University Researchers Showcase Technology Projects
TECH
Bangor Daily News
Carlene Olsen
Boston University Washington News Service
3/21/07
WASHINGTON, March 21 – University of Maine researchers showcased 10 key technology projects at a forum on Capitol Hill Wednesday in hopes of receiving additional funding from Congress.
“All these projects have a tremendous importance for economic development in the state,” University of Maine President Robert Kennedy said. “Most have federal support … but we’re hoping additional support will be obtained.”
Projects ranging from forest and marine research initiatives to state mapping efforts were on display at the 7th annual forum.
“It’s eye opening to see how the university stretches across so many different realms,” said Molly Feeney, a third-year student at the university and congressional intern who attended the forum.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) expressed her support for the research projects at the university, especially efforts by the Advanced Engineered Wood Composites Center.
The forum also featured programs that could benefit the military.
Larry Parent, program manager of the center, said working on a blast-proof shield that can be inserted into military tents for added protection is a key project at the center. Additional initiatives include developing materials that would increase the strength of wood when added to its exterior.
“The material makes wood have steel-like qualities,” Parent said. “It can be used to build Army troop housing that provides blast protection and it may also increase hurricane resistance in [residential] homes.”
Collins said projects at the center also would help increase port security.
“We have some 11 million cargo containers coming in to our seaport each year and making sure that the containers that they are in are tamper proof and can be tracked en route is a major challenge for us,” Collins said. “That kind of research in the advanced wood composites lab is exactly what we need.”
Researchers from the state Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station displayed a number of state crop initiatives, including a new breed of potato that has a strong resistance to disease.
Jake Ward, assistant vice president of the university, said the $397 million bond proposal introduced by Gov. John Baldacci Monday, offers increased funding for research initiatives at the university.
“There is a sizable portion [of funds] for University of Maine research in the new bond package,” Ward said. “State support is important as well as federal support.”
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