MCEC receives two Hamm Campus Activity awards to promote STEAM education
MCEC has been awarded two Hamm Campus Activity Awards through the Alton ’38 and Adelaide Hamm Campus Activity Fund. These awards will support projects designed to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education across Maine, fostering inclusive, hands-on learning opportunities for learners of all ages.
The Hamm Campus Activity Fund, created in 2012 through the University of Maine Foundation, provides support for impactful activities, projects, and programs at the University of Maine. The fund prioritizes diverse and significant contributions to campus life while emphasizing activities that do not support athletics. This partnership aligns with MCEC’s commitment to expanding STEAM education and creating opportunities for learners across the state.
Interactive Mobile Virtual Environments and Multimodal Interaction (VEMI) Lab Showcase
MCEC, in collaboration with the VEMI Lab, will design and develop a mobile virtual reality (VR) experience to bring cutting-edge technology directly to communities across Maine. The VEMI Lab, located in Carnegie Hall, is a sought-after destination for campus visitors, but its location often makes it difficult to include in time-limited tours.
The new mobile VR showcase will allow K–12 students, current University of Maine students, and other visitors to experience VEMI’s interactive VR demonstrations in various settings. By highlighting how humans interact with technology and how technology can solve pressing challenges, the mobile experience showcases the potential of inclusive human-technology interaction. The unit will be based in the Ferland Engineering Education and Design Center but will also travel to off-campus locations to engage broader audiences.
Softwood Cellulose Nanofiber Discovery Workshop
In partnership with the University of Maine’s Process Development Center, MCEC will host a workshop introducing participants to softwood cellulose nanofiber (CNF), a sustainable, wood-based material. CNF is lightweight, strong, and versatile, with applications in packaging, concrete, agriculture, and medicine.
The workshop is designed for a diverse audience, including artists, educators, students, and researchers. Participants will explore the material’s innovative potential through hands-on experimentation and creative projects. Attendees will leave with completed projects, material samples, and inspiration to continue innovating. By highlighting Maine’s forest bioeconomy, the workshop underscores the importance of wood-based products to the state’s economy and brand identity.
Advancing STEAM Education Statewide
Both projects demonstrate MCEC’s dedication to accessible, age-appropriate STEAM education that extends beyond the Orono campus. By leveraging mobile technology and hands-on workshops, these initiatives aim to inspire learners to engage with science, technology, and creativity in transformative ways.
The Maine College of Engineering and Computing acknowledges the generous support of the Alton ’38 and Adelaide Hamm Campus Activity Fund. This partnership enables MCEC to advance its mission of fostering innovation, inclusion, and opportunity in STEAM education while benefiting communities across the state.
Contact: Taylor Ward, taylor.ward@maine.edu