Conference Description
This inaugural statewide conference highlighted research on rural opportunities and challenges from across Maine through the lens of rural resilience and revitalization. The conference fostered collaboration, innovation, and practical solutions to enhance the long-term sustainability of Maine’s rural communities from environmental, economic, and socio-cultural perspectives. This event brought together scholars, practitioners, community leaders, and government to address the critical challenges facing rural Maine. Approximately 250 attendees attended the two plenary sessions, poster session, and breakout discussion groups designed to emphasize and advance community-engaged research and initiatives.
Conference Schedule
| Times | Schedule |
|---|---|
| 9:00 – 10:00 am | Arrival and light refreshments |
| 10:00 – 10:10 am | Welcome Invited: University of Maine System Chancellor Dannel Malloy; Joan Ferrini-Mundy, President of the University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias and Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation for the University of Maine System; Jacqueline Edmondson, President of the University of Southern Maine |
| 10:10 – 11:15 am | Plenary Session 1: Innovations in Rural Workforce Development Plenary Session 1 Recording (External Site) |
| 11:15 – 12:15 pm | Poster Session (External Site) |
| 11:45 – 12:45 pm | Lunch |
| 12:45 – 1:45 pm | Plenary Session 2: Cultivating Climate Resilience in Rural Maine Plenary Session 2 Recording (External Site) |
| 1:45 – 2:30 pm | Breakout Discussions |
| 2:30 – 2:45 pm | Reflection and Synthesis |
| 2:45 – 3:00 pm | Closing Invited: Joan Ferrini-Mundy, President of the University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias and Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation for the University of Maine System; Jacqueline Edmondson, President of the University of Southern Maine |
| 3:00 – 3:30 pm | Continue the Conversation – Optional Networking Session |
We are grateful to the Conference Steering Committee for organizing this system-wide event. For more information, please contact:
- Vanessa Levesque, University of Southern Maine, Conference Co-Chair
- Catharine Biddle, University of Maine, Conference Co-Chair
- Jennifer Bonnet, University of Maine, Conference Co-Chair
- Jason Charland, University of Maine System, Senior Advisor, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation
- Reed Miller, University of Maine
- Sarah Walton, University of Maine
- Rachel Bouvier, University of Southern Maine
- Tara Casimir, University of Southern Maine
- Anthony Moffa, University of Maine School of Law
- Bee Chim, University of Maine at Presque Isle
- Jason Johnston, University of Maine Presque Isle
- Kennedy Rubert-Nason, University of Maine Fort Kent
- Nicholas MacDonald, University of Maine at Machias
- Juyoung Shim, University of Maine Augusta
- Parker Gassett, Maine Climate Science Information Exchange Office
- Patty Williams, University of Maine Farmington