Dr. Kim Borges-Therien, associate professor of environmental studies at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, has been awarded a $1,000 grant to support an undergraduate student internship to investigate winter water quality in Cross Lake.

The grant was given by the Maine Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. The undergraduate student who earns the internship will participate in an ongoing research project at Cross Lake. The study measures dissolved oxygen, temperature and phosphorus through the ice at least five times from January through March, in order to draw conclusions about winter stress to fish populations in the popular and important fishing site.

This is the third grant received by a UMFK professor in the past month. Jeff Dubis, UMFK instructor of forestry, received a $5,000 small-equipment grant to cover the purchase of an ATV and trailer for the University’s Forest Technology program. Dr. Steve Selva, professor of biology and environmental studies, received a $2,000 grant to cover travel expenses to continue his research into lichens as environmental indicators.