Education Commons^™

S5e6: How Can Research Lead To Student Success?, Ron Lisnet, John Volin, Issac Cardello

The Maine Question

Improving student retention and success is a key priority at the University of Maine and University of Maine System. To support this goal, the Harold Alfond Foundation earmarked $20 million of its transformative $240 million gift to the System for new efforts to keep students enrolled and support their academic growth.

One of these new initiatives involves getting students involved in discovery and knowledge creation early in their studies through new research learning experience (RLE) courses launched this year at UMaine and it’s regional campus, the University of Maine at Machias. These tuition-free, one-credit courses offer a variety of experiential …

S4e8 : What Does The Future Look Like For Manufacturing In Maine?, Ron Lisnet, John Bedling

The Maine Question

Manufacturing — making products and adding value to raw materials — plays a crucial role in Maine’s economic well-being, but the industry is changing.

Pulp and paper production has declined over the years as several mills have shuttered. Emerging firms are smaller than they once were, and many now use high-tech, precision manufacturing. Despite its alterations, however, the manufacturing economy in Maine continues to expand and evolve.

Companies eager to fuel or participate in industry growth face challenges in their efforts to create new products, implement cutting-edge technology and teach their existing workforce new skills. Fortunately, the Advanced Manufacturing Center, …

S4e7 : What Role Does Graduate Research Play At Umaine And In The State?, Ron Lisnet, Scott Delcourt

The Maine Question

Last week’s episode of “The Maine Question” explored the value of undergraduate research at UMaine, but graduate students also support the university and economy through their work.

With the 2021 UMaine Student Symposium April 16 approaching, we shine a spotlight on the role and value of graduate education and research.

The university welcomed a record 2,400 graduate students for the 2020–21 academic year. Research and enterprise from master’s and Ph.D. candidates show no signs of slowing down. They continue to grow and evolve.

We delve into some of the studies and projects occurring at UMaine, much of which will be …

S4e6 : What Is The Value Of Undergraduate Research?, Ron Lisnet, Melissa Maginnis

The Maine Question

Thousands of University of Maine undergraduates engage in research and creative activities that prepare them for careers and support the university and public.

They uncover knowledge, technology and products for a growing, modern economy. Their work, which molds them into problem-solving citizens, exemplifies UMaine’s role as the state’s public research university.

The annual UMaine Student Symposium, the culminating event for Maine Impact Week, showcases much of that work. This year’s event will be held virtually April 16.

Three undergraduates who will present at the 2021 symposium share their stories on this episode of “The Maine Question.” Melissa Maginnis, an associate …

S4e5 : How Do You Teach Political Science Without Being Political?, Ron Lisnet, Mark Brewer

The Maine Question

Mark Brewer has been particularly busy the last few years. In addition to his research and courses, the University of Maine political science professor is a respected go-to source for reporters seeking context about political events and the political climate.

Recently, Brewer found time to talk with podcast host Ron Lisnet about the role of politics in our lives. In Episode 5 of Season 4, Brewer explains ranked choice voting, the Electoral College, and the filibuster, and he shares how he teaches politics without getting political.

S4e4 : What Is The Future Of Maine’S Food System?, Ron Lisnet, Rob Dumas

The Maine Question

Everyone loves food. It fills our stomachs, tantalizes our taste buds, sustains us through times of strife and prosperity, fuels multiple industries and helps define cultures. How best to obtain, consume, preserve, distribute and regulate food drives aspects of health care, science and politics. As food science innovation coordinator for the University of Maine’s School of Food and Agriculture, Rob Dumas brings a unique perspective on food to the table. Managing the food science pilot plant at the school, conducting research, teaching classes and working with food companies has given Dumas morsels of insight into the future of Maine’s food …

S4e3 : What Is Ai And What Roles Does It Play In Our Lives?, Ron Lisnet, Penny Rheingans, Roy Turner

The Maine Question

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, sounds like a futuristic concept from science fiction movies, but is very much with us in the present day. We interact with this emerging technology on a daily basis when we apply for jobs, order groceries, access our bank accounts, apply for a loan and scroll through social media. In Episode 3 of Season 4 of “The Maine Question,” we examine AI, how it improves our lives and how it can cause problems. Penny Rheingans, director of the University of Maine’s School of Computing and Information Science, and Roy Turner, a UMaine associate professor of computer …

S4e2: What’S Your Relationship With The Forest?, Ron Lisnet, Jessica Leahy

The Maine Question

Maine is the most forested state in the country, and its residents interact with forests regularly in many different ways. They provide supplies for various products, which fuels industry and job creation, and space for outdoor recreation. These interactions, which help define Maine’s identity, are the subject of Jessica Leahy’s research. As a professor in UMaine’s School of Forest Resources, she studies the human dimensions of forestry and other natural resources. In this episode of “The Maine Question,” Leahy discusses her work, the ways forests impact our lives and how our actions affect them.

S4e1: How Does Cooperative Extension Help Mainers Thrive?, Ron Lisnet, Joan Ferrini-Mundy, Hannah Carter

The Maine Question

While University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s roots are in agriculture, the 106-year-old organization helps all Mainers thrive with its relevant research-based programs that promote child development, nutrition, robotics, entrepreneurship and more. Recently, “more” has included providing communities with much-needed resources during the pandemic.

In this initial podcast of Season 4, host Ron Lisnet discusses Cooperative Extension’s past, present and future with UMaine and University of Maine at Machias President Joan Ferrini-Mundy and Cooperative Extension Dean Hannah Carter, who says the trusted organization can be like Google for Mainers seeking information.