CUGR Office Announces 2024-25 Academic Year Fellowship Recipients

The University of Maine’s Center for Undergraduate Research (CUGR) has announced the 2024-25 academic year fellowship awardees. This year’s awards were supported by CUGR, Office of the Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School, Maine EPSCoR office (through an NSF award), EPIC program, and UMaine Space (through a Maine Space Grant Consortium [MSGC] award). We have received a record number of applications this year and were able to fund a record number of awards thanks to our sponsors. 

The CUGR Research and Creative Activities fellowships were developed to enhance and increase undergraduate student involvement in faculty-supervised research and are supported through the office of the Vice President for Research. Each fellowship provides $3,000 per student for costs associated with the project. 

The 2024-25 Academic Year MSGC Undergraduate Research Fellowship awards help provide research opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students in aerospace technology, space science, human exploration and space development, Earth science and other science- or engineering-related fields. The focus of proposed projects funded by the fellowships must be aligned with the research priorities of NASA’s Earth and space science strategic enterprises. Selected projects will be awarded up to $3,000 each.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering across the country. The NSF promotes the progress of science by investing in research to expand knowledge in science, engineering and education. The 2024-25 Academic Year NSF fellowship awardees will receive $3,000 for costs associated with the proposed project.

Experiential Programs Innovation Central (EPIC) is an interdisciplinary program at UMaine, which aspires to provide integrated experiential learning through hands-on exposure to research practices, emerging technologies, and innovative problem solving. Academic Year 2024-25 EPIC awardees will receive $3,000 for project-related expenses.

Students interested in learning how to write successful research proposals, and receive their responsible conduct of research training as well as DEI training, are highly encouraged to sign up for the INT 125 course this Spring and participate in Experiential Programs Innovation Central (EPIC). For more information visit umaine.edu/epic

This year’s recipients are: 

2024-25 Academic Year CUGR Research and Creative Activities Fellowship 

• Elaina Cote, Molecular and Cellular Biology, “Using Paralyzation Assays to Assess the Function of Periactive Zone Proteins at the Neuronal Synapse in C. elegans,” advised by Zhao Xuan
• Toby Dunne, Biochemistry, “Understanding GPCR Desensitization by Autophagy to Treat Chronic Conditions,” advised by Joshua Kelley
• Aalliyah Ferreira, Psychology, “Bridge The Gap: Exploring the Association Between Stress and Substance Use in First- and Second-Generation Immigrant Adolescents,” advised by Jennifer Blossom
• Gabriella Giftos, Microbiology, “Examining the Role of Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis in JC Polyomavirus Infection of Primary Kidney Cells,” advised by Melissa Maginnis
• Emily Hammond, Biomedical Engineering, “Optimizing 3D Breast Cancer Heterospheroid Production To Enhance Diagnostics And Instrument Testing,” advised by Karissa Tilbury
• Lauren Hume, Biology, “The Effects Manganese Chloride has on the Neurodegenerative Function of C. elegans when treated with Yarrow Flower Extract,” advised by Jennifer Newell-Caito
• Ethan Kelley, Anthropology, “X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis of Lithic Material From Pre-Contact Quarry on Isle au Haut, Maine,” advised by Bonnie Newsom
• Maria Khaydarova, Biochemistry, “Probing 3D Glycan-Glycan Binding Protein Interactions Using Affinity-Diffusion Assay Hydrogels,” advised by Matthew Brichacek
• Paul Rudman, Biomedical Engineering, “Understanding CAUTI in a Maine VA Population,” advised by Caitlin Howell
• Zachary Scott, Computer Science, “Applying Mathematical Methods for Verifying Authorship to Texts Attributed to Virgil,” advised by Jane Wang
• Maple Waltner, Biology, “Wood Turtle Behavior Selection In Relation To Season, Sex And Temperature,” advised by Matthew Chatfield

2024-25 Academic Year MSGC Research Experience

• Josiah Bloom, Mechanical Engineering, “Development and Testing of a Propulsion System for a Bladeless Drone,” advised by Ahmed Aboelezz
• Georgianna Borg, Electrical Engineering, “Determination Of A Satellite’s Orientation By Comparison Of Magnetometer Values, Solar Panel Voltages, and Transmitter Power,” advised by Ali Abedi
• William Cassidy, Biomedical Engineering, “Validation of Audible Time-Delay Spectroscopy for Assessment of Bone Health,” advised by Michael Mason
• Evan Chandler, Mechanical Engineering, “Testing of a Moving Bed Particle Heat Exchanger,” advised by Justin Lapp
• Maddison Coffin, Biology, “Swimming in Protein: Mylpf Protein Helps Zebrafish Build Muscle Strength,” advised by Jared Talbot
• Maren Geisler, Physics, “Emergent magnetism: exploring magnetic field modifications for organic-inorganic thin film heterostructures.,” advised by Nicholas Bingham
• Mino Iobst, Physics, “A Probabilistic Model of Single Event Upsets and Total Ionizing Dosage in Low Earth Orbit on CubeSats,” advised by Neil Comins
• Declan Lally, Biomedical Engineering, “A Novel Classification Preprocessing for AI Segmentation Models in Digital Pathology,” advised by Andre Khalil
• Madison McCarthy, Chemical Engineering, “Interactions between nanobubbles, graphene, and pollutants for novel adsorption wastewater treatment methods,” advised by Onur Apul
• Michael Sabol, Electrical Engineering, “Memristor Creation and Characteristics,” advised by Rosemary Smith
• Angelina White, Biology, “What Cues Help Muscle-Forming Cells Migrate to Different Regions of The Body?,” advised by Jared Talbot

2024-25 Academic Year EPIC Research and Creative Activities Fellowships

• Emily Benson, Communication Sciences and Disorders, “Social, Communication, and Quality of Life Outcomes in Adulthood after Childhood Brain Injury,” advised by Jessica Riccardi
• Jude Brzozowski, Anthropology, “Going Green: Energy And Colonialism In Sapmi,” advised by Natasha Magnani
• Fisher Clark, Marine Science, “Comprehensive Analysis Of Sea Scallop Larval Development Utilizing Electron Microscopy,” advised by Timothy Bowden
• Ben Curtis, Biochemistry, “Validating a Novel Drug Screen and Candidate Drugs Against Influenza A Infection in Zebrafish,” advised by Benjamin King
• Shengxiang Gao, Psychology, “A Methodology Study Comparing Vasomotor Reactivity Values From 30 Second and 15 Second Breath Hold Challenge Using Transcranial Doppler,” advised by Fayeza Ahmed
• Augustus Hoy, Mechanical Engineering, “Epitaxially Strained VO2 Thin Film Chemiresistive Sensor Technology,” advised by Nicholas Bingham
• Cadence Kluck, Biomedical Engineering, “Effect of Cross-Linking Agents On The Mechanical Properties Of Bioglass-Infused Cellulose Nanofiber Composites For Bone Tissue Regrowth,” advised by Michael Mason
• Hlib Kuzmenko, Mechanical Engineering, “Wake dynamics of porous discs due to their interactions with water droplets,” advised by Amrit Verma
• Anthony Mavilia, Psychology, “The Role of the MIND Diet in Mitigating Cognitive Decline: Exploring Dietary Influence on Cognitive Health Among Middle-Aged Adults in Maine,” advised by Fayeza Ahmed
• Shreyash Parajuli, Computer Science, “How Culture affects Privacy,” advised by Sepideh Ghanavati
• John Peters, Biomedical Engineering, “Unraveling The Secrets Of Viral Mutation In Patients To Predict Disease Outcomes,” advised by Michael Wilczek
• Myla Schneider, Biology, “The Evaluation of Paroxetine and Cetirizine Combination in JC Polyomavirus Infection,” advised by Melissa Maginnis

2024-25 Academic Year NSF Research Fellowships

• Josh Adell, Philosophy, “Motivations: A Philosophical Comparison of the Application of Ideals Across Sports,” advised by Robby Finley
• Seth Ashby, Microbiology, “Determining Essential Genes Contributing to the Regulation of the Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response (UPRmt),” advised by Suzanne Angeli
• Israk Ayasin, Computer Science, “Deploying the Uncertainty-Aware Safe Control Framework on a real robot,” advised by Vikas Dhiman
• Hailey Blanchette, Communication Sciences and Disorders, “Understanding Maine’s Community Health Worker Workforce Needs & Perspectives,” advised by Jessica Riccardi and Katherine Darling
• Sydney Brown, Molecular and Cellular Biology, “Evaluation of cellular calcium flux in response to JC Polyomavirus infection,” advised by Melissa Maginnis
• Skyler Caljkusich, Biology, “Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Young Adults: Insights from Self-Reported Activity and Cognitive Outcomes,” advised by Fayeza Ahmed
• Kylie Carrier, Civil Engineering, “The Effect of PFAS Contamination on the Brunswick Wastewater System,” advised by Jean MacRae
• Daniela Chavez de Paz Solis, Biology, “The Role of Inflammatory Mechanisms in Muscle Fiber Regeneration of Zebrafish Affected By Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy,” advised by Clarissa Henry
• Bradan Craig, Computer Science, “Machine Learning Model for Cellulose Nanofiber Coating Process,” advised by Caitlin Howell
• Sophie Dean, Communication Sciences and Disorders, “Refinement and Pilot of an App-Based Ecological Momentary Assessment of Fatigue in Children with a History of Brain Injury,” advised by Jessica Riccardi
• Connor Evans-Ralston, Economics, “Paying Pains: The Tangibility Effect And Online Banking,” advised by Caroline Noblet
• Lana Friess, Mechanical Engineering, “Evaluating En-Route Energy Saving for an Active Flow Control Enhanced Wind Propulsion Technology,” advised by Kewei Xu
• Julianna Gauthier, Psychology, “Vegetable Consumption, Cognitive Performance, & Mood State,” advised by Michael Robbins
• Oyku Goktug, Biochemistry, “Investigating DPM3 Deficiency: Mechanisms of Muscle Resilience in Dystroglycanopathies,” advised by Clarissa Henry
• Conall Gouveia, Computer Science, “Three-Dimensional (3D) Printed Models Mimicking the X-ray Attenuation of Human Tissue and Anatomy,” advised by Terry Yoo
• Ryder Graham, Mechanical Engineering, “Analysis of High Temperature Heat Pump Integration in Pulp and Paper Mills,” advised by Justin Lapp
• Katherine Gross, Mechanical Engineering, “Assessing the Benefits of Radiative Cooling Paints for Saving Building Energy in Various U.S. Climate Zones,” advised by Sheila Edalatpour
• Reanna Heath, Animal and Veterinary Sciences, “Variability Among Equine Pelletized Feed Batches Across Nationwide Feed Brands And Comparison To The National Research Council’s “Nutrient Requirements of Horses,” advised by Juan Romero
• Seraphina Hodgson, Communication Sciences and Disorders, “Exploration Of Caregiver Experiences When Choosing Communication Modality For Their DHH Child,” advised by Jane Puhlman
• Zachary Hopp, Mechanical Engineering, “Fully bio-based, PFAS-free particle/binder as superhydrophobic materials on cellulose-based substrates,” advised by Xiaoxiao Zhao
• Abigail Huchel, Kinesiology and Physical Education, “Why do Some People Exercise and Some Don’t? Understanding Barriers and Facilitators of Physical Activity,” advised by Rebecca MacAulay
• Benjamin Hunt, Biology, “An Investigation of Neurodegenerative Mechanisms Associated with cat-4 Gene Mutations via their Impact on Clarinet (CLA-1) Localization,” advised by Zhao Xuan
• Miles Jones, International Affairs, “Digital Pulse: The Impact of the 2023 Lewiston Mass Shooting on Gun Control Opinions Among Mainers,” advised by Asif Nawaz
• Claire Kelley, Computer Science, “Enhancing Food Palatability in Older Adults Through Multisensory Technology,” advised by Nimesha Ranasinghe
• Isabelle Kostelnick, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, “Having Reservations: Understanding the Impacts of Recreation.gov Reservation Systems on Visitor Experiences at Acadia National Park,” advised by Jessica Leahy
• Max Kruse, Mechanical Engineering, “Wave Tank Testing of Bottom Fixed Offshore Wind Turbines in Extreme Waves: Comparison of tower top motions of 15 MW system against 10 MW system,” advised by Amrit Verma
• Griffin Lawrence, Microbiology, “An Investigation of Group B Streptococcus and Candida albicans Growth In Biological Nutrients,” advised by Melody Neely
• Jenna Lawson, Physics, “Investigating the Applications of pXRF Technology in Artifact Authentication, advised by Gretchen Faulkner and Brian Frederick
• Elijah Lines, Marine Science, “Effects of Climatic Change on Glacial Iron Deposition and Coastal Marine Ecology, through Remote Sensing and Geochemical Analysis in Southern Patagonian, Chile,” advised by Karl Kreutz
• Hiram Logston, Biomedical Engineering, “Evaluation Of MC3T3-Osteoblast Bioactivity On 3D Bioglass And Hydroxyapatite Nanocellulose Composite Scaffolds For Bone Tissue Regrowth,” advised by Michael Mason
• Hannah Maker, Nursing, “A Trauma-Informed Evaluation of The Connection Initiative: Addressing Distress, Enhancing Social Connectedness, and Advancing Health Equity in Rural Maine,” advised by Jordan Porter
• Jasper Makowski, Microbiology, “Characterization of the role of L-type calcium channels in BK Polyomavirus infection,” advised by Melissa Maginnis
• Jack Mason, Biomedical Engineering, “Development of a Physiological Analog for the Characterization of Diffusive Cellulose Based Hydrogels,” advised by Sarah Turner
• Leah Mastrianno, Biochemistry, “Protective effects of winterberry (Ilex Verticillata) on Caenorhabditis elegans,” advised by Jennifer Newell-Caito
• Melisa Matonsi, Biochemistry, “Identifying Key Genes for the Prolongation of the Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response (UPRmt),” advised by Suzanne Angeli
• Marina McManus, Animal and Veterinary Sciences, “Examining the potential role of winter ticks in Babesia odocoilei parasite transmission to Maine moose,” advised by Pauline Kamath
• Noah Moring, Liam Hillery, Bryan Sturdivant, and Aiden McGlauflin; Computer Science, “VibeCheque: Enhancing Emotional Communication through AI-Powered Discord Bot,” advised by Gregory Nelson
• Skyler Morse, Biomedical Engineering, “Open Source Wavelet-based Segmentation Method in Python for Glioblastoma in MRI Scans,” advised by Andre Khalil
• Nicholas Partridge, Mechanical Engineering, “Aeroacoustics Experimental investigations Of Bioinspired Maple Seed Propellers,” advised by Ahmed Aboelezz
• Matthew Patterson, New Media, “Our ClassXRoom: A New Dimension in Active Learning,” advised by Justin Dimmel
• Alexander Russell, Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, “Investigation of Livestock Threatening Pathogens in the Gut Microbiome of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Reared on Maine Agricultural Waste,” advised by Edward Bernard
• Mason Soares, Microbiology, “Investigating Myosin Essential Light Chain Function,” advised by Jared Talbot
• Evan Soucy, New Media, “Occupied Spaces,” advised by Aaron Boothroyd
• Johnny Sylvain, Computer Science, “Map it!: The Geolocation Of Published Franco-American Works,” advised by Susan Pinette
• Mary Tanner, Biology, “Investigating how muscle-driven movement promotes cartilage growth,” advised by Jared Talbot
• Nathaniel Teerlinck, Earth and Climate Sciences, “Are Millennial Scale Climate Changes Synchronous Between Hemispheres?,” advised by Brenda Hall and Aaron Putnam
• Skye Van Beek, Marine Science, “The Impact of Color on Betta Splendens Mate Preferences,” advised by Heather Hamlin
• Joe Zeno, Botany, “How Climate Change is Affecting the Alpine Plants of New England,” advised by Jacquelyn Gill and Andrea Tirrell