Maine community-led Energy & Action Network<\/a> (MAINECAN) research associate.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n“When she came on to the MAINECAN team it was clear immediately how valuable she would be. She is the smartest person I have ever met, but beyond that she wants to share her knowledge with all of us,” an award nominator said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Formally launched in 2024, the mission of MAINECAN is to connect community-based groups that are implementing sustainable energy and climate resilience projects. Members include community groups, local governments, Wabanaki Nations, nonprofit organizations, state agencies, businesses, and individuals. MAINECAN\u2019s research is led by Sharon Klein and Caroline Noblet, both 91¸£Àû professors in the School of Economics and faculty fellows at the Mitchell Center. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brazier spends the work week at the Mitchell Center and weekends with her family on Islesboro, an island in Penobscot Bay. She\u2019s a longtime member of the Islesboro Energy Committee whose goals include reducing energy costs, improving energy efficiency, and increasing the island\u2019s resilience to climate change impacts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brazier helped the town write grants to conduct community energy planning and to install electrical vehicle chargers and solar panels on municipal buildings. The committee also promotes energy audits and building weatherization for homes and businesses. It was in this volunteer role that Brazier learned about the MAINECAN network and Klein and Noblet\u2019s research. Fortuitously, the research position opened up at the right time, marking a shift in Brazier\u2019s statistical modeling to community-engaged research. “I always wanted to do this kind of work,” she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a member of the MAINECAN team, Brazier takes on multiple roles. One day she might be analyzing survey data collected from Maine communities about their alternative energy preferences. The next day she\u2019s working with students she\u2019s coached on interviewing as they conduct discussions with community leaders about their approaches to climate resilience. She\u2019s also frequently on the MAINECAN website, updating the resource database, a comprehensive listing of organizations, programs, and support services available to those working on community energy and resilience projects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One doctoral student, four master\u2019s students, and two undergraduates are currently part of the MAINECAN team. They\u2019re grateful for Brazier\u2019s technical expertise as well as her humble leadership approach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One award nominator said, \u201cAlthough Cressica\u2019s role does not formally include mentorship of students, her open door, interdisciplinary experience, and willingness to brainstorm makes her a foundational mentor.\u201d Another said, \u201cShe always has ideas on how we can improve our work, but approaches us with gratitude for the work we have already completed.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brazier credits Klein\u2019s intentional approach to collaboration for the strength and success of the research team. Each member actively values other’s contributions and encourages one another to take on different project elements. This co-mentorship approach emphasizes mutual learning rather than traditional hierarchical mentorship structures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The culture of collaboration, co-mentorship, and partnership cultivation that both the Mitchell Center and Sharon’s team foster makes all of this possible,” said Brazier. <\/p>\n\n\n