Information and Logistics for Summer Interns
Summer 2023
If you’ve been selected for an internship or will be conducting graduate research at the DMC this summer, congratulations and welcome!
This web page highlights what you can expect and what is expected of you, during the summer at the DMC. It includes information and logistical details. Please read it in its entirety!
If you have any questions, please contact us at dmc@maine.edu. Be sure to establish the start and end dates of your position with your faculty advisor and direct supervisor. If you are living in the DMC dorm (Brooke Hall) this summer, please plan to move in on a Monday no earlier than May 22nd, between 1-6 PM.
Please note: Everyone must complete DMC safety training before you can begin work in the lab or field.
The Darling Marine Center (DMC)
The DMC is the marine laboratory of the University of Maine. It was founded in 1965 upon the donation of a 127-acre farm by Ira C. Darling, a retired Chicago insurance executive, with the purpose of establishing a marine laboratory. Today the Center occupies almost 200 acres of largely wooded property bordering 2km of water frontage on the Damariscotta River.
The Center has two “campuses.” The upper campus is Ira’s old farmstead. The farmhouse and barns have been renovated and converted to offices, labs and library. The lower campus is on the waterfront and includes the flowing seawater laboratories, classrooms, dive building and dorm. There is about a half-mile between the two. A campus map is available here.
Where’s Walpole
The DMC is located in Walpole, on the eastern shore of the Damariscotta River about six miles from the open waters of Gulf of Maine. The Damariscotta River estuary is a tidally-dominated embayment whose clean salty waters provide excellent research opportunities for DMC scientists and support a thriving aquaculture industry.
Walpole is a very small village that is part of the town of South Bristol, Maine. Walpole has its own post office and a golf course, but that’s about it! Groceries, the occasional movie and restaurants are available in the nearby town of Damariscotta, seven miles away. Brunswick, Rockland and Augusta are less than an hour’s drive and have more to offer as far as movies and department stores are concerned. Portland, Maine’s largest city, is 60 miles from the Center. The Midcoast area has lots to offer if you like exploring the great outdoors, so be sure to bring your running shoes, hiking boots, bikes and binoculars.
Travel Tips
Information on plane, train and bus transportation, as well as driving directions are all available at on our travel page.
Climate
A typical early summer day in Maine is sunny and warm with temperatures in the high 70s to mid 80s ºF. Hot days in July and early August will undoubtedly reach well into the 90s. June is relatively cool, so bring a warm sweater for the evenings. If you are involved in substantial fieldwork, foul weather gear may be appropriate.
Maine is blessed with more than its share of biting insects (black flies, mosquitoes, and deer flies, in approximately that temporal sequence), so hats and light-weight, long-sleeved shirts and pants are useful throughout the summer.
Due to our rural location, summer nights can be dark and many people find having a flashlight handy.
Alcohol, Tobacco and Marijuana Policy
Alcohol is not allowed in public areas of the DMC, including the dining hall and fire-pit picnic area, without appropriate permits. Please be responsible with your consumption.
Marijuana possession and use, regardless of form, is prohibited due to our federal funding. This includes medical marijuana.
University of Maine, including the Darling Marine Center, is a tobacco-free campus. The use of tobacco and all smoking products is prohibited in university building and on university-owned property, including parking areas, walkways, and university-owned vehicles. Tobacco use by definition includes the possession of any lighted tobacco products, or the use of any type of smokeless tobacco.
Parking
You are allowed to bring your car to the DMC. No parking permits necessary, but we do ask for the make and model of your vehicle on the general information form.
Multi-use facilities
During the summer, course participants and other visitors will also make use of the dormitory and dining facilities. Please be considerate of all dorm residents and visitors. Do not leave personal belongings in common areas. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and should problems arise you will be asked to find accommodations off campus.
Internet Access
Wireless Internet access is available across campus. UMaine students should be able to access the network without problem utilizing the eduroam network, information for setting up the “eduroam” network for UMaine students can be found HERE. If you are from another college university, you can access the Internet via the UMS Guest network when you first arrive and once you are settled-in, we’ll get you on the full network. Two common use computers are available in the DMC library.
SCUBA Divers
There are a number of specialized training requirements for those who may be involved in scuba related research. The best way to meet all requirements is to enroll in our Summer Scientific Diving Course, SMS 324. See the Summer Course/University page for more information. Please contact Chris Rigaud, Diving Safety Officer by email at: crigaud@maine.edu for more information and to get the necessary health and safety forms.
Safety Training
Prior to beginning work at the DMC, please complete the University of Maine’s Basic Safety Training online. Be sure to print your test results and bring them to the DMC. They must be kept on file in your lab. You will also have to complete a brief Darling Marine Center site safety training annually with Laboratory Manager Tim Miller. This training will be offered several times early in the summer. Dates and times will be announced.
Mailing Address & Phone Number
The DMC gets daily service from the U.S. Postal Service, UPS and FedEx. If you need to have items delivered to the DMC your address will be:
“your name”
Internship Program
Darling Marine Center
193 Clarks Cove Road
Walpole, ME 04573
DMC main phone number is 207.563.8144. In case of an emergency, family members can dial extensions 563.8220, 563.8202, or 563.8330. Staff at these extensions are often at their desks during work hours and can relay messages.
If Housing is Available:
Arrival and Departure
Plan to arrive on a MONDAY, no earlier than May 22nd after 1:00 pm and before 6:00 pm. We will ask that all residents arrive by 6 pm and join us the Brooke Hall meeting space for a brief safety orientation. Housing assignments will be posted in Brooke Hall. You DO NOT need to stop at the Horse Barn/Admin Building to sign in. Please check in with DMC Residential Life staff at Brooke Hall for your room assignment and key.
Also note that if you are paying your housing bill yourself this summer, your payment is due prior to arrival and due again the 1st of each month. Expect to receive your first housing bill by May 1 and to pay it by phone or in person before receiving your room key.
You are expected to vacate your room within 24 hours of your last internship responsibilities or by 5:00, Thursday August 17th, whichever comes first.
If you need to arrive sooner or depart later please contact dmc@maine.edu to see if that is possible.
The Residential Life Coordinator lives in the dormitory and will be on hand to greet you when you arrive. They are also a great resource and can field many questions about the DMC.
Dorm Rooms
SBS students will live in Brooke Hall, our dorm/dining facility on the lower, waterfront campus. Most students will be in triple or quadruple -occupancy rooms, each with two sets of twin-size bunk beds, one desk, two wardrobes, and two bureaus that must be shared. Residents are responsible for keeping their rooms and common areas clean. Housekeeping supplies such as brooms and dustpans are available for your use. If you require accommodation please contact dmc@maine.edu.
- One compact refrigerator, 1.8 cubic feet or smaller, is allowed in each room.
- Do not bring a microwave; one is available for use in the upper campus kitchen
- Coin operated laundry facilities are available in the dorm. $1/wash and $1.50/dryer.
Brooke Hall is a multi-use facility. Throughout the year various groups visit the DMC. Conferences and visiting groups are scheduled in Brooke Hall, so interns and summer researchers must share the space with other DMC guests. Please be conscious of the multi-use nature of this facility and considerate of others. Do not leave personal belongings in common areas, and be respectful of groups utilizing the dining hall and conference space.
Residents at the DMC are expected to act in accordance with the code of conduct and policies outlined in the University of Maine’s Residential Life Student Handbook. Please take special note of the following:
- Alcohol and drugs. Persons 21 years of age and over may use alcohol in the privacy of their rooms. The consumption of alcohol or possession of an open container is prohibited in all public areas. The use of alcohol is a privilege that may be lost. The possession, use, manufacture, or distribution of illegal drugs are prohibited at any time on University property (this includes marijuana).
- The Darling Marine Center is a smoke-free and tobacco-free campus. This UMaine policy applies to all tobacco, vaping, e-cigarettes, and smoking products. These products are prohibited both inside and outside on University of Maine owned or operated property.
- The possession and/or use of fireworks is prohibited on DMC property.
- The Darling Marine Center community is committed to maintaining a respectful, fair educational and work environment, free from discrimination and harassment. We have an equal opportunity complaint procedure to deal promptly and fairly with concerns about discrimination and harassment. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Residential Life Coordinator or the DMC Director.
Keys
Upon arrival dorm residents will receive a key to their room. If this key is not returned upon departure you will be charged $85.00 for a lock replacement.
Cars
You may have at car at the DMC. No parking permit is required, but we do need to know which vehicles belong to which students. You will be asked the make and model of your car on the Emergency contact form.
Cooking
The DMC does not provide meal service to interns and summer researchers staying in the dorm. Access to the shared upper campus kitchen is provided, where you will be assigned a limited amount of cupboard and refrigerator space. This is a shared resource for which all dorm residents are responsible. You will be assigned cleaning duties on a rotating schedule.
What to bring
Pack as you would for living on a college campus with respect to clothing and bedding (x-long twin sheets, blankets, pillows and towels). In addition, please be prepared to work in the field under inclement weather conditions. We recommend that you bring full rain gear, rubber boots, and layers of warm clothes. You may also want to bring binoculars for getting better views of seals and seabirds. Bicycles, kayaks and other recreation equipment also are encouraged.
What not to bring
DO NOT BRING: pets, toasters, hot plates, microwave ovens, candles, or incense.
Internet Access
“eduroam” the University of Maine’s wireless Internet network is available across campus. UMaine students should be able to access the network without a problem. If you are from another college or university, you can access the Internet via the “UMS Guest” network when you first arrive. Once you are settled-in, we’ll get you on the full network.
Security
The Darling Marine Center has a long tradition of being a safe place for students. However, we cannot be responsible for your personal belongings. We suggest that you decide what to bring based on these guidelines. We view theft and vandalism as intolerable and would act swiftly and severely if such activity were to be uncovered.
General Policy: The Darling Marine Center is part of the University of Maine and we follow the same safety and residential regulations, as detailed in the online Student Handbook umaine.edu/handbook.
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Marijuana Policy
Alcohol is not allowed in public areas of the DMC, including the dining hall, grounds and fire-pit picnic area, without appropriate permits. Persons 21 years of age or older are allowed to consume alcohol in their dorm room. Please be responsible with your consumption, as this is a privilege that can be lost.
Marijuana possession and use, regardless of form, is prohibited. This includes medical and recreational marijuana products because of our federal funding.
University of Maine, including the Darling Marine Center, is a tobacco-free campus. The use of tobacco and all smoking products is prohibited in university buildings and on university owned property, including parking areas, walkways, and university-owned vehicles. Tobacco use by definition includes the possession of any lighted tobacco products, the use of any type of smokeless tobacco, and vaping.