Welcome to the Darling Marine Center
Welcome to the University of Maine’s Darling Marine Center!
Connecting people to the ocean is our mission. We are open 365 days a year, serving the scientists, students, and community members of Maine and beyond. We do this by generating and sharing knowledge of how ocean ecosystems work. Whether we are in front of the classroom, knee-deep in seaweed, or in the halls of government advising policy makers, we work to contribute to a future that includes both healthy ecosystems and healthy coastal communities.
In keeping with the guiding principles of the DMC Strategic Plan, we connect as many people as possible to the ocean in meaningful ways through research and education. To achieve that goal, we are focusing on enhancing access to the DMC in three specific ways this next year:
1. For our undergraduates: we have adapted existing courses and created new ones, to enable more students to gain hands-on experience in marine and environmental science. In summer and fall 2023, we look forward to hosting more than 40 affiliated graduate and undergraduate students working on projects ranging from the human dimensions of shellfish aquaculture to the influence of changing ocean conditions on lobster biology and ecology. In Fall 2023, up to 30 students will join us on campus for Semester by the Sea. Thanks to all who have contributed funds that support these student research experiences.
2. For emerging and established professionals: together with community and industry partners, we host a vibrant set of professional trainings and workshops, year around. If you would like to teach a course, organize an event, or use our flowing seawater, vessels or business incubator facilities to conduct research, please contact us at dmc@maine.edu.
3. For K-12 students: Now that the waterfront construction is complete, we look forward to welcoming more K-12 students back to campus. We have an exciting partnership with Lincoln Academy that includes opportunities for one-on-one student mentoring, research internships and class visits to our waterfront campus and are in the process of hiring a new Outreach Coordinator who will lead programs for learners of all ages.
I invite you to share your ideas on how to ensure that the Darling Marine Center is as inclusive and accessible a marine laboratory as we can make it. To keep in touch, please connect with us on Facebook or Instagram.
I hope that you will visit us soon.
Heather Leslie, PhD
Director
heather.leslie@maine.edu