Cressica Brazier, Research Associate, MAINECAN
2025 Award for Outstanding Mentorship of Students in Sustainability Research
With advanced degrees in civil & environmental engineering, architecture, and urban and regional planning, Cressica Brazier has extensive experience in analyzing data related to sustainability — mapping air quality during the Beijing Olympics and developing a mobile carbon footprint smartphone application.
But more recently, Brazier has found her niche in community-based participatory research as a Maine community-led Energy & Action Network (MAINECAN) research associate.
“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.
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’s research is led by Sharon Klein and Caroline Noblet, both UMaine professors in the School of Economics and faculty fellows at the Mitchell Center.
Brazier spends the work week at the Mitchell Center and weekends with her family on Islesboro, an island in Penobscot Bay. She’s a longtime member of the Islesboro Energy Committee whose goals include reducing energy costs, improving energy efficiency, and increasing the island’s resilience to climate change impacts.
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’s research. Fortuitously, the research position opened up at the right time, marking a shift in Brazier’s statistical modeling to community-engaged research. “I always wanted to do this kind of work,” she said.
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’s working with students she’s coached on interviewing as they conduct discussions with community leaders about their approaches to climate resilience. She’s 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.
One doctoral student, four master’s students, and two undergraduates are currently part of the MAINECAN team. They’re grateful for Brazier’s technical expertise as well as her humble leadership approach.
One award nominator said, “Although Cressica’s role does not formally include mentorship of students, her open door, interdisciplinary experience, and willingness to brainstorm makes her a foundational mentor.” Another said, “She always has ideas on how we can improve our work, but approaches us with gratitude for the work we have already completed.”
Brazier credits Klein’s 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.
“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.