Research & Creative Work
Research & Creative work
COA faculty, students, and staff are active artists and scholars
Research and creative work infuse the COA learning community.
Students conduct research and create works of art in classes, independent studies, internships, and senior projects. Classes often involve collecting data for field studies, pursuing open-ended inquiry, or creating works shown in a screening or exhibition at the end of the term.
Faculty engage in scholarship in their academic fields and also reach out to other disciplines. Faculty members are artists and musicians, scholars and professionals, activists and community members in Maine and around the world.
We also have facilities and programs around which faculty and students coalesce to carry out research and other projects:
Stories from the Field
Andie Piliouras ’26 stars in televised student business competition
The College of the Atlantic senior is competing for more than $20,000 to help grow her health-focused dog treat business. Read More
10th annual COA Summer Institute features star lineup
The 2026 College of the Atlantic Summer Institute will bring some of the nation’s most compelling thinkers, artists, and public leaders to Mount Desert Island for a week of conversation and inquiry marking the United States’ 250th anniversary. Read More
Bayo Akomolafe to deliver keynote address at COA’s 53rd Commencement
The posthumanist philosopher and poetic cultural theorist will bring his provocative “post-activist” insights to graduates at the June 6 ceremony. Read More
Student Resources
Thorndike Library
Research expertise, specialized databases, and guidance for independent and collaborative projects across disciplines.
Registrar
Registration, course offerings, student forms, transcripts, and support as you design your program of study.
Writing Center
Focused help for brainstorming, drafting, revising, and refining papers, projects, proposals, and presentations.
Career Development
Internship planning and placement, resume and interview preparation, and connections to meaningful work.
Academic Support Services
Study skills, learning strategies, and accommodations designed around your strengths and challenges.
Meal menu
From curries to carnitas, savory tofu to Maine seafood, our dining hall celebrates flavor, community, and responsible sourcing.
more student resources and info
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