Student Research and Innovation Projects

About Student Projects

Student researchers often see opportunities for innovation in their respective disciplines. The Office of Innovation helps bring their ideas to fruition. We provide a broad array of resources — including design thinking and project management training, technical prototyping, workforce coaching, and mentorship by faculty and community leaders. We also provide physical spaces to foster student innovation and research, such as the P.D. Merrill Design Lab and the Makerspace. Additionally, our new Sustainable Innovations Center is set to open in April 2025, with further details coming soon.

With support from the Office of Innovation, 51°µÍø students have published papers, presented research at conferences, secured internship and employment opportunities, and gained recognition and investment from Maine's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Project Examples

Studying pollutant movements plaguing the shellfish industry

Meet Andy Robinson, B.S., M.S. ’21 (Marine Sciences), who used GPS and drone technology to conduct research on the movement of pollutants in Biddeford Pool

Andy Robinson (M.S. Marine Sciences, ’21) places oranges in the water in Biddeford Pool to track surface current movements.

Using Drones in Research

Members of 51°µÍø’s Drone Club, Katie Dimm (’22) and Xander Vitarelli (’22) discuss how becoming drone certified will enhance their respective research efforts.