Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 13 M A R C H 1 8 , 2 0 2 4 AWARD B U S I N E S S L E A D E R S O F T H E Y E A R be in science, technology, engineer- ing and mathematics. Everywhere I've been I've worked to improve that situation. Believing that talent and interest can come from anywhere and anyone, and not bringing assumptions and biases to the education and work setting, is critical. Helping people see themselves in exciting and reward- ing STEM professions and roles is another key, which can be achieved through career education, internship and apprenticeship opportunities, and mentorship. Providing exciting learning opportunities and programs that are relevant and enable students to see how they can have an impact is important. e prosperity of our state and our nation will depend in large part on innovation, creative problem- solving, and new technologies in STEM. What better way to advance than by involving the full range of talented people in our society? MB: What will the Factory of the Future bring to UMaine? JFM: I have worked, in conversation with our community, to embrace a for- ward-looking vision for UMaine that acknowledges and builds on its great strength as a leading research univer- sity with our top-tier Carnegie R1 sta- tus. At UMaine, world-class research and student learning are uniquely integrated. Our bold vision is embod- ied in the GEM (Green Engineering and Materials) Factory of the Future, a 45,000-square-foot expansion of the Advanced Structures and Composites Center integrated within the Maine College of Engineering and Computing. GEM aims to revolution- ize sustainable industry 4.0 manufac- turing through research and immer- sive learning experiences for students. e Factory of the Future is a leap in large-scale flexible additive and hybrid manufacturing with the goal of har- nessing the incredible capabilities of high-performance computing and AI. Positioned at the forefront of academia and industry convergence, GEM will drive UMaine's mission to innovate and develop a workforce to solve our soci- ety's major needs, including sustainable housing and clean energy. MB: How do you see UMaine's role in providing what employers in the state need in the way of workforce development and skills training? JFM: With the breadth of research and scholarship at UMaine, we produce graduates prepared to contribute to the knowledge, innovation and creative economy within our state and beyond. We focus on authentic engagement through research learning experiences in which students solve real-world prob- lems through research. In addition, as part of the Alfond Foundation-funded Student Success and Retention initia- tive, UMaine and partners UMS-wide recently launched Pathways to Careers to help students set their career goals and secure their first job after gradua- tion by facilitating high-quality intern- ship experiences. Peter Van Allen, Mainebiz editor, can be reached at pvanallen @ mainebiz.biz Find a credit union near you at mainecreditunions.org Achieve your business dreams. Great financial leaders inspire and motivate others to achieve their dreams. Maine credit unions provide not only financial tools and services but also personalized support and guidance tailored to meet your needs. Discover the credit union difference and turn your business dreams into reality. All universities need to think about how their facilities are evolving to meet changing student expectations, address workforce preparation needs and foster innovation. UMaine is no exception. University of Maine umaine.edu Orono Total enrollment: 11,149 Employees: 2,767 (full- and part-time) Operating budget: $315.7 million

• Cover