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Greetings!
Greetings from the University of Maine College of Engineering! It's summertime now at UMaine and while summer camps are well underway, we are busy planning for fall 2013 and beyond. We hope that you and yours are enjoying this time of year, wherever you are.
In this issue, we are proud to tell you about several incredible innovations by our faculty, students and alumni, including: the nation's first Cellulose Nanofiber Pilot Plant; the VolturnUS historic launch & electron connection; the 2013 Distinguished Maine Professor Award, May Commencement, and much, much more.
We'd appreciate knowing just where your UMaine Engineering degree has taken you and hearing about your career. So, please drop us a line and keep in touch to catch us up on your career and what's happening in your life. We are planning two more e-newsletters to keep you up to date, one in September and the last one in December. Until then, please check our website and contact us if you want to know more about what is happening. Let me know if you have any questions that I can help answer for you as well. Stay well and enjoy the summer! Sincerely,
Dana N. Humphrey, P.E., Ph.D.
Dean of College of Engineering
University of Maine
danah@maine.edu
207-581-2217
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Nation's First Cellulose Nanofiber Pilot Plant
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Wednesday, April 3, 2013
A ribbon cutting marked the opening of the nation's first cellulose nanofiber pilot plant during the 63rd annual Paper Days at the University of Maine, April 3-4.
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Nanocellulose Pilot Plant Ribbon Cutting
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The pilot plant manufactures cellulose nanofibers (CNF), a wood-based reinforcing material that is increasingly of interest to researchers worldwide in the development of high-value materials.
Last year, UMaine and the Forest Products Laboratory began a research collaboration on the conversion of wood components into novel nanomaterials; the incorporation of an array of nanomaterials into forest products to increase their functionality, durability and end-use performance; and development of new generations of high-performance wood-based materials.
UMaine is in a consortium with the Forest Products Lab, six other universities and numerous industrial partners pursuing research using CNF. Nanomaterial has applications in automobile components, paint and coating additives, composites and filtration media.
Mainebiz recently published the article "UMaine project unlocks nanofiber potential." The article included information about the university's research and its new Cellulose Nanofiber Pilot Plant - the nation's first. John Wolanski, chairman of the UMaine Pulp & Paper Foundation; Michael Bilodeau, director at UMaine's Process Development Center; and Jake Ward, UMaine's vice president of innovation and economic development, were quoted in the article.
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Cellulose Nanofiber Pilot Plant at the University of Maine, Orono
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Founded: April 2013
Funding: $1.5 million from the U.S. Forest Service
Products and services: To provide up to one ton per day of nanofiber cellulose for businesses and universities conducting R&D on products and processes using the wood-based component
Contact:Margaret Nagle,207.581.3745; Pros Bennett,207.581.2281
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Electrons From N.America's 1st Offshore Wind Turbine Flow Into U.S. Grid
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Thursday, June 13th, 2013
VolturnUS, a 65-foot-tall offshore wind turbine prototype, was successfully connected to the Central Maine Power Company on June 13, making it the first grid-connected offshore wind turbine in North America.The turbine is 1:8th the scale of a 6-megawatt (MW), 423-foot rotor diameter design. It is sited off the coast of Castine, Maine.
"Today will constitute a historic moment for offshore wind in the Americas," says Habib Dagher, director of the Advanced Structure and Composites Center at the University of Maine and leader of the DeepCwind Consortium. Dagher was joined at the event by Peter Vigue, president and CEO of Cianbro Corp.; Jake Ward, UMaine vice president for innovation and economic development; and William Brennan, president of Maine Maritime Academy.
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Source: Bangor Daily News Video
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The VolturnUS technology is the culmination of more than five years of collaborative research and development conducted by the University of Maine-led DeepCwind Consortium.
The DeepCwind research program is a unique public-private partnership funded by the Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation-Partners for Innovation, Maine Technology Institute, the state of Maine, the University of Maine and more than 30 industry partners. Jose Zayas, director of the U.S. Department of Energy's Wind and Water Power Technologies Office who was in Brewer, Maine for the turbine's May 31 launch, says the Castine offshore wind project represents "a critical investment ensure America leads in this fast-growing industry, to bring tremendous untapped energy resources to market and create new jobs across the country." Data acquired during the 2013 deployments off Castine will be used to optimize the design of UMaine's patent-pending VolturnUS system. The program goal is to reduce the cost of offshore wind to compete with other forms of electricity generation without subsidies. The UMaine Advanced Structures and Composites Center has partnered with industry leaders to invest in a 12-MW, $96-million pilot farm. The deployments this summer will de-risk UMaine's VolturnUS technology in preparation for connecting the first full-scale unit to the grid in 2016. Maine has 156 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity within 50 miles of its shores and a plan to deploy 5 GW of offshore wind by 2030. The 5 GW plan could potentially attract $20 billion of private investment to the state, creating thousands of jobs. Contact: Elizabeth Viselli, 207.581.2831
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| Dr. Robert Lad, 2013 Distinguished Maine Professor Award |
Bob Lad has been a member of the Department of Physics and Astronomy since 1988 and, for the past 16 years, has directed the Laboratory for Surface Science and Technology (LASST), an internationally recognized interdisciplinary center for surface science, nanotechnology, sensors, and materials science research.  | |
Dr. Robert Lad, 2013 Distinguished Maine Professor
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He received the 2006 University of Maine System Trustee Professorship and the 2004 UMaine Presidential Research and Creative Achievement Award. Lad, an internationally recognized materials researcher, has been a primary member of many of the LASST project teams, serving as principal or co-principal investigator on more than $35 million in research and development grants. Many of the projects, such as the current research on high-temperature sensors for use in jet engines, power plant generators and other extreme environments, have led to major advances and assisted Maine industries in their development and manufacture of high-tech products. Most recently while on sabbatical last year, Lad's expertise aided the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's solar programs as he, concurrently, pursued his ongoing interest in finding new areas of research that can connect to Maine. Lad has a talent for blending fundamental and applied research, which is reflected in his collaborations with more than 30 Maine companies. The research teams he has led includes undergraduates, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, thus, training the next generation of physics and engineering researchers and industry leaders. In addition to his research, Lad teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses. His 200-level Introductory Quantum Physics course is legendary, not only for how Lad excites students about the field, but also how he engages them by interfacing examples of ongoing research with the rigorous theory. Current students, alumni and colleagues describe Lad's enthusiasm for education, research and outreach as contagious. |
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CIE Grad Selected as a Rising Star Structural Engineer
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The editors of Structural Engineer magazine have selected Christopher Fournier as one of this year's Rising Star young structural engineers.  Christopher is just one of 15 young engineers chosen for this year's award after a deliberative selection process. Christopher graduated in 2004 from the University of Maine with a BS and in 2005 with a M.S., both in Civil Engineering. From the magazine description: In seven short years, Christopher Fournier has proven his technical and management capabilities as an excellent structural engineer, completing his transition from project engineer to senior project engineer/manager and successfully leading over 150 projects, including municipal and U.S. Forest Service bridges, towers, commercial and residential building design and assessment projects throughout New England.  | |
Christopher Fournier, P.E.
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He was invited to join HEB's shareholder group and became Structural Group Leader in 2012. Following Tropical Storm Irene, Fournier was instrumental in designing a temporary solution to the high-profile Loon Mountain Bridge seriously damaged during the storm. He is a member of Structural Engineers of New Hampshire, ASCE, the Structural Engineering Institute, and is active in the local community. Structural Engineering is online at
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Electrical Engineering Students Win Best Paper Award at IEEE Region 1 Student Conference
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Lonnie Labonte &
Asa Sproul
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UMaine electrical engineering majors Lonnie Labonte and Asa Sproul won the first place best paper award at IEEE Region 1 Student Conference at MIT April 6. More than 200 students from eight states in the Northeast attended the conference. The students' winning paper on green skateboard design is part of their capstone design project. This is the second time a UMaine student won the paper contest. In 2010, electrical engineering major Fred Schwaner placed second for a paper based on his work in the Wireless Sensing Lab.
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UMaine Engineering Alumni Project Spotlight
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Kenway Corporation Submarine Camel Fender System
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The University of Maine College of Engineering is proud of its alumni and their projects to improve our quality of life through innovation. One such project recently shared with us is the Submarine Camel Fender System by the Kenway Corporation. UMaine Engineering alumni Ken Priest '67, CEO of Kenway, and Jake Marquis '96, Senior Project Engineer, explain that each camel consists of approximately 70,000 lb of fiberglass, resin, core, flotation foam, and hardware. An additional 35,000 lb of concrete and steel ballast is added to establish the proper freeboard and trim of the floating fender system. The overall dimensions are 36 ft long by 18 ft tall by 18 ft wide. While the camel design incorporates five modules that are typically bonded together at the site to facilitate over-the-road transportation, Kenway's location and access to deep water allow delivery of the completed assemblies by barge. This option reduces cost and shrinks the amount of time required at the customer's facility from weeks to just a day. For more information on this project, please contact Jake Marquis, Senior Project Engineer and a 1996 graduate of Civil Engineering at UMaine. Ken Priest, CEO of Kenway Corp., is a 1967 graduate of Civil Engineering at UMaine. Ken and Susan Priest have named a lab, which is planned for dedication in the future, in the Advanced Structures and Composites Center. Many thanks to Ken and Susan Priest and the Kenway Corporation for their continued support of UMaine Engineering.  Pier 6 at the Naval Submarine Base in Groton, CT with the submarine
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Sappi Fine Paper Donates $100,000 for Scholarships
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Sappi Fine Paper North America will donate $100,000 over the course of four years to the University of Maine Pulp & Paper Foundation to establish an endowed scholarship fund for engineers. The Sappi Scholarship Fund is a leadership gift to the University of Maine Pulp & Paper Foundation's $2 million fundraising campaign, which begins this year. Sappi Fine Paper North America has supported the University of Maine Pulp & Paper Foundation since its inception in 1950.
The company is a member in the foundation, supports the foundation's Consider Engineering Program, provides internship and co-op positions for undergraduate engineering students, and ultimately hires qualified University of Maine graduates. Many former recipients of University of Maine Pulp & Paper Foundation scholarships are found at all levels of leadership throughout Sappi's two Maine-based mills in Skowhegan and Westbrook, and across the company in North America.
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Bangor HS Student Wins Science Fair with help of UMaine Engineering
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Source: Bangor Daily News, Gabor Degre
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State science fair winner and Bangor High School student Mary Butler told the Bangor Daily News she had never been in a science fair before working with University of Maine students and faculty on her project, "Nanofibrillated Cellulose as the Potential Component of a Low-cost Water Filtration System." Butler said she worked with UMaine chemical engineering graduate student Finley Richmond on the filter project over the summer, and the collaboration was arranged by University of Maine Chemical and Biological Engineering Professor Doug Bousfield. Butler's project won first place in the "Energy, Transportation and Environmental Science" category, as well as best in show at the Maine State Science and Engineering Fair on March 23 in Bar Harbor.
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The College of Engineering at the University of Maine is the sole institution in Maine to offer 11 engineering and engineering technology majors and full M.S. and Ph.D. programs.
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Lawrence Bender, CIE 79, Commencement Honorary Degree & Speaker
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 | | Lawrence Bender, CIE 79 |
University of Maine alumnus Lawrence Bender, the producer of films that have won a total of six Academy Awards�, returned to his alma mater May 11 to receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree and share remarks during Commencement ceremonies.
Bender addressed both the 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. ceremonies as part of UMaine's 211th Commencement in Harold Alfond Sports Arena. 
See over 200 photos from the May commencement at the University of Maine via the
UMaine Photo Lab on Flickr. |
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First Offshore Wind Turbine Launch in N. America
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VolturnUS 1:8, the first grid-connected offshore wind turbine to be deployed off the coast of North America, was launched in Brewer May 31 by the University of Maine's Advanced Structures and Composites Center and its partners.
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Source: Bangor Daily News Video
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The event was hosted by Cianbro in Brewer, Maine. Among the dignitaries on hand for the ceremony were Sen. Susan Collins, Sen. Angus King, Rep. Michael Michaud, Jose Zayas of the U.S. Department of Energy, University of Maine System Chancellor James Page, UMaine Executive Vice President and Provost Susan Hunter, Cianbro CEO Peter Vigue and Habib Dagher, director of UMaine's Advanced Structures and Composites Center.
Online News Releases:
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Gorman Emeriti Brunch
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SAVE THE DATE:
This year's honoree for the 2013 Gorman Emeriti Brunch is Fred Irons,
Professor Emeritus of Electrical Engineering. The event is held each fall during Homecoming Weekend and this year it will be on Saturday, October 19th from 9am-11am at the Bodwell Lounge in the Collins Center for the Arts. Learn more about Dr. Irons on his personal website.
 | | Fred Irons |
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Professional Science Masters in Engineering and Business
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The Professional Science Masters (PSM) in Engineering and Business is intended for students who have a B.S. in engineering or engineering technology who want to advance into management positions.
 The degree combines advanced engineering and business courses with applied field experience. The applied field experience integrates the new skills learned by the student with their needs and the needs of their employer.
For additional information about the Professional Science Masters Degree in Engineering and Business, contact: Dana N. Humphrey, Ph.D., P.E.
Dean of Engineering
College of Engineering
Telephone: 207-581-2217
danah@maine.edu
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Alumni Updates
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Kristin Jean, BLE '03
Since I graduated from UMaine I have been putting my Bio-Resource engineering degree to work for the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service in San Joaquin Valley California. I began my career as the field office engineer for the San Joaquin County Resource Conservation District in June of 2003. When they drove me down the freeway towards my new place of employment, having never been to California, I was in awe at the diversity of agriculture before my eyes. As I looked out my passenger window, I pointed to an unfamiliar crop and asked my new supervisor "What's that?" To which, his response was, "Uhhh, Kristin? Those are grapes."
 | | Kristin Jean surveying a pond. |
From that point on, they feared the worst in their acquisition from another land, namely New England. I began my career not really knowing much about agriculture besides some hydraulics, groundwater hydrology, and how to design and manage a compost facility, but I did know one thing: everything on the farm was alive. My biological engineering had definitely pounded that into my head. And it all played into a bigger ecosystem, one that involves human sustainability as well. I had to cut my teeth with some of the most stubborn old country farmers, who frankly saw a woman on their property and had written me off in the first 5 second glimpse of me. But over time, they learned that I may know a thing or two, and they always got results working with me.
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Researchers Developing Lights to Avoid Moose Accidents
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Sheaff Talks to Press Herald About Project to Help Drivers Avoid Hitting Moose The Portland Press Herald reported researchers and students in the University of Maine Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering are developing computerized street lights designed to help drivers avoid hitting moose on rural roads that don't have street lights. Andrew Sheaff, a UMaine lecturer who is overseeing the project, told the Press Herald the solar-powered lights will only turn on when a vehicle is present.
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Preventing Brain Injury in Style
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Vincent Caccese, mechanical engineering professor at the University of Maine, has been working with James Ferguson, founder of Alba-Technic in Winthrop, to create a helmet aimed at preventing traumatic brain injury, according to a Mainebiz article. The company's helmet has been tested in UMaine's Advanced Biomechanics Laboratory for Injury Reduction and Rehabilitation.  | | Testing head gear in the Twin Wire Drop Tower, which uses a NOCSSAE Standard arm and headform; special hybrid-III head and neck assembly, has a max. drop of 20 ft., and an automated data acquisition system. |
For more information on the UMaine's Advanced Biomechanics Laboratory for Injury Reduction and Rehabilitation, go online to http://umaine.edu/irr |
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Francis Crowe Society May Induction Ceremony
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On May11th, 2013 the University of Maine College of Engineering inducted the class of 2013 engineering graduates along with six distinguished engineers into the Francis Crowe Society, including:
- Jack Palmer, Ph.D.
- Scott Stimpson, MEE 86
- Lee Marshall, CHB 79
- Adrian Smith, ECE 00
- Michael A. Whitney, EPS 80
- William Riviere, MEE 65, G67
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(L-R) Lee Marshall, Scott Stimpson, Jack Palmer, Adrian Smith, Jack Healy (honorary),
Michael Whitney, William Riviere
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School of Engineering Technology
Distinguished Engineers
- Thomas Perkins, P.E, CMT 96
- Robert Garster, CIE 89
- Lance Black, EET 04
 | | (L-R) Scott Dunning, Thomas Perkins, P.E., Phil Dunn |
| | (L-R) Jude Pearse, Lance Black, Scott Dunning |
 | | (L-R) Scott Dunning, Robert Garster, Ray Hintz |
Additionally, Dean Humphrey made a surprise induction to Max Karner in Florida this past April. Read about how Max's sons planned the surprise in the Palm Coast Observer article.
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(L-R) Dean Humphrey & Max Karner
(Source: Palm Coast Observer)
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For more information, go online to:
http://www.engineering.umaine.edu/home/francis-crowe-society/
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Give to Engineering
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The University of Maine's Annual Fund is a comprehensive fundraising initiative designed to enhance academic, student, faculty and cultural programs.
The College of Engineering Deans Fund is dedicated solely to providing scholarships, increasing graduate fellowships, facilitating research, upgrading technology and laboratories, and expanding our on-line graduate course offerings. Our main objective is to ensure there are funds available to allow us to respond quickly and appropriately to the areas of greatest need within the department. Your donations, combined with those of others, will make a significant and immediate impact on the quality of the 'UMaine Experience' for our students.
We invite you to become an active part of this initiative by visiting us on-line at www.umaine.edu/give and
making your gift on behalf of the College of Engineering or calling 207-581-3564
If you would rather mail in your gift, please mail to:
University of Maine
Attn: Engineering Gifts
PO Box 370
Orono, ME 04473-0370
Your annual support, is not about the size of the gift, rather it is about what we may accomplish together. Thank you!
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