Engineering Programs

During your first and sophomore years, Student Success Advocates serve as your primary advisors. They help you navigate academic, personal, and social challenges while connecting you with key UMaine resources. You’ll also be paired with a Faculty Mentor in your major who introduces you to research opportunities, career paths, and industry insights.

As you enter your junior and senior years, a Faculty Advisor becomes your primary academic guide, offering focused support with course selection, degree requirements, and professional preparation. Student Success Advocates remain available throughout your college experience to connect you with tutoring, mental health services, and other support resources.

Arieana Mangra

Director of MCEC Student Success and Advising

Elizabeth Bushnell

Student Success Advocate

Isaac Cortez

Student Success Advocate

Majors Supported
Civil & Environmental
Mechanical
Engineering Physics
Chemical & Biomedical
Electrical & Computer

Contact
5796 AMC Building, Room 231
Orono, ME 04469
mcec.ssac@maine.edu

Undeclared & Pre Engineering

MCEC is dedicated to supporting all students on their path to a successful engineering career. We offer tailored advising for Pre-Engineering and Undeclared Engineering students during their foundational years.

Your Advising Path
If you’re a Pre-Engineering student, you’re building the academic foundation needed to declare an engineering major. Your primary advisor will be a professional staff member. They’ll help you navigate your courses and connect you with resources to meet major qualifications. You’ll gain a Faculty Mentor once you declare your major.

For Undeclared Engineering students, you’ve met the general admission qualifications but are still exploring your interests. A professional staff member will be your main advisor, guiding you through course selection and helping you clarify your goals. We encourage you to declare a major by the end of your first semester, or no later than your second. After declaring, you’ll be paired with a Faculty Mentor in your chosen field.

Your Professional advisor offers ongoing support through the MCEC Student Success and Advising Center and connects you with resources like tutoring and mental health services. As you advance to your junior and senior years, a Faculty Advisor in your declared major becomes your primary academic guide, offering specialized support with course selection, degree requirements, and career preparation.

Laurie Fullerton

Administrative Support Supervisor

Bill Osmer

Academic Advisor and Student Success Instructor

Support Team

Contact
Stevens Hall, Room 125
william.osmer@maine.edu
207.581.1860

Contact
5796 AMC Building, Room 210
Tel: 207.581.2217
laurief@maine.edu

Engineering Technology Programs

In your first year, the SET Office and First-Year Advisor are your primary points of contact, guiding you through academic planning and helping you navigate personal and social challenges. They connect you with key UMaine resources to support a smooth transition into college life.

From sophomore year onward, your Faculty Advisor becomes your main academic resource, offering expert guidance on course selection, research, career paths, and degree requirements. The SET Office continues to support you throughout your journey, helping you access tutoring, mental health services, and other campus resources.

Erin Wight

Academic Coordinator – School of Engineering Technology

Kayla Bouchard

Administrative Support Supervisor – School of Engineering Technology

Erin Ellis

Administrative Assistant – School of Engineering Technology

Majors Supported
Construction Engineering Technology
Electrical Engineering Technology
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Surveying Engineering Technology

Contact
5711 Boardman Hall, Room 119
Orono, Maine 04469-5711
Tel: (207) 581-2340
um.set@maine.edu

School of Computing and Information Science Programs

Students in the School of Computing and Information Science (SCIS) are primarily advised by a Faculty Advisor, who offers academic guidance, assists with course planning, and provides insight into career paths, research opportunities, and industry trends.

Additional support is available through the MCEC Student Success and Advising Center (SSAC) and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Advising & Academic Services Center, which help with academic planning, connect students to tutoring and campus services, and assist in navigating university policies. Together, these resources offer both specialized faculty mentorship and broad-based student support.

Velma Figgins

Administrative Specialist, New Media – School of Computing & Information Science

Karen Kidder

Administrative Support Supervisor – School of Computing & Information Science

Majors Supported
Computer Science
Human Centered Technology Design
New Media

Contact
5711 Boardman Hall, Room 348
Orono, ME 04469
Tel: 207.581.2188

Study Abroad Curriculum

Download: Pdf | Excel

Mechanical Engineering Curriculum

Download: Pdf | Excel

Courses Recommended for Engineering Elective

View Courses

Mechanical Engineering Technical Electives & Schedule

See Electives

Mechanical Engineering Computer Policy

View PC Options

Mechanical Engineering Course Catalog

View Catalog

School of Engineering Technology Contact Information

William Manion

wmanion@maine.edu

Director
School of Engineering Technology

Erin Ellis
um.set@maine.edu

Administrative Specialist

John Thompson

Department Chair

5709 Bennett Hall
Orono, Maine 04469
Tel: 207.581.1016

SCIS Contact Information

School of Computing & Information Science

Penny Rheingans

penny.rheingans@maine.edu

Director – School of Computing & Information Science

Karen Kidder

kkidder@maine.edu

Administrative Support Supervisor – School of Computing & Information Science

Velma Figgins

vfiggins@maine.edu

Administrative Specialist, New Media – School of Computing & Information Science

5711 Boardman Hall
Room 348
Orono, ME 04469
Tel: 207.581.2188

Program Information

Program Objectives

Our objectives are that in the time frame of three to five years after graduation our students will:

Hold positions that utilize their engineering training and have advanced in their job responsibilities, or be pursuing postgraduate education
Be working as engineering professionals, act ethically by adhering to standards and being committed to the health and safety of employees and the general population
Be pursuing innovative solutions to current societal challenges and continue to improve themselves through a variety of learning opportunities
Contribute to their employer and society by working effectively in the global economy, contribute to professional, civic, or governmental organizations, be leading or working collaboratively in teams, and be communicating with diverse group

Student Outcomes

An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

The program requires successful completion of 120 credits* of course work with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in Chemical Engineering courses, including technical electives credits. The program can be completed in four academic years of full time study.

*Students matriculated in Fall 2020 or later require a minimum of 120 credits. Students matriculated before Fall 2020 require a minimum of 130 credits.

The UMaine Office of Institutional Research annually compiles statistical data for all programs across campus. Enrollment and graduation data for all Engineering programs can be found at:

Objective

The objective of the Paper Surface Science Program (PSSP) at the University of Maine is to train graduate students to perform scientific research on projects that provide value to sponsoring industries.

The program develops both fundamental and applied knowledge related to paper surface treatment processes—including sizing, coating, printing, and gluing—as well as the structure-performance relationships of paper-based products. Recent efforts have focused on replacing single-use packaging with sustainable, cellulose-based alternatives.

Research Program

Research is conducted by graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D.), postdoctoral fellows, and visiting scientists under faculty guidance. Some projects are conducted in collaboration with scientists from sponsoring companies.

The program focuses on paper surface treatment from process development to end-product performance, organized into two main research areas:

1. Fluid–Paper Interactions in Surface Treatments

Projects include:

Rheology of coating and cellulose nanofiber suspensions
Modeling of adhesive setting on paper
Interactions between coatings and basestock
Barrier properties of waterborne coatings

Research also incorporates the physics of coating processes, accounting for the porous nature of paper. Modeling these processes supports improved design and operation of industrial equipment. Coating penetration into paper is a critical factor in determining product quality and performance.

2. Physics and Chemistry of Paper Surfaces

Projects investigate:

Development of porous structures in pigmented coatings during drying
Relationships between structural characteristics and optical properties (e.g., gloss, light scattering)
Wetting and spreading behavior of latexes on pigment and cellulosic surfaces
Factors affecting adhesion and cohesion in coated papers
Influence of pigmentation and binder type on surface chemistry and surface energy

Upcoming projects will explore heat transfer in paper to better understand heat-sealability.

Advisory Board

Each sponsoring company appoints a representative to the Advisory Board, which meets annually to review the overall research program and help guide future project directions. A detailed annual report is distributed to all board members.

In addition, workshops held in the fall and spring allow board members, their colleagues, and graduate students to engage in in-depth discussions of current research.

Support of the Program

Participation in the Advisory Board gives companies several benefits:

Recruitment Opportunities – Connect with graduate students for potential employment
Research Influence – Help define priorities and specific research projects
Project Reviews – Receive semi-annual updates on all PSSP projects, often inspiring new ideas for company initiatives
Networking – Collaborate with scientists from other sponsoring companies
Pre-Publication Access – Preview all PSSP publications before journal or conference submission
Software and Methods – Receive free access to developed software and new testing methods
Co-Publication Opportunities – Collaborate on joint publications with students and faculty
Recognition – Acknowledgment in conference presentations
Priority Access – Use of research personnel, laboratories, and pilot plant equipment for proprietary projects at half the standard fee

Program Leadership

The Paper Surface Science Program is an academic initiative focused on paper coating, sizing, and printing. It is directed by Professor Doug Bousfield and includes collaboration with faculty and students across other academic disciplines at the University of Maine.