FARMINGTON — The University of Maine at Farmington is reporting higher student retention and workforce readiness as participation in hands-on research courses has sharply increased in recent years.

Since the 2022-23 academic year, enrollment in Research Learning Experiences has grown from 131 students in 12 courses to 465 students in 25 courses during the 2025-26 academic year. The courses, supported by the University of Maine System’s TRANSFORMS initiative funded by the Harold Alfond Foundation, focus on experiential learning through research, creative work and service projects.

The courses are typically offered to first-year students and integrated into seminars and other academic programs, allowing students to design projects, collect and analyze data, and present their findings. University officials say this early exposure to research distinguishes Maine’s public universities from others that often reserve such opportunities for upper-level students.

The increase comes as UMF reports a 3.6% rise in spring enrollment compared with last year. Retention rates have also reached their highest levels since 2009 following the expansion of research learning programs and other academic support services.

“We are grateful to the Harold Alfond Foundation for giving our students the opportunity to engage in experiential research opportunities,” UMF President Joseph McDonnell said. “These innovative research courses prepare our students for professional careers with the intellectual and social skills they’ll need to be successful after college.”

Advanced Research Learning Experiences are available to sophomores and upper-level students and often connect participants with professionals and organizations in their field. These courses can lead to internships, clinical placements and other career-focused opportunities.

One example is a biology course led by professor Donelle Schwalm, where students collect and analyze ticks from the Farmington area to study diseases such as Lyme disease. Students develop collection methods, gather samples in the field and test them in campus laboratories, while also visiting the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Diagnostic and Research Laboratory in Orono.

Ryan Martin-Hachey, a senior biology major from Fairfield, said the experience influenced his career goals.

“My (Advanced Research Learning Experiences) expanded my career interests in disease ecology and I am excited about working in the scientific field,” he said, noting he is pursuing work in medical laboratory science after graduation.

Schwalm said the program helps students understand career possibilities and develop professional skills.

“The best part for me is seeing students excited about the major they’ve chosen and what comes next,” she said.

The research learning courses are part of a broader $320 million investment through the Harold Alfond Foundation to strengthen Maine’s public universities and support student success, workforce development and economic growth.