On Tuesday, April 10, 2018, in the Campus Center Multi-Purpose Room, at 5 p.m., the University Day Poster Session took place. The poster session was the first event in University Day activities that would span April 10-11. More than 20 posters displayed the research of undergraduates in environmental science, geology, biology, ecology, genetics, geographic information systems, social work and psychology. Students were present to discuss their posters and answer questions, and beverages and cookies were served.
Samantha Boyce’s poster concerned her project, using GPR, GPS and GIS technologies to map two cemeteries in Bridgewater, Maine. Boyce’s project also involved use of a drone to take aerial photographs of the two cemeteries.
Seth Cropley and Cody Theriault presented a poster that summarized their project of using GPS and GIS technologies to map fire hydrants at the old Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, Maine.
Elise Gudde’s poster touched on creating the first water pipeline system GIS database for the city of Presque Isle.
Cassidy Gerrish’s poster concerned her project to create a comprehensive water utilities GIS database for Ashland, Maine.
Alex Kimball’s poster summarized his research of the DNA sequences of freshwater snails in Maine.
Ryan Tebo and Sabrina Douglas presented a poster that encapsulated their work using CRISPR/Cas9 to study reproductive cells in roundworms.
Solomon Fast, Brooke Varney and Matthew Cauchon’s poster was a synopsis of their proposed business plan for a “new and innovative” coffee shop.
Lydia Tilley’s poster analyzed comparative functional genomics of pathogen isolates, reporting on gene presence, abundance and distribution for the resistance genes that were identified.
Cody Theriault had another poster concerning potatoes, specifically the impact of tuber storage conditions on the incidence of soft rot disease.
Ryan Tebo presented another poster, which posited that the distribution of Potato Virus Y is not as widespread as previously thought.
Jesus Gonzalez and Max Bushman presented a poster on their project to help the Aroostook Band of Micmacs develop long-term management strategies for their forested land.
Jasmine Pelletier and Kim Griffeth’s poster delved into the intricacies of a proposed piece of legislation concerning child poverty that is being considered in the Maine State Legislature.
Sage Roling and Rachel Patenaude set up a poster that concerned Death With Dignity legislation in Maine.
Emma Gogan and Karessa Grenier’s poster summarized a bill that would create a paid family medical leave system in Maine.
Lauren Harris and Janelle MacMillan presented a poster that concerned Canadian bill C-277, which would give all Canadians access to palliative care.
Chenoa Jackson, Emilie Hebert and Kimberly Gill touched on legislation concerning public education in Maine.
Laura McEwen and Victoria Studholme presented a poster on proposed bill LD 1813 in the Maine Legislature and its implications on social work practice.
Tamara Tompkins presented a poster concerning the effects of sleep on athletic performance.
Austin Bernier and Christian Lunn’s poster asked, and answered, the question: “Does combining strength and endurance training lessen the effects of doing them separate?”
Nicole Marucci and Sarah MacKenzie’s poster analyzed the effects of sleep on the athletic performance of UMPI’s baseball and softball teams.
Chris Bernier and Chris Daly presented a poster that summarized research about the effects of caffeine during exercise.
Allison Lopez’s poster presented her findings on whether added ballet training lowers injury rates in athletes.
Zachary Brooks, Elise Gudde, Connor Hrynuk, Gannon Pratt and Sam Bonczyk presented a poster on their efforts to use bedrock geologic mapping at Chandler Mountain in the North Maine Woods.
Finally, Shea Brown’s poster showed what UMPI is doing to stay connected on social media.
The students did an excellent job creating and explaining their posters, and the event was a success. All these students were honored for the high quality of their posters at a reception in the UMPI President’s house the following week.
