Meet our inaugural cohort of THOR Student Fellows.

Emily Kidd, University of Maine Orono

Major (minor/concentration): Kinesiology and Physical Education (Concentration in Outdoor Leadership) 

Career Plans: Guide for an organization such an NOLS or work as an outdoor educator in the High School setting.

Summary of fellowship project: During my time as a THOR Fellow I hope to work in conjunction with pre-existing organizations in order to create more job access for Maine high schoolers, specifically rural Maine high school students. My goal is to provide them access to various employers within the outdoor industry and to share with them other young people’s experiences working for such companies.

Ashley Meggett, University of Maine Orono

Major (minor/concentration): Earth and Climate Sciences major, Earth Science concentration, Outdoor Leadership minor

Career Plans: Something in the realm of outdoor conservation and public relations

Summary of fellowship project: Assisting Teens to Trails organization with public outreach, advertisement, and support at planned outdoor events

Amanda Rock, University of Maine Orono

Major (minor/concentration): Kinesiology and Physical Education: Outdoor Leadership

Career Plans: I hope to study and share the impact of physical activity and time outdoors on our mental and physical wellbeing. I plan on attending PA school after graduation.

Summary of fellowship project: For my THOR Student Fellowship project, I will be attending the NENA CHRIE tourism and hospitality conference as THOR’s Orono campus student representative. I will be assisting as needed with planning, set up, presentations, and wrap up. In addition, I will be creating and sharing my own small project relating to Maine’s outdoor recreation opportunities at the conference. I am looking forward to sharing my experiences and ideas as well as gaining new perspectives and inspiration from the other attendees!

Jessica Williams, University of Maine Machias 

Major (minor/concentration):  Majoring in Outdoor Recreation and Leadership with a minor in Marine Biology

Career Plans:  Any exciting opportunity to share my love for the outdoors with others.

Summary of fellowship project: I am creating an outdoor recreation program for LGBTQ youth in Washington County, Maine.

About the Fellowship

A collaboration among all seven of Maine’s public universities, the THOR Institute aims to strengthen workforce development and educational opportunities related to the tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation industries. This fellowship is intended to support students committed to applying their experience and interest within the THOR related academic disciplines to connect more broadly with the community.

All undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree, major, minor, or certificate related to the THOR academic disciplines at any of the University of Maine System institutions are eligible.

We are currently accepting applications for our summer cohort! For more information visit the THOR Institute Fellowship Application page here.

Fellows will work on project-based outreach and research initiatives during the semester. Some examples of possible projects:

  • Connecting with Maine’s K-12 schools by organizing an event (class visit, field trip, career fair, etc.) designed to share more about careers in THOR and the University of Maine System pathways
    • For example, some fellows might design a presentation to give at a local school that highlights the many different jobs in Maine related to tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation while sharing more about their own educational experiences within the University of Maine System.
  • Working with the THOR Institute and/or industry partners analyzing industry trends, conducting research, and problem solving
    • For example, some fellows might work on developing a survey to be completed by local businesses to identify workforce development and training needs within the industry.
  • Pursuing your own project! Students are welcome (and encouraged!) to submit their own ideas for a fellowship project aligned with their own interests and creative outlets

Fellows will meet with the THOR Institute Program Manager to discuss and outline a plan to complete the fellowship. Since there are a variety of different projects and activities students may work on, and there is flexibility for students to pursue projects that align with their specific interests, fellowship plans won’t all look the same and will be unique to each student.

Expectations

During the term, students are expected to:

  • Attend monthly meetings with THOR Program Manager
  • Actively participate in fellowship project throughout the semester (specifics to be determined at the beginning of the fellowship) and attending periodic meetings with mentor or other collaborators
  • Participate in culminating event at the end of the semester to share their work and accomplishments

How to Apply

We are currently accepting applications for our summer cohort! The deadline to apply is May 13. For more information visit the THOR Institute Fellowship Application page here.

Questions?

If you have questions, please reach out to Emily Zider, THOR Institute Program Manager at emily.zider@maine.edu