FARMINGTON — The University of Maine at Farmington recently named 13 students as Michael D. Wilson Scholars for the spring 2014 semester. This prestigious undergraduate research program provides top UMF student scholars with faculty mentorship and project funding to help them pursue the highest level of undergraduate research investigation.

“UMF’s Wilson Scholars and Fellows Program energizes the spirit of academic and creative exploration on our campus,” said Kathryn A. Foster, UMF president. “Its extraordinary level of original, independent undergraduate research builds new confidence, inspires new direction and helps prepare students for the challenges of the professional world.”

The UMF Wilson Program names student awardees twice-a-year including single-semester scholars and year-long fellows. The spring 2014 awardees are Amanda Barrows from Union; Kara Chiasson from Methuen, Mass.; Curtis Cole from Pittston; Sean Igoe from New Haven, Conn.; Grace Kendall from Buckfield; Alana Knapp from Kingfield; Carlee Knox from Saco; Nicole Lejonhud from Hebron; Marianne O’Loughlin from Nashua, N.H.; Sean Slattery from Farmington; Mallory Smith from South Berwick; Tobey Tozier from Jefferson and Cadyn Wilson from Hallowell.

The program provides funding to help underwrite student project expenses. It was established by Michael and Susan Angelides, of Columbia, Conn., in honor of their good friend and UMF alumnus Michael D. Wilson, class of 1976.

Local students honored as 2014 Spring Wilson Scholars are as follows.

Grace Kendall, Buckfield: A senior with a major in bachelor of general studies, Kendall is writing a memoir as the partner of a transgender man. Her faculty sponsor is Teal Minton, assistant professor of creative writing.

Alana Knapp, Kingfield: A senior majoring in art, Knapp is exploring the role and relevancy of costume in art as it relates to female identity. Her faculty sponsor is Katrazyna Randall, associate professor of art.

Nicole Lejonhud, Hebron: A senior majoring in creative writing, Lejonhud has a joint project with fellow Wilson Scholar Sean Igoe, exploring the field of digital humanities through the creation of an original immersive digital text. Their faculty sponsor is Patricia O’Donnell, professor of English.

Sean Slattery, Farmington: A senior majoring in geology, Slattery is investigating the petrographic and geochemical characterizations of past tectonic activity in areas of the Maine coast. His faculty sponsor is David Gibson, professor of geology.

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