about mcec

your future starts here

Welcome to the Maine College of Engineering and Computing at the University of Maine!

The Maine College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC) at the University of Maine is a hub of innovation, research, and academic excellence. Our graduates are solving real-world challenges through cutting-edge fields like Artificial Intelligence, Ocean Engineering, Biorefining, and Biomedical Engineering. With expert faculty, hands-on research opportunities, and a collaborative learning environment, MCEC empowers students to design, build, and innovate for a better future. Beyond academics, our diverse and inclusive community fosters leadership, creativity, and global impact. Join us and be part of a future-driven institution where your ideas can change the world!

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Chemical & Biomedical
ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER
CIvil & ENVIRONMENTAL
Mechanical Engineering
School of Engineering technology
school of computer & information science

THE MCEC Advantage

  • 97% Job Placement: Within 6 months of graduation.
  • Top 3.7% US Research Institutions: R1 Classification for very high research activity.
  • 80% Internship Participation: Students intern with top organizations like NASA, IDEXX, General Dynamics, and more.
  • 12 ABET-Accredited Programs: Nationally recognized, ensuring quality graduates.
  • $100M+ in Research Awards Annually
  • 6 Advanced Research Facilities
  • Award-Winning Faculty
  • #1 in the Nation: Surveying Engineering Technology Program.
  • Fast-Track Programs: BS-MBA, BS-ME, CS, and SIE 4+1 Programs.
  • Safety First: Maine is the safest state in the U.S., according to US News.

Chemical & Biomedical Engineering

Dept. Office: Jenness Hall, Room 117
Orono, ME 04469-5737

Tel: 207-581-2277
Fax: 207-581-2323

EMAIL

Learn more about our programs

Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering

The Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Maine (UMaine) offers cutting-edge research opportunities and a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for careers in industry, healthcare, and academia. With state-of-the-art laboratories and dedicated faculty, the department focuses on sustainable materials, biotechnology, energy, and biomedical innovations. Undergraduate and graduate students benefit from hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and a strong emphasis on problem-solving and innovation. Whether pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering or Biomedical Engineering, students gain the skills and experience needed to tackle global challenges and advance technology for a better future.

Thomas Schwartz

Associate Professor Associate Director, Forest Bioproducts Research Institute Graduate Program Coordinator

Clay Wheeler

Professor Director, Forest Bioproducts Research Institute Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Program Coordinator

Michael Mason

Professor, Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Program Coordinator

Gerard Van Walsum

Peter Van Walsum Chair of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering; Professor of Chemical Engineering

Electrical & Computer Engineering

Dept. Office: Jenness Hall, Room 117
Orono, ME 04469-5737

Tel: 207-581-2277
Fax: 207-581-2323

EMAIL

Learn more about our programs

Electrical Engineering
Computer Engineering

UMaine’s Computer and Electrical Engineering programs empower students with the skills to design, construct, and innovate across a wide spectrum of modern technologies. The Computer Engineering program focuses on the integration of digital hardware systems and software development, preparing graduates to work in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and medical devices.

Electrical Engineering, on the other hand, applies the principles of electricity to solve critical challenges in energy, transportation, communications, healthcare, and beyond. With a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical knowledge, graduates from these programs have diverse career opportunities in research, design, teaching, sales, and management.

Together, these disciplines drive technological advancements that shape the future.

Ali Abedi

Associate Vice President for Research; Director, Center for Undergraduate Research

Yifeng Zhu

Norman Stetson Professor & Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Hepeng Li

Robert N. Haskell Assistant Professor

Civil & Environmental Engineering

Dept. Office: Jenness Hall, Room 117
Orono, ME 04469-5737

Tel: 207-581-2277
Fax: 207-581-2323

EMAIL

Learn more about our programs

Civil & Environmental Engineering

As one of the oldest departments at the University of Maine, the Civil Engineering program has a rich legacy dating back to 1872. The program prepares students to become leaders in the planning, design, and construction of essential infrastructure—such as roadways, bridges, dams, and pollution control facilities—that serve society’s needs. At UMaine, civil engineering students engage in diverse research areas, including environmental, geotechnical, structural, transportation, water resources, and coastal engineering.

Our curriculum balances foundational engineering principles with specialized research, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests. Students collaborate on projects like composite beams and timber bridges, gaining hands-on experience and developing essential skills in problem-solving, technical writing, and communication. Our faculty are committed to helping students grow into engineers who are prepared to meet the challenges of the modern world, making a lasting impact through innovative, sustainable solutions.

William Davids

Chair of Civil and Environmental Department, Russell S. Bodwell Professor , Distinguished Maine Professor

Lauren Ross, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Graduate Coordinator

mechanical engineering

Dept. Office: Jenness Hall, Room 117
Orono, ME 04469-5737

Tel: 207-581-2277
Fax: 207-581-2323

EMAIL

Learn more about our programs

Mechanical Engineering

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maine offers a comprehensive educational journey, from undergraduate to doctoral studies, with exciting research opportunities at every level. Faculty expertise spans areas including renewable energy, advanced materials, robotics, aerospace engineering, biomechanics, and computational mechanics, providing students with a dynamic and interdisciplinary learning environment.

Research highlights include innovations in offshore wind energy systems, 3D printing for sustainable manufacturing, bio-inspired aerospace design, robotics for rehabilitation, and nanoscale thermal energy transport. With state-of-the-art facilities and collaborations across industry and academia, UMaine’s Mechanical Engineering program prepares students to lead in fields critical to addressing societal and environmental challenges. Join a vibrant community committed to innovation, problem-solving, and creating a sustainable future.

Andrew Goupee

Donald A. Grant Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Senthil Vel

Arthur O. Willey Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Akm Khoda

Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Justin Lapp

Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Philip King

Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering

School of engineering technology

Dept. Office: Jenness Hall, Room 117
Orono, ME 04469-5737

Tel: 207-581-2277
Fax: 207-581-2323

EMAIL

Learn more about our programs

Construction
Engineering
Technology
Electrical
Engineering
Technology
Mechanical
Engineering
Technology
Surveying
Engineering
Technology

The School of Engineering Technology prepares students for the future business and societal climates in Maine and the rest of the nation, characterized by rapid technological change, intense global competition, faster product life cycles, more complex, networked, distributed, and specialized markets, and both physical and societal disruption. In such environments, the computing and information needs of organizations and individuals will be increasingly complex and rapidly changing.

Engineering technology programs offer a hands-on, application-focused education, bridging the gap between theoretical engineering and practical implementation. These programs equip students with technical skills and knowledge needed to design, develop, and improve systems, processes, and products. Individuals with expertise in computing and information systems who can design, code, develop, and/or implement information systems, manage sophisticated information resources, work on interdisciplinary teams, and communicate effectively with product and service designers, business managers, engineers, creative artists, and other end-users will be and are in short supply.

John Allen

Professor, Electrical Engineering Technology

Keith Berube

Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering Technology

Anne Dunham

Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Technology

Philip Dunn

Professor, Construction Engineering Technology

Brett Ellis

Associate Professor & Coordinator, Mechanical Engineering Technology

Erin Ellis

Administrative Assistant – School of Engineering Technology

Grahm Freme

Lecturer, Construction Engineering Technology

Meredith Kirkmann

Associate Professor and Coordinator, Construction Engineering Technology

Erin Wight

Academic Coordinator – School of Engineering Technology

School of computer & Information science

Dept. Office: Jenness Hall, Room 117
Orono, ME 04469-5737

Tel: 207-581-2277
Fax: 207-581-2323

EMAIL

Learn more about our programs

School of computer & Information science

The future business and societal climates in Maine and the rest of the nation will be characterized by rapid technological change, intense global competition, faster product life cycles, more complex, networked, distributed, and specialized markets, and both physical and societal disruption. In such environments, the computing and information needs of organizations and individuals will be increasingly complex and rapidly changing. Individuals with computing and information systems expertise who can design, code, develop, and/or implement information systems, manage sophisticated information resources, work on interdisciplinary teams, and communicate effectively with product and service designers, business managers, engineers, creative artists, and other end-users will be and are in short supply.

Penny Rheingans

Professor of Computer Science, Director School of Computer and Information Science

Terry Yoo

Associate Professor of Computer Science

Manuel Woersdoerfer

Assistant Professor, SCIS and Collaborating Assistant Professor, Maine Business School

Karen Kidder

Administrative Support Supervisor – School of Computer & Information Science

Velma Figgins

Administrative Specialist, New Media – School of Computer & information Science

All engineering, engineering technology, and Computer Science programs offered by the Maien College of Engineering & Computing are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC), the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) and the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET.

ABET accreditation ensures that our programs meet the highest quality standards, preparing graduates for professional success in engineering and technology fields.

For more information about ABET, visit www.abet.org.

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