MaineHealth Institute for Research

03/19/2026

Vector-Borne Disease Lab scientist Chuck Lubelczyk will be one of this year’s presenters at the Maine Science Festival’s 5 Minute Genius™ on Saturday, March 28 at 7:00 PM, hosted at the Penobscot Theatre Company.

5 Minute Genius™ is an event featuring short, impactful talks from some of Maine’s leading scientists—5 minutes to present, followed by 5 minutes of audience Q&A. It’s a fast-paced and accessible way to explore cutting-edge research happening across the state.

Check it out and register:

5 Minute Genius™ features short, sharp talks by some of Maine’s finest scientists with 5 minutes per talk, plus 5 minutes for questions. Presenting a sprint through some of the most remarkable, cutting-edge science in Maine - you will feel like a genius in no time!  Want more? Stick around for ...

03/17/2026

Congratulations to Faculty Scientist Michaela Reagan, PhD, the Reagan Lab, and collaborators on the publication of their latest study in Cancer Prevention Research.

The study shows that obesity can accelerate multiple myeloma progression and worsen outcomes, supported by patient data and a newly validated mouse model. It also introduces a new tool to track how obesity influences tumor growth over time, opening doors for prevention research.

These findings strengthen evidence that obesity is not just a risk factor—but a driver of disease progression.

Read the full study:

Abstract. Severe obesity is positively associated with the risk of multiple myeloma (MM) and mortality; thus, obesity has emerged as a target for MM prevention. Established dietary-based mouse models have proven useful in recapitulating obesity-related diseases in humans, but the multifaceted nature...

03/16/2026

A few staff members marked Pi Day last Friday with dessert pies and good company — a sweet way to mark the occasion and end the week!

03/12/2026

Discover the Journal of Maine Medical Center (JMMC): Maine’s Leading Open-Access Medical Journal

JMMC is dedicated to elevating health care across our region through peer-reviewed research and insights. From rural medicine and interprofessional education to innovation and professional growth, JMMC highlights the voices and ideas shaping the future of care in Maine and beyond.

Explore the latest articles: knowledgeconnection.mainehealth.org/jmmc

03/11/2026

A story worth revisiting. ✨
Meet Maria Orellana Rosales, a former undergraduate academic intern in the Koza Lab who graduated last semester. Hear about the project she worked on and her experience contributing to the lab’s research — we're excited to share it again.

03/10/2026

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆! 🎉
Today we celebrate the incredible work of histotechnologists and the essential role they play in advancing science and healthcare.

A heartfelt shout‑out to our outstanding team members — Grazina Armie Mangoba, HTL (ASCP), Manager of Histology Services, and Qiaozeng Wang, Research Associate. Their skill and dedication power the histology processes behind so many of our grant submissions and scientific publications. Our research is stronger because of their expertise.

Thank you, Grazina and Qiaozeng, for the precision, care, and commitment you bring to our work.

Learn more about Histotechnology Professionals Day: https://www.nsh.org/nsh-events/histotechnology-day

03/04/2026

The Cancer & Bone Society Conference in Tampa, FL welcomed Dr. Michaela Reagan as an invited speaker today, where she presented her talk, “Obesity and Adipocytes in Multiple Myeloma: from Biology to Therapy.”

We’re proud to see her research contributing to international conversations on cancer biology and potential treatments.

Learn more about the conference here:

Join us in Tampa, FL March 3-5 2026 for our next stand-alone CABS conference. The venue will be at the Center for Advanced Medical Learning (CAMLS), a stand alone University of South Florida (USF) Facility located at 124 S. Franklin St. Tampa, FL, 33602.

03/04/2026

Dr. Michaela Reagan was invited to speak at the Cancer & Bone Society Conference today in Tampa, FL, where she presented her talk, “Obesity and Adipocytes in Multiple Myeloma: from Biology to Therapy.”

In this video, she shares how her research is helping uncover the role of adipocytes in multiple myeloma and what that could mean for future treatments.

🎥 Hear more about the science behind her work.

03/03/2026

We’re proud to share that Ashlee Meczywor, Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate (Class of 2027) at the University of New England and Research Assistant I at the MaineHealth Institute for Research, presented her poster today at Pharmacy Day at the Statehouse in Augusta, ME.

This annual event highlights the essential role pharmacists play in community health and provides a meaningful opportunity for pharmacists and student pharmacists to engage with the public, connect with legislators, and showcase their contributions across Maine.

Grateful Ashlee's dedication and the impact pharmacy professionals bring to community health across Maine.

03/02/2026

The Maine Science Festival is around the corner and we are excited to support this event and be a sponsor! Check it out: Maine Science Festival - March 25-29

https://www.mainesciencefestival.org/

02/27/2026

Exciting two days ahead at the ME IDeA Data Science Conference, hosted at ! This annual event brings together researchers, data enthusiasts, and innovators for scientific talks, an interactive poster session, and collaborative roundtable discussions—all focused on advancing data-driven discovery.

We’re proud to have two of our Faculty Scientists presenting:

🔹 Joe Nadeau, PhD – presenting today
“The non-genetic non-environmental origins of the missing 50% of disease risk.”

🔹 Qingchu Jin, PhD – presenting tomorrow
“AI-Based Risk Prediction in Cardiac Surgery and Critical Care Unit.”
Dr. Jin recently joined our institute, and we’re thrilled to welcome him as he shares his work with the broader data science community.

Learn more about the conference here:

Join us for a conference on Biomedical Data Science in Maine! This event unites researchers, data enthusiasts, and innovators. Experience engaging scientific talks, an interactive poster session, and roundtable discussions that promote collaboration and innovation in the field.

02/26/2026

A moment worth revisiting from last month’s Northern New England CO-OP Practice & Community Based Research Network (PCBRN) meeting in Stowe, VT:

Members of our Woodberry team in the Center for Clinical & Translational Research shared important work on early detection of psychosis in integrated care, with Eb Bernier, Research Coordinator, and Julia Plumb, PhD Student, presenting on behalf of the team.

A special congratulations to our award winners:
• Julia Plumb — Best Student Research for her poster, “Screening for Psychosis Spectrum Experiences Among Adolescents and Young Adults in Pediatric Primary Care.”
• Merelise Ametti, Staff Scientist — Best Completed Research for her collaborative poster with Lauren Ciszak, MD and Sophie Smith, Maine Track Medical Student, “Food and Families: A Pilot Study of the Feasibility and Mental Health Effects of a Meal Kit Intervention in Rural Maine.”

Proud of the work and impact this team continues to bring forward! 🙌