About the Summer Sustainability Fellowship
The UNE Summer Sustainability Fellowship program pairs UNE students and recent UNE graduates with local municipal, business, and non-profit community partners (host organizations) to collaborate on specifically designed sustainability projects. We define sustainability broadly, using the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a framework.
Each UNE fellow undertakes a full time (approximately 400 hours) challenging site-specific sustainability project over 10 weeks during the summer that includes defined deliverables. The fellow is provided a $6,800 stipend and up to three internship course credits.
Learn More About the Fellowship Experience
UNE fellows are mentored by dedicated individuals from the host organization and advised by a program team at UNE. Host organizations and fellows co-create a work plan that guides the fellows’ work over the course of the summer, with designated tasks, duties, and deliverables that also allows flexibility to adapt as needed over the course of the project. Fellows meet weekly in small groups (four to five students in each group) organized around project themes.
These groups are led by the UNE program team and external advisors. Fellows also participate in program events (orientation, weekly professional development events for fellows, a mid-summer workshop, and a culminating showcase presentation) that are designed to encourage relationship building with other fellows, mentors, and the UNE project team.
Host a Summer Sustainability Fellow
We are currently seeking organizations in Southern Maine who are interested in hosting a UNE Summer Sustainability Fellow. If your local municipal, business, or non-profit organization is interested in hosting a fellow in the summer of 2025, please email kvose@une.edu to receive additional information about the program and a host application. Host organization applications are due by November 26, 2024.
Summer Sustainability Fellowship Details and Application Information
Applications for summer 2024 fellowships are now closed. Applications for the 2025 fellowships will open on December 7.
Program Goals
Educating and cultivating the next generation of sustainability professionals and leaders
Fellows gain valuable experience and hone their skills as they work to apply their academic training to real-world sustainability challenges. This theory-to-practice experience provides unique professional development for the fellows that will support development of career-readiness skills and prepare them to be effective sustainability professionals and leaders.
Building more sustainable institutions and communities
UNE collaborates with host organizations to hire exceptional UNE students to serve as Summer Sustainability fellows to work on specific, well-designed, and mentored sustainability projects. Fellows are expected to make substantial progress on the specific sustainability challenge and complete a set of deliverables described in the work plan.
Building a larger and stronger network that supports and connects sustainability professionals
The UNE Summer Fellowship program is designed on principles of collaboration and shared investment of time, mentoring, and resources to develop the next generation of sustainability leaders. We expect relationships among participants, alumni, the UNE community, and host organizations will grow and evolve over time to establish a community and shared understanding of pressing sustainability challenges and how to address them at local to regional scales. Our vision is to grow into a broader network of sustainability professionals across the region that provides mutually beneficial support and enhances regional collaboration and problem solving.
Compensation, Housing, and Expectations
Compensation for Fellows
Fellows are employees of the University of New England and receive an hourly wage of $17 per hour for 400 hours of work (total of $6,800) over a 10-week period from June 6 to Aug. 14.
For those students who are interested, the program will also cover the expense of three internship course credits.
Housing
Fellows use their stipends to pay for their own living expenses, including housing and food. Affordable residence halls on the UNE Biddeford Campus will be available for fellows over the summer if they have not made previous arrangements. The cost of the residence halls is the responsibility of the fellows.
Expectations
- Participate in program orientation at the start of the Summer Sustainability Fellowship (June 6–7).
- Commit to 400 hours of program participation over an 11 week period (from June 6 – Aug. 14), which allows time off during the fellowship term.
- Work full time with the host organization and adhering to the professional standards and practices.
- Complete project deliverables according to the work plan (with adjustments as necessary and mutually agreed upon with host organization, the fellow, and UNE program team).
- Participate in weekly advisory group meetings and in summer professional development opportunities organized by the UNE project team.
- Present results at a mid-summer workshop and final presentation event.
Application Instructions
Applications for summer 2024 fellowships are now closed. Applications for the 2025 fellowships will open on December 10.
Review program information
Review the program information in the sections above, including program goals, compensation, housing, and expectations, and important dates.
Explore the Sustainability Fellowship Position Descriptions
Choose one or two fellowships that are of interest and that align with your skills and background.
Prepare all of your application materials
Before beginning the online application process, prepare a cover letter(s), resume, reference list, and writing sample. Student applicants should work with their academic and career advisor and/or the internship coordinator in the Academic and Career Advising Center to develop their materials and prepare their application for submission.
- Cover Letter: Write a cover letter for each Fellowship you apply for (up to 2). Your cover letter should indicate exactly which project/organization you are applying for. Good cover letters express enthusiasm for the project and topic and make a clear connection between your skills and interests as well as the needs for that project.
- Resume: Prepare a resume that highlights your background relative to the fellowship(s) you are applying for.
- Reference List: List three references (academic, professional, or volunteer) who know you and are willing to discuss your specific skills, experiences, ability to work independently, collaborate, and adapt to new situations. For each reference provide their title, organization, preferred contact information (phone and/or email).
Note that letters of recommendation are not required. - Writing Sample: Submit a writing sample (one to two pages) from your academic or professional work. It is not necessary to demonstrate knowledge of relevant content, but rather this will help us gauge your skill in written communication. Select a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to communicate in a style that is most relevant to the project(s) of interest to you. Feel free to submit excerpts from longer pieces, just include an explanatory note.
Assemble your application package
Combine your materials into a single PDF in the following order: cover letter(s), resume, references, writing sample. Name the PDF file using this format:FirstName_LastName_SF_2025.
Complete the online application form, upload your application package. Applications for summer 2024 fellowships are now closed. Applications for the 2025 fellowships will open on December 7.
Next Steps
The UNE program team will review your application shortly after February 10, 2025. Most applicants who are invited to interview for a fellowship(s) position will be contacted in February. We plan to conduct interviews during the last two weeks of February and most offers are extended by early March.
Contact
For any questions about the process contact Kate Vose at kvose@une.edu.
Fellowship Opportunities
AASHE STARS Fellow
University of New England – Office of Sustainability, Biddeford, Maine
About UNE Office of Sustainability
The University of New England (UNE) is Maine’s largest private university and offers hands-on learning. UNE is Maine’s top provider of health professionals and home to Maine’s only medical and dental colleges, a variety of other health care programs, and nationally recognized programs in the marine sciences, the natural and social sciences, business, the humanities, and the arts. The UNE Office of Sustainability works collaboratively across the University to propose, implement, and evaluate sustainability measures employed throughout UNE’s campuses. The office enables students to deepen their understanding of sustainable practices and gain invaluable experience by offering a plethora of environmentally focused, hands-on opportunities.
About the Fellowship Position
The development of UNE’s third Climate Action Plan is a key initiative aimed at advancing sustainability goals and addressing climate change. One of the primary tools for this process is the completion of a Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) survey, which will provide a comprehensive framework for assessing UNE’s sustainability performance across multiple dimensions, including academics, operations, innovation, leadership, and equity. Paired with the results of an external energy conservation analysis, completion of the STARS assessment will provide valuable insights into areas of strength and opportunity, allowing for a more strategic, data-driven approach to the development of the new Climate Action Plan. UNE’s Office of Sustainability is seeking a fellow to aid in the completion of the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) survey, which is a self-reporting tool for colleges and universities to benchmark and measure their sustainability performance. Completion of the STARS tool would provide a multidimensional approach to this process as well as a gap analysis to further focus its efforts.
Deliverables
- Collect data and enter it into several STARS tool categories (Academics, Engagement, Operations, Planning and Administration, and Innovation and Leadership).
- Develop recommendations for future collection efforts where data does not currently exist.
- Develop recommendations for sustainability and carbon reduction initiatives to be included in UNE’s third Climate Action Plan.
Desired Qualifications
- Awareness of sustainability frameworks (e.g., UN’s Sustainable Development Goals).
- Understanding of the difference between specific climate reduction strategies and general sustainability initiatives, and familiarity with previous university Climate Action Plans.
- Passion for environmental stewardship and strong alignment with UNE’s mission to create a more sustainable, resilient campus.
- Data analysis and reporting skills, stakeholder engagement and professional communication skills, and very good project management and organizational skills.
Location
Mentor
- Alethea Cariddi, Associate Director of Sustainability, UNE
Andrews Preserve Fellow
Kittery Land Trust, Kittery, Maine
About the Kittery Land Trust
The Kittery Land Trust’s motto of “Saving Land & Building Community” is at the heart of all we do. Since it was founded in 1987, KLT has protected over 1,000 acres. The land is cared for and maintained by KLT’s Stewardship Committee. In addition to preserving natural areas, we aim to strengthen our community by providing recreational opportunities, offering educational programs and workshops, and hosting volunteer work days.
About the Fellowship Position
The Andrews Preserve is a beautiful 84.5-acre parcel located in the northwest portion of Kittery. Currently, there is no public access. However, the Kittery Land Trust will soon be receiving abutting land with a parking area that will open the preserve for public recreation. A sustainability fellow will help the Kittery Land Trust prepare the Andrews Preserve for a sustainable future with a healthy ecosystem and public access. The fellow will begin by exploring the history of the property and its past and present uses, including logging, hunting, and recreation. Additionally, KLT worked with the American Chestnut Foundation and planted two chestnut trees in the preserve, which will need care going forward. There are also invasive plants on the property, which need a management plan and ongoing attention.
Deliverables
- Create a management plan and baseline report with plant inventory.
- Locate the property’s boundary GPS coordinates and ensure boundary markers are installed.
- Coordinate and organize work days on the preserve.
- As time allows, assist with mapping the trail network, removing invasive species, and caring for chestnut trees.
Desired Qualifications
- Good communication skills, ability to work independently, and knowledge of related areas of study (forestry, ecology, natural resources, or environmental conservation).
- Experience with field GPS equipment and GIS software.
Location
Kittery Land Trust, Kittery, Maine
Mentor
- Lisa Linehan, Executive Director, Kittery Land Trust
- Steve Ostrow, Clayton Smith, Michael Flynn, Stewardship Committee, Kittery Land Trust
Boyd Street Urban Farm Fellow
Cultivating Community, Portland, Maine
About Cultivating Community
Cultivating Community is a food justice nonprofit that provides education, resources, and opportunities to grow and share culturally familiar food. Cultivating Community’s place-based programs prioritize people most likely to experience hunger and be excluded from access to fresh food and land – including children, immigrants, people of color, older adults, and those with limited resources.
About the Fellowship Position
Cultivating Community has managed Boyd Street Urban Farm since its inception in 2004. As the green space has grown and changed hands, the farm has faced challenges with orchard management, developing an effective composting system, and suppression of invasive species. The fellow will help our small organization address these challenges by creating sustainable plans that will be followed long-term.
- Orchard Management — Many trees in the orchard have not fruited in the past two years and may be diseased. Disease identification, pathogen and pest pressure, upkeep practices, and age of trees are some, but not all, of the factors to be considered.
- Composting Systems — The urban farm’s current compost bins are too small to accommodate the amount of green waste generated on the farm, which results in an ineffective composting process. Devising a proper scale, optimal location, and immediate implementation is the aim.
- Invasive Species — In particular areas, the urban farm has become overwhelmed with invasive species. A recognized pattern of growth and best practices for eradication would inform a simple how-to guide for annual maintenance that the fellow would provide for Cultivating Community staff to use in the future.
- Community Engagement — By assisting during volunteer days at the orchard, the fellow will develop an understanding of the community’s use of the space.
Deliverables
- Develop a sustainable management plan that supports orchard rejuvenation, taking into account the history of Boyd Street’s orchard and best practices for urban orchard care.
- Develop a comprehensive composting plan based on effective practices for urban farms and implement that plan over the summer.
- Create a systematic approach for evaluating and suppressing/eradicating invasive species.
Desired Qualifications
- Skilled researcher and writer with a keen interest in sustainable agriculture practices.
- While the fellow need not be an expert in orchards, composting, or invasive species, they must be interested in completing detailed research on these subjects.
- Able to create well-organized, easy-to-follow guides for long-term maintenance that are specific to the Boyd Street Urban Farm.
Location
Boyd Street Urban Farm
58 Boyd Street, Portland, Maine
Mentor
- Billie Watson, Youth Programs Director, Cultivating Community
- Janel Knightly, Director of Urban Agriculture, Cultivating Community
- Silvan Shawe, Executive Director, Cultivating Community
Coastal Mapping Fellow
Save Our Shores Saco Bay, Saco Maine
About Save Our Shores Saco Bay
Save Our Shores (SOS) Saco Bay is a non-profit advocacy group committed to the restoration and preservation of our shoreline and its natural beauty. We publicize the issues that are causing the steady erosion of our beaches and move the government to act for everyone with a stake in the Saco Bay Coastline. We are engaged with and bring together government agencies, scientific research, and citizens.
About the Fellowship Position
The largest coastal adaptation project in this region’s recorded history was the construction of the Saco River jetty starting in the mid-1800s. In 2026, the US Army Corps of Engineers is planning to construct a large spur jetty (at an estimated cost of $45 million) that projects northwestward from the existing Saco River jetty in an attempt to reduce beach erosion at Camp Ellis. USACE is also planning a $2 million beach nourishment project following the spur jetty construction.
Creating maps of terrestrial topography and ocean bathymetry prior to the construction of the spur jetty in 2026 will provide critical baseline data to eventually quantify the change in beach erosion for years to come. The high spatial resolution maps will also be compared with beach surveys completed by the Maine Geological Survey to explore longer-term patterns of beach erosion and deposition.
The fellow will create: a) baseline terrestrial topography map(s) (cm scale resolution) of the southern portion of Saco Bay at low tide using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a YellowScan Mapper lidar unit combined with a set of distributed ground control points to ensure spatial accuracy; and b) baseline ocean bathymetry map(s) (meter resolution) of the southern portion of Saco Bayusing a 200 kHz single-beam echo sounder mounted on small remote-controlled catamaran or a research vessel. Eventually, this information will be used to monitor the change in coastal erosion and deposition following the construction of the spur jetty (hardened defense).
Deliverables
- Detailed set of topographic and bathymetric maps of the southern Saco Bay.
- Data sets that can be used to compare to future elevation surveys.
- Detailed methods report on how mapping was performed.
- Presentation of results and recommendations for future beach mapping efforts.
Desired Qualifications
- Interest and some experience piloting a UAV.
- Interest in collecting bathymetric data.
- Knowledge of GIS software to process the UAV and echosounder data.
- Excellent mapping skills.
Location
UNE and Save our Shores Saco Bay (Camp Ellis, Saco, Maine)
Mentor
- David Plavin, Vice President, SOS Saco Bay
- Dr. Will Kochtitzky, Assistant Professor, University of New England
Conservation Fellow
Trout Unlimited, Yarmouth, Maine
About Trout Unlimited
The Trout Unlimited (TU) mission is to conserve, protect, and restore North America’s cold-water fisheries and their watersheds. Sebago TU has been treating this as its top priority. In addition to improving the local fisheries environment, our conservation projects involve the members directly with the work of the chapter, making us a stronger organization. We are currently striving to complete at least one habitat reconnection (culvert/dam) project every year and reclaim two more ponds in southwestern Maine in partnership with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife between now and 2020. In 2014, the chapter was presented the Gold Trout Award by the national organization. This award is given to the chapter with the greatest success in conservation projects that protect and restore habitat in their area.
About the Fellowship Position
Collaborate with Trout Unlimited staff to organize and manage two conservation projects over the summer, both of which include public participation. The first initiative is a series of three stream trash pick-up days that serve to clean up local streams, improve water quality, and engage Trout Unlimited members and the public at large. The second initiative is speaker series aimed at educating members and general public regarding conservation, water quality, and fisheries. Responsibilities include organization of events, outreach planning, and advertising events.
Deliverables
- Lead, co-manage, and actively run three trash clean-up events to improve water quality.
- Implement and co-manage at least one speaker series aimed at engaging and educating the public on water quality and its implications on fish health, aquatic ecosystems, insect identification, and their connection the water quality.
- Create a guide for future Trout Unlimited trash clean up events and speaker series.
- Create a marketing campaign that is replicable for future use – aimed at educating the public on the importance of water quality with regard to fish health and aquatic insect health.
Desired Qualifications
- Knowledge and interest in conservation relating to water and fisheries.
- Passion and energy for organizing events.
- Familiarity and interest in working outdoors.
Location
Trout Unlimited, Yarmouth, Maine
Mentor
- Greg LaBonte, Member, Board of Trustees
Eelgrass and Aquaculture Fellow
Casco Bay Estuaries Project, Portland, Maine
About the Casco Bay Estuaries Project
Casco Bay Estuary Partnership is a collaboration of agencies, organizations, and individuals working on behalf of the Bay. We work as a convener, collaborator, and catalyst for action with the goal of keeping Casco Bay and our nearly 1,000 square miles of watershed clean and healthy.
About the Fellowship Position
Eelgrass is a vital but rapidly disappearing resource in Casco Bay. As a submerged aquatic plant, eelgrass is inherently linked to and affected by other organisms and infrastructure in the marine environment, including those associated with aquaculture. The interactions between aquaculture leases and eelgrass are not well understood, and this has led to confusion about how to manage and support the two resources. There are reasons to believe that sustainably managed aquaculture farms may help support the growth of eelgrass (via improved water clarity and protection from physical disturbance) and that healthy eelgrass may improve the health of nearby shellfish (via increased water quality), but this potential mutualism is not well studied, particularly in Maine. One contributing factor to the lack of research is state policy that does not allow the establishment of aquaculture leases in eelgrass beds, which can also lead to aquaculturists developing negative opinions of eelgrass.
This project aims to clarify the interactions of eelgrass beds (a rapidly disappearing resource) with aquaculture leases at key locations in Casco Bay by: 1) understanding if there is a mutualistic relationship between shellfish aquaculture and eelgrass growth and if the two resources may support each other; and 2) understanding aquaculturist perspectives on eelgrass.
The project includes a field component of monitoring the occurrence and health of eelgrass near/in aquaculture leases, possibly including a transplant experiment, and an outreach component of working with aquaculturists to understand their views on eelgrass. There may also be opportunities for public communication and education surrounding the importance of eelgrass to marine environments if the fellow is interested.
Deliverables
- Report summarizing the biological interactions of eelgrass with aquaculture and the aquaculturist perception of these interactions. The report will be shared on the Casco Bay Estuary Partnership website and will be sent to partners in shellfish and aquaculture industries.
- Slides and a short presentation on the results at CBEP’s September Management Committee meeting.
Desired Qualifications
- Familiarity working around the water and on boats, including swimming and snorkeling.
- Willing and able to work outside in a variety of conditions (rain, heat, and bugs).
- Willingness to communicate with and listen to a variety of audiences and viewpoints.
- Prior experience with field work, scientific experiment design, and data analysis.
Location
Casco Bay Estuary Partnership
34 Bedford Street, Portland, Maine 04101
Mentor
- Janelle Goeke, Staff Scientist, Casco Bay Estuary Partnership
Goat Island Lighthouse Fellow
Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, Kennebunkport, Maine
About the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust
The Kennebunkport Conservation Trust is dedicated to preserving land for use by current and future generations and to managing properties in a way that reflects the natural and cultural heritage of Kennebunkport.
About the Fellowship Position
The sustainability fellow will assist the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust (KCT) in planning the future of the Trust’s signature property: Goat Island and the Goat Island Lighthouse. KCT finds itself at a significant crossroads concerning Goat Island for the following reasons:
- Our current lighthouse keepers, who have overseen the island and lighthouse for more than 30 years, are retiring, and a new keeper will be hired soon.
- KCT recently transitioned its electrical power source for the island from a traditional underground/sea cable from the mainland to solar panels and batteries.
- New investments are needed to ensure the future of the island, lighthouse, and keeper’s home.
- A new Goat Island Oversight Committee has been created to help the KCT board and its professional staff better manage this iconic property.
- Climate change is posing serious challenges to the future of the island and its building.
The sustainability fellow will become part of our team to develop a management plan and chart the future of the island and its historic properties. Part of the work will be to learn the history of the island, assess the current status and structural challenges, gather input from KCT staff, board members and other stakeholders, and help imagine a sustainable future. The fellow will also be welcome (as much schedule allows) to be part of our team of apprentices who live and work on the island to greet visitors and undertake various repair and maintenance projects.
Deliverables
The sustainability fellow will collaborate with KCT to:
- Develop a new management plan for Goat Island.
- Research and write a brief report summarizing what other organizations that own similar properties are undertaking to mitigate the effects of climate change and rising sea levels.
- Research and write a brief report summarizing other management models for lighthouses along the New England coast regarding visitation and possibly new revenue streams.
Desired Qualifications
- Good communication skills (written, oral, listening); ability to work independently.
- Desire to spend time on the island; physical fitness/awareness for working outside on hot days.
- Familiarity with interview or focus group methods, knowledge of southern Maine ecology, and ability to gather information from a variety of sources (professionals, online, and literature).
Location
Kennebunkport Conservation Trust
Gravelly Brook Road, Kennebunkport, Maine
Mentor
- Russ Grady, Chair, Kennebunkport Conservation Trust Board of Directors
- Pam Morgan, Vice-Chair, Kennebunkport Conservation Trust Board of Directors
- Tom Bradbury, Executive Director, Kennebunkport Conservation Trust
- Tim Fraser, KCT Goat Island Light Oversight Committee
GHG Emissions Inventory Fellow
City of Biddeford, Maine
About the City of Biddeford
Biddeford, with a population of over 21,000 people, is Maine’s sixth-largest city. Settled in the early 1600s, Biddeford and its sister city of Saco have a long and rich history as the commercial center of York County. Once a textile center of world prominence, Biddeford’s economy today is a diverse mix of manufacturing, technology, and serviced-based companies and institutions, many of whom conduct business in the city’s business and industrial parks. The municipal government is working on sustainability and climate action, including a recently completed Climate Action Plan.
About the Fellowship Position
Under the guidance of staff from the Planning & Development Department, the fellow would create an updated greenhouse gas emission inventory for the entire city of Biddeford. The updated inventory will be used to: 1) track progress against the greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets detailed in the 2023 Climate Action Plan; and 2) provide data and analysis to inform decision-making over the next two to three years regarding all climate actions.
The fellow will use ICLEI’s ClearPath platform to create the inventory for both overall community emissions and municipal operations in Biddeford. This will entail collecting data to determine emissions in the following sectors: transportation, industrial electricity use, commercial heating, commercial electricity use, residential heating, and residential electricity use. An inventory such as this was conducted in 2021. We would like to update this inventory to measure our progress toward a goal of 63% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Deliverables
- Updated greenhouse gas emission inventory with supporting graphics and analysis. (Note: graphics and data analysis are provided by the ClearPath software platform).
- Analysis of further actions required to meet our 2030 goals.
- Presentation of findings to the Biddeford Sustainability Commission.
Desired Qualifications
- Strong analytical skills and ability to pursue self-directed research.
- Work both independently with ICLEI ClearPath software and collaborate with city staff.
- Ability to quickly synthesize the previous inventory completed in 2021.
Location
City of Biddeford
205 Main Street, Biddeford, Maine
Mentors
- Brad Favreau, Economic Development Coordinator, City of Biddeford
Heat Pump Fellow
Apriqot, Scarborough, Maine
About Apriqot
Apriqot is a data analytics and public health company specializing in integrating highly detailed demographic and spatial data to drive actionable insights for health systems, public health departments, and other partners. We develop innovative tools and solutions that help organizations make informed, data-driven decisions.
About the Fellowship Position
Apriqot’s innovative population model provides a detailed spatial view of communities across Maine, built on a foundation of parcel-level data that includes detailed demographic and housing characteristics. The fellow will expand the model’s utility by integrating environmental data layers, beginning with mapping the distribution of air-to-air heat pumps installed in Maine over the past five years. Additional environmental data sources include air quality or water quality parameters. The fellow will work closely with our team to identify and integrate datasets, develop methods for spatial analysis, and create actionable, user-friendly outputs.
The intersection of these data sources—parcel-level details, demographic profiles, and environmental interventions like heat pump installations—creates opportunities to uncover critical insights. For example, this integration can identify older adults who are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat due to aging homes that lack climate control technologies like heat pumps, and were not constructed with energy efficiency in mind. By pinpointing such vulnerable populations, the project supports targeted outreach and resource allocation, ensuring that sustainability initiatives prioritize those most at risk in Maine’s newly warming climate.
Deliverables
- Develop an environmental data layer that integrates heat pump installation data with Apriqot’s existing population map. This includes a basic visual representation of the data and a brief report summarizing the methods and initial findings.
- Provide a foundation for future work and insights into how environmental data can enhance public health and sustainability planning.
- Establish work products that could lead to papers and conference presentations.
Desired Qualifications
- Strong interest or skills in GIS/mapping and spatial data analysis.
- Experience working or a desire to work with environmental and demographic datasets.
- Familiarity with tools such as ArcGIS or QGIS, Python or R for data manipulation.
- Knowledge of public health or environmental sustainability concepts.
- Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and the capacity to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, startup environment.
Location
Apriqot
1 Woodspell Rd. Scarborough, ME 04074
Mentors
- Kevin Konty, Founder/Chief Technical Officer, Apriqot
Life Cycle Assessment Fellow
Finsulate USA, Brunswick, Maine
About Finsulate USA
Thinking outside the paint box. Classical antifouling paints try to prevent the on-growth of marine organisms which reduce boat speed and increase fuel consumption. They dissolve slowly, release biocides and microplastics, and require regular re-coating. Finsulate’s environmentally friendly wrap mimics sea urchins’ spines and creates a physical barrier to biofouling. Made of recyclable nylon fiber, polyester membrane and water-based adhesives, Finsulate does not release any pollutant in the water and can exceed its 8-year warranty.
About the Fellowship Position
Finsulate USA is launching a research and development project aimed at creating a new evolution of its antifouling wraps made from bio-sourced materials. When they reach their end-of-life, Finsulate wraps can be removed and are considered as recyclable waste. Unfortunately, the data about the portion of recyclable materials which are really recycled shows that most of it is at the best incinerated or sent to landfills, and most of the time “outsourced” to foreign countries, all contributing to leaching back of plastics and other chemical components to waterways and oceans. Being able to design, manufacture, and bring to market a bio-sourced antifouling wrap able to deliver the same benefits and durability as the fossil-based polyester and nylon we currently use would further reduce our carbon footprint, and make sure that when the wraps reach their end of life they can be properly recycled.
We have already established a Life Cycle Assessment comparing our Finsulate wraps to the current traditional antifouling paints used in the market over the life cycle of our wraps. This work done by a Ph.D. student from the University of Delft in The Netherlands demonstrates the clear benefits of using our wraps compared to paints from a carbon footprint point of view. Our fellow would work on a similar project studying the further benefits resulting from using bio-sourced materials to manufacture our wraps. We are currently in the process of applying for a Small Business Innovation Research grant to support this research and development efforts.
Deliverables
- Life Cycle Assessment comparing the carbon footprint of the different potential biomaterials for use for the production of our new of antifouling wraps.
- Presentation (with slides) summarizing the findings to staff at Finsulate.
Desired Qualifications
- Analytic skills, critical thinking and above all curiosity for the subject.
- Familiarity with Life Cycle Assessment methodology.
Location
Ocean Innovations Eco Solutions LLC TechPlace (Finsulate USA)
74 Orion Street, Brunswick, ME 04011
Mentors
- Bernard Hidier, Co Founder – Head of Innovation & Partnerships, Finsulate USA
- Dr. Rik Breur, University of Delft, The Netherlands
Reducing Food Waste Fellow
Sustainability Subcommittee, Town of Cumberland, Maine
About the Town of Cumberland
The town of Cumberland, Maine, is a quaint small town located on the coast of Southern Maine and is currently home to approximately 8,400 residents. In 2022, Cumberland formed a sustainability subcommittee (SSC) to continue and expand upon the work of the Climate Action Plan (CAP) Subcommittee. The CAP calls for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 by 100%. The SSC will monitor and support the implementation of the Climate Action Plan. In addition, it will promote a Sustainable Cumberland including energy conservation, environmental stewardship, food security, and community resilience.
About the Fellowship Position
The SSC estimates that residents now waste around 40% of their food. The fellow will work on reducing food discarded by Cumberland residents. The first phase of the project will be to quantify more precisely the amount, type and flow of food waste. This research could include resident surveys, targeted interviews and collection/analysis of a valid sample of food waste. The fellow will also engage with EcoMaine to which all of town refuse is delivered for disposal by incineration. EcoMaine estimates that food waste makes up 30% of town refuse by weight. The second phase of the project will be to develop through research and analysis a set of policy alternatives to reduce food, based on programs implemented by municipalities across Maine and New England. These policies will be presented for consideration by the town council. The third phase will be to develop and implement a communications and education program to raise public awareness of the negative effects of food waste and prepare the public for future actions by the town council to mitigate these effects.
Deliverables
- Design and implement a research project to quantify food waste in Cumberland.
- Research, evaluate, and synthesize policy responses that make sense for Cumberland.
- Collect findings in a written report and present results to the town council.
Desired Qualifications
- Knowledge and experience in designing and analyzing quantitative research.
- Experience with public policy analysis.
Location
Cumberland, ME Sustainability Committee
290 Tuttle Road, Cumberland, Maine
Mentor
- Denny Gallaudet, Chair, Sustainability Subcommittee, Town of Cumberland
Reducing Medical Waste Fellow
Partners for World Health, Portland, Maine
About Partners for World Health
Partners for World Health (PWH) is a nonprofit organization that collects medical supplies and equipment from healthcare facilities, manufacturers, other organizations, and individuals. We sort, evaluate, repackage, and prepare these supplies and equipment for distribution to individuals, communities, and healthcare facilities in need. Our work limits the impact on the environment by diverting materials from landfills, lowers healthcare costs by lowering disposal fees, and provides healthcare resources to those in need.
PWH aims to improve health conditions by sending medical personnel on medical missions to the developing world and educating New England communities about global health issues. Now in our second decade, PWH is the only New England-based nonprofit organization that collects, repackages, and distributes medical supplies to those in need. It is estimated that $10 billion is spent on disposal fees amongst hospitals across the U.S., discarding more than 5 million tons of supplies, equipment, and trash. Since 2009, PWH has collected more than 5 million pounds of medical supplies that would have otherwise been destined for local landfills, diverting more than 500,000 pounds of waste in 2021 alone.
About the Fellowship Position
The primary objective is to complete a detailed cost-benefit analysis comparing the cost of donating unused medical supplies and equipment to PWH versus the cost of paying for the unused medical supplies and equipment to be picked up and trucked to a landfill. The fellow will inventory the incoming medical supplies and equipment in donated shipments, detail what is reused versus what is discarded, quantify the cost of shipping, and quantify any income generated by product sales. The data will be entered into a spreadsheet that can then be analyzed to estimate the value of the items that are being reused versus what is being discarded. This information will serve to inform efforts to secure grant funding, as well as provide a cost-benefit analysis detailing the benefits of donating vs discarding to hospitals.
Deliverables
- Develop a well-organized working spreadsheet that details the dollar amounts of medical supplies and equipment that are donated versus the cost of associating with discarding the items.
- Data analysis that clearly shows the value of donating vs discarding medical supplies and equipment.
- Brief report and slide presentation summarizing the results.
Desired Qualifications
- Ability to collect, organize, and analyze data in a spreadsheet.
- Collect other relevant information and data from online sources.
- Communicate results.
Location
Partners for World Health
40 Walch Dr, Portland, Maine
Mentor
- Alan Clark, Director of Operations, Partners for World Health
Terrestrial Mapping Fellow
Chebeague & Cumberland Land Trust, Cumberland, Maine
About Chebeague & Cumberland Land Trust
Chebeague & Cumberland Land Trust (CCLT) is a land trust conserving and stewarding natural resources across our two communities of Chebeague Island and Cumberland. We have more than 30 properties in our care and most of these properties are open to the public.
About the Fellowship Position
CCLT is working on updating or creating new signage for each of our properties and preparing accurate and useful property and trail maps is the first step in this process. The objectives of our project are to collect GIS data and to create or update map files for each CCLT property with public access. CCLT will use the files to print high-quality maps for display at our trail kiosks and to post on our website. This project is integral to CCLT’s commitment to improving signage on our properties to facilitate better user experiences and make all people feel welcome.
Building upon the recent work of a UNE student, the fellow will use and expand upon these prototypes to develop subsequent property maps. The fellow will collect data on properties in both the town of Cumberland and the town of Chebeague Island. Some of the data collection is expected to be done independently, although the mentors and/or staff will introduce the fellow to each location as needed and will be available to answer questions. If time allows, additional tasks such as posting printed maps at trailheads and developing an interactive map of all CCLT preserves for use on our website could be pursued.
Deliverables
- Create accurate shape files and maps for approximately 20 properties. The maps will contain trails and distances, trailheads, topography, conserved and other lands, bodies of water, road names, parking areas, and other features as specified by the mentor.
- Quantify an accurate estimate for the total mileage of trails.
- If time allows, update and improve the existing version of the CCLT conserved lands map view on the web site.
Desired Qualifications
- Excellent GIS skills.
- Works well independently and is also eager to work collaboratively.
- Pays close attention to detail (e.g., precision with numbers and correct spelling of place names).
- Willingness to incorporate multiple revisions to ensure the most accurate, visually pleasing, and useful end product.
- Strong connection to the outdoors, and/or interest in outdoor accessibility and environmental stewardship.
Location
Chebeague & Cumberland Land Trust
371 Tuttle Road, #2 Cumberland, Maine
Mentor
- Penny Asherman, Executive Director, Chebeague & Cumberland Land Trust
Important Dates
Fellowship Timeline and Deadlines
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 26, 2024 | Deadline for host organization proposals to be submitted to UNE |
| December 10, 2024 | Student applications open for the 2025 fellowships |
| February 10, 2025 | Deadline for student applications for 2025 fellowships |
| February 2025 | Interviews with students |
| Early March 2025 | Fellowships offered to students |
| May 29–30, 2025 | Orientation |
| June 25, 2025 | Mid-summer workshop |
| August 8, 2025 | Showcase presentations |
| August 13 | Showcase |