UMFK News Releases

Georgia Burton is making the most of her opportunities at the University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) as she pursues her ultimate dream of earning a doctorate in physical therapy.

The Westmoreland, Jamaica native is in her senior year at UMFK, where she expects to complete her Bachelor of Science in Biology (biology/medical concentration) in May 2026. In addition to her academics, where she currently has a 3.74 GPA, Burton serves as president of the International Student Organization and is the Student Athletic Advisory Committee’s Track and Field Women’s representative. Her events in track and field include discus, shot put, hammer, and javelin.

For ten weeks this past summer, Burton was one of 25 students from among Maine’s public and private colleges and universities selected to participate in the Maine IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) Summer Research Fellowship program at the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory (MDIBL) in Bar Harbor.

Maine INBRE is funded by an Institutional Development Award (IDeA) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health.

The summer fellowship program provides undergraduate students with a mentored, hands-on biomedical research experience at one of the participating network institutions as part of broader Maine INBRE’s goal of building a biomedical workforce and making Maine more competitive for research grants. Students work in the laboratory of an investigator on an independent project designed by the student and their mentor. Students can develop laboratory techniques in molecular biology, physiology, and bioinformatics. Projects focus on a research question in functional genomics and use a variety of comparative models such as zebrafish, fruit flies, axolotl, and C. elegans.

Burton learned of the Fellowship opportunity from Samantha Beaulieu, the natural sciences laboratory manager at UMFK. In that capacity, Beaulieu also serves as the principal investigator for the grant that supports UMFK’s participation in the Maine INBRE.

“I promote these opportunities here on campus, so students are aware and encouraged to apply,” said Beaulieu. “I help match students with science-specific opportunities, sometimes involving individual faculty members who have individually applied for their own grants through various external funding sources.”

Dustin Updike, Ph.D., is the director of the Developmental Research Project program at MDIBL. It was under his preceptorship and within his laboratory where Burton conducted her research.

“We were incredibly fortunate to have Georgia join our lab this summer,” said Updike. “Georgia arrived well-prepared and eager to learn. Her project focused on identifying the gene products that keep a novel histone deacetylase (HDAC) complex turned off in the germline—the cells that give rise to sperm and eggs. HDAC complexes are known to compact DNA; however, little is understood about this newly identified complex beyond its essential role in late mammalian embryonic development.

“Instead of working with mammals directly, Georgia studied the equivalent complex in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. These tiny roundworms have long served as powerful models for human genetics, as they share roughly the same number of genes as humans, with many nearly identical to their human counterparts, but have a short generation time of four days,” Updike explained.

Burton’s work was truly a tour de force. Over the course of the summer, she carefully examined more than a thousand petri dishes—each containing over a thousand nematodes. Under the microscope, she searched for the rare one or two animals on each plate in which the HDAC complex became activated. Through this meticulous effort, she identified animals with candidate genes that may be responsible for keeping the complex turned off.

“It was an immense amount of work and, at the same time, a crash course in genetics. What Georgia accomplished in the ten weeks was nothing short of remarkable. She seemed to be having fun at it, too,” Updike added.

If Updike was impressed with Burton’s eagerness to learn, she certainly speaks effusively of her MDIBL summer experience.

“This past summer, I worked in Dr. Updike’s lab, where I used Caenorhabditis elegans to study transgenerational genetic inheritance. My gene of interest was saeg-2, which is a fascinating gene with a human counterpart known as Deoxynucleotidyl transferase Terminal Interacting Protein 1 (DNTTIP 1), a protein-coding gene,” Burton noted.

“DNTTIP1 is involved in several cellular processes, including DNA synthesis, gene expression regulation, and cell cycle control, making it an important link between basic research and potential human health applications.

“I also had the opportunity to perform EMS mutagenesis for the first time, a challenging but exciting technique, which led to promising results. I even conducted DNA extractions that will be sent for full genome sequencing, an important step toward uncovering new insights into this gene’s role,” Burton mentioned.

If all work and no play make for a dull life, Burton and her lab colleagues made the best of their time after hours, as well.

Ready access to Acadia National Park afforded many after-hours hikes. And while the Atlantic proved to be a bit too cold, there were a few inland lakes that offered some invigorating swims and nighttime bonfires.

Burton’s classmates represented a cross-section of Maine’s higher education institutions, as well as states as varied as North Carolina and Oregon, and foreign countries near (Canada) and far (Swaziland). Among their commonalities for ten weeks this past summer was shared genetic research and an appreciation of the natural beauty of Maine.

“My being awarded an INBRE Fellowship was an incredible honor, and it was a privilege to spend the summer surrounded by brilliant scientists, inspiring mentors, and a community passionate about discovery,” said Burton.

“This was an amazing opportunity to gain valuable laboratory experience and use state-of-the-art equipment, beyond what is typically available at UMFK.

“I was able to conduct DNA research, hear from a variety of researchers and guest speakers, and gain a lot of insight from my talks with Ph.D. students who participated in the program. I came away with a greater understanding of what to expect for my graduate degree program, and I had the opportunity to make some wonderful connections.

“I am deeply grateful to Dr. Updike and the entire lab staff for their guidance, patience, and encouragement throughout my journey,” she added.

For more information on the Biology program at UMFK, visit the UMFK website.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) and Fish River Rural Health have recently partnered to expand and enhance health services for students, providing access to one of the most comprehensive and affordable health care options available in northern Maine.

Through the partnership, UMFK students now have access to Fish River’s full array of services, including medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, nutrition, behavioral health care, and clinic-based pharmacy. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Fish River operates on a sliding fee scale, making care affordable for all.

“This partnership is a wonderful step forward for student well-being at UMFK,” said Heather Pelletier, Chief Executive Officer of Fish River Rural Health. “We are proud to extend our full range of high-quality health services to UMFK students and to provide convenient, affordable care that meets their needs. Our goal is to help students stay healthy, so they can focus on their academic success and personal growth.”

UMFK and Fish River are currently working together to onboard students to streamline the check-in process when care is needed. To further support students, Fish River also provides complimentary shuttle service to students with appointments, offering pick-ups on campus and in the community, and removing that barrier to their care.

The partnership began in mid-August with physicals and immunizations for student-athletes and resident assistants as they arrived on campus for the fall semester. With multiple locations in Fort Kent, Eagle Lake, and Madawaska, students can choose the site that best fits their schedules. The Fort Kent site will serve as the primary hub for student shuttle services.

UMFK Dean of Students Timothy Doyle emphasized the importance of the collaboration for student success. “We believe this is both the most extensive and affordable option available for our students, offering comprehensive health care at the lowest cost and the widest hours,” Doyle said. “This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting the whole student experience and ensuring our Bengals have every resource they need to thrive at UMFK.”

The collaboration with Fish River strengthens UMFK’s student support network, which already includes academic advising, career services, mental health counseling, and residential life resources. Together, these services ensure that UMFK students receive the guidance and support they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

For more information about UMFK, visit umfk.edu. For more information on Fish River Rural Health, visit frrh.org.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) Board of Visitors will host its next Business Breakfast Series on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, featuring a presentation on the St. John Valley Senior College. The event will begin at 7:30 a.m. in the Nadeau Hall conference room on the UMFK campus.

The featured presenters, Don Raymond and Don Murray, both members of the St. John Valley Senior College Board, will discuss “Learning, Socialization, Friends, and Fun for Seniors.”

The St. John Valley Senior College was founded in 2008 as a collaboration between UMFK, Maine School Administrative District #27, and the Fort Kent Senior Club. The program offers classes, field trips, and other opportunities to senior citizens throughout the Valley, ranging from learning how to navigate a smartphone to line dancing. Senior College is considered the “perfect” school – with no tests, no homework, and no grades.

The fall 2025 session of the Senior College runs from Sept. 9 through Dec. 2.

Tickets for breakfast are $15 per person and can be purchased online through the Business Breakfast webpage.

The registration deadline is Sept. 24.

For more information, contact Lisa Roy at 207-834-7504 or roylisa@maine.edu.

Calling all Bengals! The University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) Alumni Association is thrilled to announce the inaugural “UMFK Alumni Day,” set for Sunday, Sept. 7, at Hadlock Field in Portland, Maine. This exciting event, held in partnership with the Portland Sea Dogs, promises an unforgettable day filled with camaraderie, community spirit, and baseball action!

Join fellow alumni, friends, and family from across Maine as we gather to cheer on the Sea Dogs and proudly showcase our Bengal pride. Whether you’re from the Fort Kent area, Central Maine, or the greater Portland region, this special day provides the perfect opportunity to reconnect, make new memories, and celebrate UMFK.

For your convenience, UMFK has arranged a comfortable, bathroom-equipped Cyr Bus Line charter bus departing from the UMFK campus at 5 a.m., returning immediately after the game concludes. A second pickup location will be available in Bangor to accommodate our Central Maine alumni. Seats are limited to 55, so reserve early to secure your spot!

“We’re thrilled to offer this unique opportunity to unite our UMFK community from all parts of Maine,” said UMFK Executive Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations Michael Elliott. “What better way to reconnect and share your Bengal pride than enjoying a Sea Dogs baseball game together?”

Two exciting ticket options are available. The Bus & Game Day Package, priced at $100 per person, includes round-trip bus transportation, game admission, exclusive reserved UMFK seating, a two-hour ballpark buffet, and a limited-edition UMFK baseball cap. For alumni and friends living near the Portland area, the Game Day Ticket Only option is available for $40 per person and includes game admission, reserved UMFK seating, a two-hour ballpark buffet, and a limited-edition UMFK baseball cap.

Only 100 tickets are available, so act fast to secure your participation in this landmark event!

Attendees are encouraged to wear their green and gold UMFK gear to amplify Bengal spirit and capture memorable moments.

Reserve your tickets now by visiting the UMFK Alumni Day at the Portland Sea Dogs webpage.

Ticket sales end on August 31.

For additional information or inquiries, please contact Michael Elliott at michael.elliott@maine.edu or 207-834-7800.

Don’t miss out—let’s make this first-ever UMFK Alumni Day a roaring success!

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded the University of Maine at Fort Kent a federal TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant to improve college retention and graduation rates among low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities. The five-year grant provides support to the university with $356,773 annually, totaling nearly $1.8 million over the life of the award.

Since 1994, the program has served approximately 165 students a year at UMFK. Through individualized services including academic tutoring, financial aid, scholarship guidance, career exploration, personal and academic counseling, and mentoring, TRIO SSS empowers students to overcome barriers to success. This comprehensive support makes it significantly more likely that students will complete their degree or successfully transfer, with the lowest possible debt.

“The TRIO SSS program at UMFK is so much more than academic support—it’s a personalized, student-centered program that empowers success through tutoring, resources, advocacy, and engaging experiences that help students thrive in and out of the classroom,” said UMFK Director of TRIO Student Support Services Susan Dubay.

Some of the unique services offered by the UMFK TRIO SSS program include time management and financial literacy escape rooms; “Clue into TRIO” — a life-sized Clue game centered on connection and support; a residence hall tutor; FAFSA completion seminars in collaboration with the Finance Authority of Maine, and more.

“This grant allows the University of Maine at Fort Kent to deepen our commitment to ensuring that all students—regardless of background—can thrive academically and personally,” said UMFK President Deb Hedeen. “Student Support Services provides the necessary educational tools for students to succeed and lead with confidence.”

Nationally, the SSS program has a proven track record. According to a rigorous 2019 evaluation by the U.S. Department of Education, students in SSS at two-year institutions were 48% more likely to earn an associate’s degree or transfer to a four-year school, and students at four-year institutions were 18% more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree compared to similar peers not in the program.

“TRIO programs generally and TRIO SSS, in particular, transforms students from the least resourced backgrounds into college graduates,” said Kimberly Jones, president of the Council for Opportunity in Education in Washington, D.C. “This vital program makes all the difference for nearly a million students each year across the country.

SSS is one of eight federal TRIO programs funded under the Higher Education Act of 1965 to remove social, academic, and cultural barriers to higher education. Since its inception in 1968, SSS has helped millions of low-income, first-generation students graduate from college and contribute to their communities and the economy.

For more information about TRIO Student Support Services at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, visit the Student Success Center webpage.

UMFK is proud to announce a special recognition of the profound and culturally rich symphonic compositions of Professor Scott Brickman, Ph.D. His body of work, particularly his five symphonies composed between 2006 and 2020, offers a compelling musical journey deeply rooted in his Baltic and Slavic ethnic background.

The University of Maine System Chancellor, Dannel Malloy, appointed Dr. Brickman to the Trustee Professorship for the 2024-2025 academic year.

The award supported him through the process of recording, editing, and public release of four of his original symphonies, bringing his body of work up to thirteen commercial projects. In addition to contributing to the arts profile of the University of Maine at Fort Kent and Maine’s creative arts economy, this project will increase the visibility of the arts in Northern Maine.

“I’m extremely grateful to be working for the University of Maine System, where such wonderful opportunities are available. Additionally, my heartfelt thanks to UMFK’s President Deb Hedeen for all of the support she has given me, not only with the trustee professorship, but also with her advocacy and interest for and in the visual and performing arts on our campus.”

Professor Brickman’s symphonies showcase his unique artistic voice by blending diverse stylistic influences. He moves seamlessly from loud, percussive sections to quieter, relaxing, tonal, and atonal soundscapes. This distinctive approach has earned his work international acclaim, with world-class orchestras performing each symphony:

• Symphony No. 5 (2019): A three-movement work influenced by Latvian culture and history, featuring lively, dramatic, and energetic sections.
• Symphony No. 1 (2006): A four-movement piece demonstrating Brickman’s mastery of neoclassical 12-tone rows, described as a “story of a struggle.”
• Symphony No. 4 “Restoration” (2018): A single-movement symphony inspired by the centenary of independence for the Baltic states, incorporating the spirit of their folk songs.
• Symphony No. 6 Sinfonia for Wind Ensemble (2020): A deeply personal work composed after chemotherapy, known for its diverse instrumental textures and solemnity.

“Dr. Brickman’s contributions to contemporary classical music are a source of deep pride for the University of Maine at Fort Kent,” said UMFK President Deb Hedeen. “His ability to blend personal heritage with compelling musical expression provides a meaningful model for students, showing how individual identity can inspire creative excellence. We are proud to support his accomplishments and grateful for the artistic expression he brings to our campus.”

Professor Scott Brickman is a talented composer whose music shows his strong connection to his Latvian heritage. He skillfully blends different musical styles with deep cultural stories, which benefits both UMFK, where he has taught since 1997, and the wider world of modern classical music.

About the University of Maine at Fort Kent: Located on the northernmost border of Maine, the University of Maine at Fort Kent is a career‐focused campus offering relevant, experiential academic programs and services with personalized attention. UMFK’s diverse student population enjoys the opportunity to live and learn in a beautiful, natural setting and a caring, friendly atmosphere where they thrive as engaged members of the community.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent is proud to announce the Dean’s List for the spring 2025 semester. This list includes full-time and part-time students.

“Congratulations to the students who have earned a place on the UMFK Dean’s and Academic Recognition Lists,” said UMFK President Deb Hedeen. “The Dean’s List honors our full-time students, while the Academic Recognition List acknowledges the achievements of our part-time students. Their dedication and hard work are truly commendable. We are incredibly proud to celebrate their accomplishments and to have these talented individuals as part of the UMFK community.”

The University of Maine at Fort Kent is the northernmost campus of the University of Maine System. It is the academic center for Acadian and Franco-American culture for the greater Fort Kent area and beyond. In addition, the diverse campus offers students a close-knit community experience with an international perspective.

UMFK offers multiple degree paths that lead to associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. For a complete program listing and more information, please visit the UMFK website.