Bold Frontiers: The Intersection of Creativity and Innovation is the theme of the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s 22nd annual University Day, taking place on Wednesday, April 16, and students will be showcasing that theme in presentations on everything from exploring how movement is expressed in video games using code to the impact of social isolation on older adults.
University Day is an event that heightens awareness of the academic research, scholarly work, and community service being done by students in all the disciplines represented on campus. The annual campus event allows attendees, especially students, to better understand how disciplines interrelate and how the academic work being done applies to the local and global community. It is also an opportunity for students to experience a professional conference format, many for the first time. No regular classes are held during University Day, but in their stead, students are encouraged to attend student-led presentations and talks held during sessions throughout the day.
University Day officially kicks off on Tuesday, April 15 in the Campus Center, with a poster session from 5:30-6:45 p.m., followed by a Libra Distinguished Lecture Series presentation by co-founder of MedRhythms and leader in neurotherapeutics Owen McCarthy at 7 p.m. The poster session will feature research done by students in a wide range of areas, from environmental science and biology to engineering, agriculture, computer programming, and extended learning opportunities. Students will be present to discuss their posters and answer questions. Beverages and light refreshments will be served.
Immediately following the poster session, McCarthy will serve as the next speaker in UMPI’s 2024-2025 Libra Distinguished Lecture Series, delivering the University Day keynote address. During his talk, Harnessing Technology, Music, and Neuroscience to Transform Healthcare: The MedRhythms Story, McCarthy will discuss how MedRhythms blends neuroscience, music, and digital technology to improve mobility for people living with neurological conditions, such as stroke, and how interdisciplinary thinking can lead to impactful healthcare solutions.
The next day, UMPI students will present talks, demonstrations, and presentations in Pullen-Folsom Hall, covering topics as wide ranging as eDNA analysis, building enthusiasm for science education in school children, documentary film studies, analysis of heavy metals and PFAS in local soil samples, the evolution of The University Times, examining the purported link between autism and vaccines, studying abroad, and crafting for a cause. During lunch, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Wieden Gym, UMPI will celebrate its recurring Wings Wednesday celebration with a “Firesauce Chats” event, and student clubs and organizations will have displays set up in the room to showcase each group and its efforts.
To add to the community spirit of University Day, UMPI is welcoming the public for the Tuesday evening activities and the entire day-long event Wednesday. The University Day committee has invited students from the Maine School of Science and Mathematics, and community members are welcome to attend all sessions and the free lunch.
As in past years, University Day offerings will include an online “proceedings” of the event, which features in-depth abstracts for each presentation. The proceedings, scheduled to be published a few days before the event, will be able to be viewed at www.umpi.edu/uday/proceedings.
A schedule of University Day activities can be found at www.umpi.edu/uday. For more information about University Day 2025, please contact Stacey Emery at 207-768-9603 or email stacey.emery@maine.edu.