2024 Highlights
Darling Marine Center
Research
Hosted 15 visiting scientists this past summer
Conducted research activities involving DMC students, staff, and faculty:
• New observations of shifts in lobster demographics and habitat in Maine
• Development of technology to examine particle dynamics in the ocean to better understand carbon flux and microplastic pollution
• New collaborations to review marine resource monitoring programs and develop climate adaptation strategies
Community Outreach
Public summer seminar series with 11 speakers and over 400 attendees
Hosted an “Aquaculture Boot Camp” to inform emerging and practicing sea farmers with hands-on knowledge of shellfish and seaweed husbandry, skills, techniques, equipment, and technology
Maintained partnerships with dozens of businesses and schools in the region for K-12 programming with over 2,000 student participation days
Invited local high school students to campus to engage with DMC scientists and research activities
Research Learning Experiences
Enrolled 29 students in the fall Semester by the Sea, a residential program for UMaine undergraduates
Hosted 7 visiting college groups and employed 11 research and laboratory interns this past summer
Offered courses for diver certification, training, and underwater sampling
Ran monthly research cruises on DMC vessels with students, faculty, and visiting scientists
Hosted USDA sponsored fellowships for undergraduates learning about sustainable aquaculture through the lens of indigenous knowledge
Campus operations
Sustained management capabilities by filling critical positions, including director, boat captain, maintenance personnel, and program manager
Maintained accommodations for over 1,000 researchers, staff, students, postdocs, and visitors through upkeep and repairs to buildings, waterfront infrastructure, vessels, and campus grounds
We are grateful for the efforts of our team of managers, administrators, coordinators, maintenance personnel, and Sodexo catering staff who have made this year successful to the benefit of students and society in Maine and beyond.
Greetings,
It is a great honor to be serving as the newly appointed Director of the Darling Marine Center. I have been familiar with the DMC since I was very young, fishing on the Damariscotta River and fascinated by the prospect of being part of such an important seaside facility with a collaborative group of people focused on coastal and marine science education, research, and communication in Maine.
I am eager to work on solutions to the challenges confronting our coastal areas, marine ecosystems, and surrounding communities. I look forward to participating in collaborative efforts with the dedicated DMC staff, University of Maine students and faculty, and partnering stakeholders and institutions. The opportunity to help prepare the next generation of scientists, engineers, and resource managers through exciting research learning experiences in particularly inspiring to me and I feel fortunate to be involved.
Sean M.C. Smith, Ph.D.
Director