ORONO – Three University of Maine faculty members are among 10 professors honored recently by the University of Maine System Chancellor’s Office for their research contributions in fields that advance Maine’s scientific, agricultural and economic development.

UMaine Cooperative Extension professor Richard J. Kersbergen of Burnham, UMaine psychology professor Alan M. Rosenwasser of Hampden, and electrical and computer engineering professor John F. Vetelino of Veazie received University of Maine System Trustee Professorships in December.

Trustee Professorships were created by university trustees in 1998 to honor and support outstanding university faculty from the system’s campuses.

The one-year professorships recognize individuals who have made significant and noteworthy contributions to academic excellence on their campuses and within the system.

“These awards reflect the rich diversity of research, teaching and outreach at the University of Maine and have clear, demonstrable impacts on the citizenry of Maine,” said John Mahon, UMaine’s interim provost. “Research by these professors in the study of alcoholism, organic milk production, and in sensors at the nanoscale level, are most appropriate at this time.”

Vetelino, who is active in solid state, microwave acoustics and sensor research, is being recognized for his work using transduction schemes to perform research relating to sensing at the nanoscale level. His efforts will continue to serve as the basis for research proposals with the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health and others.

The analytes that will be sensed include physical, chemical and biological analytes, which have direct application to agriculture, medicine, environment and homeland security. Vetelino previously has helped area high school students with sensor experiments, using sensors to detect gases that can indicate, among other things, ripeness of fruit.

Rosenwasser’s research interests include exploring novel approaches to alcoholism research, which is expected to extend his current National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism research and develop a larger grant proposal through the acceleration of his existing efforts. He also will create a research team that cuts across international borders by aligning work with The Jackson Laboratory in Maine and the NeuroSearch A/S in Denmark. Additionally, he anticipates building an interdisciplinary research and teaching program in neuroscience.

The focus of Kersbergen’s research will be on forage and pasture production in Maine and throughout New England, specifically with regard to organic crops.