2008 Woodie Awards
Getting to Know Your Professors
Mindy Hart and Kyle Kernan
Issue date: 11/19/07 Section: News
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Edward Laverty has spent 30 years at the University of Maine as a public administration professor. He lives in Medford with a three-legged dog named Rohan - after the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy - a cat, Matilda, and a hen. Laverty had a flock of chickens, but over the years, only one has survived to become his pet.
On Sunday afternoons, Laverty's home becomes a house of blues. "Fifteen to 20 people come over to my house and jam," Laverty said. "About half of them are musicians and the rest are hangers-on like me." Although Laverty wishes he could play something besides spoons, his three children can all play instruments.
After leaving Millinocket for education, Laverty spent time around the country.
He serves as a selectman in Medford and works on Maine's Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC).
"With the wind power projects and the Plum Creek project, it's an exciting time to be involved," Laverty said.
LURC regulates 10.5 million acres of unorganized territory.
Laverty may not be in Maine much longer. Currently, he is looking around to different locations. At this time, he would like to establish a relationship with a university in Belize. "I go to Belize a lot," Laverty said. "I could live down there for a while, get a little shack or something."
At UMaine, his courses include policy studies; independent readings in policy administration; and environmental policy, management and regulation.
Neil F. Comins
Everything from the tidal currents, the weather, and life as we know it on this planet would all be affected if the Moon was not formed by a rouge asteroid colliding with Earth a billion years ago. Astronomy Professor Neil F. Comins of the University of Maine explores these perspectives in his book "What if the Moon Didn't Exist?" His book has received worldwide recognition and was adapted into a film by a Japanese company, Robot Communication for the 2005 World Expo in Japan.
Comins has offered his insight to documentaries presented by The History Channel and The Discovery Channel and has been part of the development of a dozen television shows and articles for National Geographic.
Dr. Comins gives credit for his interest in science to Albert Einstein. He has been intrigued by science and answering life's questions. At age 15, Comins was deeply perplexed about the nature of gravity, which laid a path of discovery for him.
Comins feels that his introduction to astronomy course will inspire students to develop an understanding and appreciation for science, in hopes that people will take a more intensive look at the nature of reality and question it for themselves. Professor Comins incorporates an authentic outlook into astronomy through his research and passion for the subject.
Aside from his devotion to science and the nature of the Cosmos, Professor Comins takes part in many hobbies. He is fond of traveling, sailing, flying, skiing and parachuting. He also enjoys reading science fiction such as works by Isaac Asimov and Robert Heinlein, and he admits "Stranger in a Strangeland" to be one of his favorite books.
Marcia Davidson
Marcia Davidson, assistant professor of special education, has worked extensively with early childhood reading acquisition around the world as well as within the community. Davidson worked in Washington for 25 years doing research for a private company before she came to UMaine on a friend's suggestion.
Going on her third year here, Davidson teaches courses such as program planning and curriculum access and assessment in special education. In addition to classes, she volunteers her time to the Response to Intervention initiative (RTI). Davidson works monthly for RTI on early reading aquisition with teachers and administrators from a consortium of schools. In addition, she is working with the Hutchinson Center on a summer clinic for reading. "I would love to tutor," admitted Davidson, "but I just don't have the time."
When Davidson is not working, she can be found riding her horse, Metro. She bought Metro in Oregon before moving to Maine and started competing in events like jumping and cross country. Davidson declared her equestrian goal to be a summer clinic called "Fossils over Fences." In addition to Metro, she lives with two cats, Luna and Arthur.
Other weekend activities for Davidson include knitting and attempting to garden. Davidson said "students and people in the community have been helping me to figure out what to do with this garden that hasn't been tended in 15 years." She is also a fan of Atul Gawande's books. His latest work, "Better," is one of the greatest books she has ever read. The book discusses his studies of hospital efficiency for a community's overall health, from which she draws a parallel for education. "He is an inspiration to me," Davidson said.
Robert E. Whelan
The Vietnam War may seem like a distant moment in history for college students, but to veteran Robert E. Whelan, it is an engrossing chapter of World History. Whelan served in the Army in Vietnam for two tours and has taught at West Point.
Whelan not only offers a study of the Vietnam War, but also encourages students to read texts at a more interpretive level.
"I try to treat students the way my children would want to be treated by their teachers." Robert Whelan is a father figure for the University of Maine's English department as he has been teaching since 1983. Next fall will be his last semester, and he is ready to retire. He has been working since age 11.
Mr. Whelan's course, the literature of the Vietnam War, chronicles a collection of past Vietnam soldiers. Whelan's testament to the War heightens understanding for students as he has knowledge of weaponry, history and the country surrounding the Vietnam War.
Many stories of Whelan circle around his time in the fifth Special Forces Group, as he recalls being stationed just kilometers from the enemy, the North Vietnamese. He also had to fend off poisonous snakes in his camp and termites that swarmed like the locusts described in the book of Exodus. Whelan usually speaks about these events with nostalgic excitement and there are many humorous tales he offers from his experience.
Whelan is a laid back fellow who is not afraid to have fun with his students. He enjoys flat fishing and spending time under the Florida sun and is excited about a long, much deserved vacation.
One of his favorite writers is Stephen King, as just about all of his books are showcased on one of his shelves in his office. He recalls "Heart's in Atlantis" being one of his favorite books by the author as it chronicles a character recalling memories of the Vietnam War.
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