UMaine Machias and Downeast Institute receive University of Maine System grant to support undergraduate research

Reilly Hedden and Matt Nichols at Downeast Institute's touch tank.

UMaine Machias and Downeast Institute receive University of Maine System grant to support undergraduate research

MACHIAS, Maine - For University of Maine at Machias students Reilly Hedden and Matt Nichols, their summer research experience has been defined by hands-on opportunities afforded by the University of Maine at Machias' small class sizes and engaged professors.

Hedden and Nichols are part of a team conducting lab and field experiments in marine science and aquaculture at the Downeast Institute (DEI), which serves as the Marine Science Field station for UMaine Machias. In September 2022, DEI was awarded a two-year, $300,000 grant from the Saltonstall-Kennedy Program and administered by the National Marine Fisheries Service, which allowed the team's research to begin.

A $30,000 Research Reinvestment Fund (RRF) grant from the University of Maine System is supporting stipends for this summer's interdisciplinary undergraduate research collaborative. The program, guided by Katrina Armstrong from UMaine's Marine Aligned Research, Innovation, and Nationally-recognized Education (MARINE) initiative, allows students like Hedden and Nichols to work directly with DEI researcher, Brian Beal, professor of marine ecology at UMaine Machias.

"Shellfish aquaculture plays a critical role in supporting coastal economies, providing nutritious

Nichols and Hedden monitor clams during their research.

seafood and enhancing ecosystem services," said Armstrong. "However, ensuring the long-term sustainability and resilience of shellfish aquaculture operations requires an interdisciplinary approach that integrates research, innovation, and community engagement."

Hedden's and Nichols' research focuses on soft-shell clam reproduction in the Gulf of Maine. They aim to determine when clams spawn along the Maine coast, for how long and whether clams become less fertile as they age, or more fertile, as is the case in lobsters and sea urchins. Using clams from Brunswick, Bremen and Jonesport, their research involves the weekly induction of live clams to spawn using a thermal shock technique followed by estimating the number of eggs released. In addition, other clams are dissected to examine changes in reproductive mass over the 18-week study. The data is used to see if there is a positive correlation between the size and age of a clam and the number of eggs they produce.

Hedden, a marine biology major with a concentration in aquaculture, is in her junior year at UMaine Machias.

"My time at UMaine Machias has been incredible so far," said Hedden. "The connections with professors and small class sizes allow for a much more intimate and personalized learning experience. UMaine Machias' connection with DEI has allowed me to get more hands-on experience in my chosen field, which has been an amazing experience."

Nichols is a senior transfer student double majoringin integrative biology (wildlife) and marine biology.

"I immediately felt welcome when I transferred last fall" said Nichols. "I have been very happy with the field work and hands-on opportunities the school has provided in and outside class."

Hedden plans to continue on to graduate school to study genetics or evolutionary biology. Nichols aims to complete a doctoral degree in ecology. He's currently undecided between the marine or terrestrial environment but wants to stay in Maine.

The soft-shell clam project will conclude at the end of August 2024. Additional opportunities will be available during the summer of 2025 to train undergraduate students in contemporary practices promoting the sustainability and resilience of shellfish aquaculture industries while benefiting coastal communities, ecosystems, and economies.

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