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Description

A socioeconomically and ecologically conscious workforce is imperative for building climate resilient and sustainable forests and rural communities. Through multiple intersecting, interdisciplinary initiatives led by Dr. Rubert-Nason over the next four years, faculty at the University of Maine at Fort Kent will engage 20+ undergraduate students of forestry, biology, and environmental studies in hands-on research experiences that empower them for ecologically-conscious STEM careers. With ongoing support from the Maine Economic Improvement Fund, National Science Foundation, and Harold Alfond Foundation grants, a cohort of students will work alongside faculty on various projects exploring the impacts of land/water management practices and climate change on Maine’s forests. Our presentation showcases new investigations of the possibilities for using biochar to increase soil carbon storage and create resilient forests, prior work on forest health, and opportunities for future research exploring the interactions among trees, soils, and people. Woven throughout these initiatives is a mentoring philosophy grounded in critical education theory and informed by traditional (Indigenous) ecological knowledge. This mentoring approach aims to empower students with the foundational STEM knowledge (e.g., forestry, ecology, microbiology, mathematics), leadership, dialogical, intercultural and technological skills to increase the resilience of forests and their interdependent human communities to global change threats. Anticipated outcomes include multiple scholarly publications, increased undergraduate student recruitment and retention, insights into building climate-resilient forests and rural communities, and recruitment of socioeconomically disadvantaged people into the STEM workforce. These outcomes align with the emphases of Maine’s Science and Technology plan, climate action, and economic development goals.

Publication Date

10-28-2024

Empowering Maine’s Future Rural Workforce to Advance Forest and Community Resiliency

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