ON THE HORIZON
The Maine College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC) is thrilled to announce the exciting developments coming to campus, including the construction of new buildings, state-of-the-art labs, and renovations to existing facilities. These upgrades aim to provide students and faculty with cutting-edge resources and technology, enhancing both learning and research opportunities. The new spaces are designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and hands-on experience, equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving engineering and computing fields.
Green Engineering and Materials (GEM) | COMING 2026
The Green Engineering and Materials (GEM) building will (1) catalyze the convergence of computing and engineering, academia and industry; (2) support education, innovation and commercialization; (3) enable sustainable, next-generation manufacturing with immersive, collaborative learning as its cornerstone.
Funded by
- UMS TRANSFORMS (Harold Alfond Foundation)
- United States Senate – Congressional Directed Spending
- State of Maine
- Department of Defense
- Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
- Northern Border Regional Commission
- Engineer Research & Development Center (ERDC)
- University of Maine System
STUDENT SUCCESS & ADVISING CENTER | Coming 2025
The mission of the Student Success and Advising Center within the Maine College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC) is to ensure that all students receive the necessary resources and support to graduate within four years. The center focuses on five priorities:
Funded by
- UMS TRANSFORMS (Harold Alfond Foundation)
INDUSTRY 4.0 | Coming 2026
The Industry 4.0 (I4.0) Manufacturing Training Innovation Center (MTIC) stems from a close partnership between the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) and the Maine College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC). MTIC will make available robotics and industrial automation and communications training I4.0 lab that will (1) support academic programs in advanced manufacturing at UMaine, and Southern Maine Community College (2) broaden articulation agreements with community colleges and technical high schools, and (3) strengthen partnerships with industry.
Funded by
- UMS TRANSFORMS Harold Alfond Foundation
- United States Senate – Congressional Directed Spending
- Department of Defense Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS)
- Innovation Capability and Modernization (ICAM)
UMaine PFAS Environmental Contamination Research and Detection Lab | COMING 2025
The UMaine PFAS Environmental Contamination Research and Detection Lab will support UMaine PFAS research efforts and collaborative projects with community members and local, state, and federal agencies. UMaine, as an R1 institution, is uniquely positioned to become the leader in PFAS research at both the state and national levels through interdisciplinary research and collaborations with other research institutions, state agencies, and the private sector. This laboratory will support PFAS research to develop strategies, systems, and practices that impact agriculture, communities, businesses, the environment, and human health.
Funded by
- United States Senate – Congressional Directed Spending
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Catalysis lab | Coming 2025
New 2000 sq ft laboratory to house the UMaine Catalysis Group, which includes faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows, in chemical engineering, chemistry, physics, and mechanical engineering. The team focuses on developing molecular-level insight into processes that occur on catalytic surfaces, with diverse applications in biomass conversion, plastics upcycling, and decarbonizing petrochemicals. Recent projects have focused on bio-based synthetic rubber for car tires, new polymers to replace polyethylene paper coatings, polyethylene recycling, destruction of PFAS species in drinking water, and fossil-fuel-free production of propylene for making plastics.
Funded by
- UMS TRANSFORMS (Harold Alfond Foundation)
- The University of Maine
AMC Stairwell | COMING 2026
The new staircase will provide easier access for students, researchers, and visitors to the facilities and services located on the second floor of the AMC building (Office of the Dean of the Maine College of Engineering and Computing, Student Success and Advising Center), while connecting them with the opportunities available on the Advanced Manufacturing Center on the first floor.
Funded by
- UMS TRANSFORMS (Harold Alfond Foundation)
