alces shirasi) in Idaho, USA . J Wildl Dis , 2024 DOI: 10.7589/JWD-D-23-00112

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