Two academic programs at the University of Maine at Presque Isle are joining forces this fall to provide the campus and community with a new way to explore the world of science. The Environmental Studies and Sustainability and Biology programs are launching a lunchtime seminar series that will provide a forum to present scientific research conducted by UMPI students and faculty as well as other local and regional scientists.

“There is a lot of research, management and other application of science right in our own backyard,” Dr. Jason Johnston, coordinator of the Science Lunchtime Seminar Series, said. “The purpose of this seminar series is to connect UMPI faculty and students, working professionals, and community members who are conducting or interested in hearing about these scientific pursuits. We hope this will further strengthen existing ties and form new ones within our community.”

Seminars generally will be held Thursdays from 12:15-1:30 p.m. in Folsom 201, UMPI’s GIS Lab, unless otherwise noted. Faculty, students, staff and community members are welcome to attend this free event and are encouraged to bring their lunches and join the discussion.

The series kicked off with a presentation on Sept. 19 by Philip Boody, an UMPI Environmental Studies and Sustainability senior, titled Seismic Structural Differences across the Norumbega Fault, Maine.

On Oct. 10, Dr. Jason Johnston, Dr. Chunzeng Wang, Dylan Plissey and Jared Dickinson will present Feasibility, Land Resources, and Ecosystem Impacts of Locally Produced Grass Biomass. Dr. Jason Johnston is an Associate Professor of Wildlife Ecology. Dr. Chunzeng Wang is an Associate Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences. Dylan Plissey is a Senior Biology and Environmental Studies major and Jared Dickinson is a Junior Environmental Studies major.

On Oct. 24, Dr. Judith Roe, UMPI Assistant Professor of Biology, will present To flower or not to flower? (in Maine).

On Nov. 7, Frank O. Frost, Fisheries Biologist with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, will present Management of Long Lake Fisheries Resources within the Fish River Chain of Lakes.

On Nov. 21, Peter Newkirk, Engineer with the Department of Environmental Protection, will present Chapter 587: The State of Maine’s Flow Rule for Irrigation Practices.

For more information about the Science Lunchtime Seminar Series, contact Dr. Jason Johnston at 768-9652.