MCEC RESEARCH

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Shape the Future with Engineering at MCEC!

The Maine College of Engineering and Computing continues its initiatives in creating new areas of research contributing significantly to scientific discoveries and economic development in Maine and the nation. We are very proud of the outstanding research efforts of our faculty, staff, and our students that happen right here at the University of Maine College of Engineering. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching ranks nearly 4000 colleges based on teaching and research and has ranked the University of Maine as a high research university, among only 199 institutions nationwide.

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Research Focus Areas:

Advanced Materials for Offshore and Infrastructure

Cutting-edge materials engineered for durability and resilience in harsh marine and industrial environments, enhancing the longevity and safety of offshore structures and infrastructure.

Ocean and Marine Engineering

Innovations in naval architecture, offshore technology, and marine resource management to optimize performance, sustainability, and resilience in ocean environments.

Biorefining for Fuels, Materials, and Chemicals

Advancing sustainable biorefinery processes to convert biomass into renewable fuels, high-value materials, and chemicals, driving innovation in the pulp and paper industry.

Biomedical Engineering

The fusion of engineering and medicine to develop life-saving technologies, medical devices, and biomaterials that improve patient outcomes and healthcare solutions.

Wireless Sensing

Next-generation sensor technologies enabling real-time, remote monitoring and data collection for applications in healthcare, infrastructure, and environmental management.

Advanced Computing Big Data

Leveraging high-performance computing and AI-driven analytics to process vast datasets, enabling breakthroughs in research, business intelligence, and technological innovation.

Intelligence

This group focuses on creating and enhancing intelligent systems and robots, with applications ranging from cooperation between robots to specialized autonomous vehicles, such as intelligent undersea vehicles. The goal is to advance the capabilities of machines to function in complex, dynamic environments.

Research Areas:
Artificial Intelligence
Cooperating Robots
Creating Intelligent Robots
Intelligent Undersea Vehicles

Computational Ecology & Climate Studies

Topics in this category involve using computational methods to address ecological and environmental challenges, including climate change. “Green supercomputing” emphasizes environmentally friendly computing practices, while tools like “Exploring Climate Change Data” aim to analyze and understand environmental data.

Research Areas:
Computational Ecology
Exploring Climate Change Data: P301dx
Green Supercomputing

Computational Tools & Techniques

This group includes various advanced computing methods and tools for problem-solving, visualization, and programming. It covers topics like miscreant agents, high-performance computing (HPC) visualization, and educational programming techniques, such as literate programming and introducing programming concepts in elementary schools. These topics focus on improving computational efficiency and accessibility.

Research Areas:
Dealing with Miscreant Agents
HPC Visualization
IceReader: Sharing ITASE Data
Literate Programming in LISP
Programming in Elementary Schools

Research by Department

Chemical and Biomedical Engineering research at UMaine CBE encompasses a broad range of cutting-edge fields, including Biomass Processing & Biorefining, Biomedical Engineering, and Catalysis & Reaction Engineering. Focus areas like Biomedical Optics/Biophotonics, Materials Science & Engineering, and Molecular Bio-Physics explore advanced technologies for healthcare and industrial applications. The department also engages in Environmental Science & Engineering, Polymer Science & Engineering, and Process Simulation, addressing sustainability and innovation. Other notable research domains include Composites & Interfacial Science, Sensors, Spectroscopy, and Tissue Microenvironments. With robust expertise in Computational Modeling & Radiomics, Transport Phenomena & Separations, and Pulp & Paper, the department’s state-of-the-art Research Facilities support a wide array of interdisciplinary projects.

Research in Civil and Environmental Engineering focuses on advancing sustainable infrastructure, resilient design, and innovative construction materials. Studies in materials and concrete explore durability, sustainability, and structural performance, while soil mechanics and geotechnics drive advancements in foundation engineering and ground stability. Environmental engineering research addresses water quality, pollution control, and eco-friendly construction methods. Meanwhile, hydraulics research enhances flood management, water resource distribution, and coastal engineering solutions. Together, these fields contribute to safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible infrastructure development.

Research in Mechanical Engineering drives innovation in automation, aerospace, materials science, and biomedical applications. Computer cluster technology supports complex simulations and computational modeling, while parts and supply research optimizes manufacturing processes. Advances in composite materials enhance strength and flexibility in engineering applications. Controls and mechatronics improve automation and robotic systems, including sounding rockets for aerospace research. Studies in fluid mechanics and offshore platforms contribute to energy efficiency and ocean engineering.

Capstone design projects integrate real-world problem-solving with cutting-edge technology. Precision manufacturing is explored in CNC machines and machine shop research, while ultrasonics research advances non-destructive testing methods. Work in smart materials and artificial muscles fosters next-generation adaptive materials. Biomedical engineering and robotic surgery revolutionize healthcare through advanced prosthetics and surgical automation.Thermal sciences, turbojet, and wind tunnel research improves aerodynamics and energy systems, while rehabilitation, neuromuscular, and bio-robotics explore assistive technologies. Mechanical labs drive hands-on innovation in materials and fatigue testing, ensuring structural integrity. Lastly, dynamics and vibrations research enhances system stability in aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications.

Research in the School of Engineering Technology focuses on applied engineering solutions, integrating advanced tools and techniques for modern industries. Surveying Engineering Technology research explores geospatial data collection, mapping, and land development. Work in optical surveying equipment and GPS surveying equipment enhances precision in location-based technologies. The surveying computer and photogrammetry research drive advancements in remote sensing, digital mapping, and 3D modeling.

Electrical Engineering Technology research spans automation, power systems, and electronics. Studies in digital systems and analog systems improve circuit design and embedded computing. Power systems research enhances grid efficiency and renewable energy integration, while industrial automation and fluid power explore robotics, control systems, and hydraulics.Mechanical Engineering Technology research focuses on structural integrity, system dynamics, and manufacturing. Engineering materials research advances material properties for durability and efficiency. Studies in industrial vibrations contribute to machinery stability, noise reduction, and performance optimization. Across all disciplines, applied research fosters industry-ready solutions in automation, energy, and infrastructure.

Research in Electrical and Computer Engineering drives advancements in smart systems, wireless communication, and embedded technologies. Instrumentation and micro instruments and systems enable precision measurement and sensor development for applications in healthcare, automation, and aerospace. RF photonics and RF research enhance wireless communication, radar, and high-frequency signal processing. Smart grid and intelligent systems contribute to the future of energy distribution, optimizing efficiency and sustainability.

Exploration in high altitude ballooning supports atmospheric and space research, while micro/nano technology advances miniaturized electronics and MEMS devices. Microcontroller research powers embedded systems in robotics, IoT, and automation. Test and development in machine shop environments ensure reliable prototyping and hardware innovation.Circuits, electronics, and robotics research enhance autonomous systems and automation, while controls improve real-time system performance. Computer engineering and computer architecture & systems focus on optimizing computing power, data processing, and AI integration. Wireless sensor networks and communications & signal processing drive innovations in IoT, security, and real-time data exchange.

The School of Information and Computer Sciences conducts research in three primary areas. The Intelligence group focuses on developing intelligent systems and robots that operate in complex environments, including artificial intelligence, cooperating robots, intelligent robotics, and autonomous vehicles such as intelligent undersea vehicles. The Computational Ecology & Climate Studies group applies computational methods to environmental challenges like climate change, with research areas covering computational ecology, climate data analysis, and sustainable computing through green supercomputing. The Computational Tools & Techniques group advances problem-solving and educational computing methods, including high-performance computing (HPC) visualization, handling miscreant agents, sharing scientific data, and improving programming education through literate programming and elementary school instruction.

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Engineering & computing Faculty

At MCEC, our faculty is the heartbeat of our academic community. Dedicated, inspiring, and deeply knowledgeable, our professors go beyond the traditional classroom experience to foster real-world skills and a passion for learning. Whether mentoring, leading innovative research, or providing personalized support, our faculty members are committed to empowering students to achieve their highest potential.

Thomas Schwartz

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

Akm Khoda

Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Clay Wheeler

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

Senthil Vel

Arthur O. Willey Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Gerard Van Walsum

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

Michael Mason

Professor, Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Program Coordinator

Justin Lapp

Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Andrew Goupee

Donald A. Grant Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering

William Davids

Chair of Civil and Environmental Department, Russell S. Bodwell Professor , Distinguished Maine Professor (2015)

Hepeng Li

Robert N. Haskell Assistant Professor

Linfei Li, Ph. D.

Assistant Research Professor of the Advanced Structures and Composites Center

Lauren Ross, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Graduate Coordinator

Ali Abedi

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

Terry Yoo

Associate Professor of Computer Science

Penny Rheingans

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

Philip King

Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Grahm Freme

Lecturer, Construction Engineering Technology

Brett Ellis

Associate Professor & Coordinator, Mechanical Engineering Technology

Philip Dunn

Professor, Construction Engineering Technology

Anne Dunham

Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Technology

Keith Berube

Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering Technology

John Allen

Professor, Electrical Engineering Technology

Yifeng Zhu

Norman Stetson Professor & Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering

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