Every spring, dozens of Maine middle and high school students send something they built with their own hands to the edge of space — it’s called the CubeSat Design Challenge. For the past six years it’s been led by Scott Eaton, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at USM. Keep reading for Eaton’s insights on crickets, recovery missions in the Maine woods, and what makes this program one of a kind.
Occupational therapy assistants work directly with people facing physical, cognitive or environmental challenges — but what does that actually look like day to day? John Krasnavage, an OTA and faculty member in USM’s one-of-a-kind OTA-B program, shares what drew him to the field, what the work really involves, and what prospective students should know. Find out why he calls it “the job of life.”
For students who commute to school every day, connection takes a little more intention — that’s where the University of Southern Maine’s Commuter Student Association comes in. Keep reading to hear from the outgoing president, Eliana Tardiff, on what the CSA does, how it’s grown since her freshman year, and how commuter students can stay connected year-round.
Najmo Ahmed has a lot going on. She’s finishing her bachelor’s degree in social and behavioral sciences at the University of Southern Maine, interning at the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, and working toward a master’s in public health — all while preparing a commencement address her mother doesn’t even know about. Keep reading to hear how she got here, what drives her, and what she wants people to take away from her story.
College Decision Day falls on May 1 — and if you’re in the middle of the process, you know how much weight this date can carry. Keep reading to hear from Ani Roberts, a USM sophomore and women’s soccer player, on what actually made a difference once she got to campus — and what she’d tell her high school self today.
Most college programs ask students to pick a lane — USM’s new Polymath Pathways program is built for those who have always been drawn to more than one. Keep reading to hear President Jacqueline Edmondson on what sparked the program and what she hopes it means for USM students.
When Lisa Struebing was in her twenties, she made a promise to her mother: she would finish the college degree that she’d started and set aside. Keep reading to hear how decades of determination, two USM degrees, and one introductory physics class led her here.
Meet Prashiddhi Pokhrel: a soon-to-be Master of Science in Statistics, a MIST Lab student employee, and one of USM’s 900+ student workers who make campus life what it is. Keep reading to hear her story — and find out why a campus job might be one of the best decisions a student can make.
Zoe Barnes is preparing to graduate from the University of Southern Maine in August 2026 with a nursing degree and a national title in shot put. Now in her fifth and final year, the New Gloucester native is reflecting on her athletic and academic career. Like many students, she navigated uncertainty before ultimately finding her path in the classroom and in competition.
We caught up with Zoe to find out how it all came together — and what it took to finish strong.
Ted Campbell is a USM junior double-majoring in political science and economics, currently interning at the Maine Secretary of State’s Office. Keep reading to learn how he got there — and why he didn’t see it coming.