TIDC expands team with O’Berin and Schanck hire

ASCC Updates

TIDC expands team with O’Berin and Schanck hire 

ORONO, Maine 𑁋 Orono, Maine – The Transportation Infrastructure Durability Center (TIDC), housed at the advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC) continues its expansion with the recent hires of Aaron Schanck as a Communications Specialist and Genna O’Berin as an Administrative Specialist. 

Originally from Pittsfield, Maine, Schanck began studying Computer Science at the University of Maine.  Schanck graduated from UMaine with honors in Computer Science in May 2022. Schanck has been a part of the ASCC’s communications team since the Spring of  2019. Four years later he continues to prove himself as a valuable asset to the structure and flow of the communications for TIDC. 

“Any photos, videos, events publication you see from ASCC, know that Aaron was a part of the creative process”, said Taylor Ward of ASCC communications. “Aaron’s creative talent and vision will be instrumental in highlighting the work being done to solve our infrastructure crises.”

Schanck’s nearly 5 years of experience will be used to continue promoting the research, events, and outreach of TIDC.  

After a long day at work, Schanck enjoys going out for a run. In his free time, Schanck also enjoys utilizing his creative talents by exploring a wide variety of artistic mediums; whether it be digital visual art, music, or culinary creations. 

Originally from Stuttgart, Germany, O’Berin spent the first five years of her life on a U.S. Navy base. Later in life, she pursued a career as a firefighter before shifting her career focus to pursue a B.S. in Computer Science. Now O’Berin is focusing her studies on program development while working for TIDC. She’s looking forward to supporting the administrative needs of the ASCC and TIDC, as she is passionate about the sciences and engineering. 

“We are so pleased to welcome Genna to the TIDC team”, said Amanda Collamore of TIDC. “TIDC researchers are working to solve real problems right now and Genna’s contribution to the administrative team helps TIDC meet Federal goals and objectives. She helps the team submit timely reports, keep reporting metrics up to date and accurate, and adapt processes to be more efficient as our Center continues to grow.”

Outside of work, O’Berin enjoys getting out in nature by hiking and capturing the scenic views and wildlife with her camera. However, on a rainy day, you’re more likely to find O’Berin indoors taking part in a bit of table-top RPG gameplay. 

The TIDC is a consortium of six New England universities, led by UMaine, and is the 2018 Department of Transportation Region 1 University Transportation Center located in the ASCC. The mission of the Transportation Infrastructure Durability Center (TIDC) is to develop innovative, sustainable, next-generation solutions to improve the durability and extend the lifespan of existing and new transportation assets in New England and beyond.

Contact: Taylor Ward, taylor.ward@maine.edu