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Curran Crawford’s research develops and applies computational tools to optimize renewable energy system designs and operations. Application areas include offshore wind and tidal energy, electrified transportation, e-fuels production and carbon capture and sequestration, in partnership with communities and industry, and together with researchers outside engineering.

Institute for Integrated Energy Systems (IESVic)

Q&A with Curran Crawford

Cecilia works at the intersection between strategy, engagement, and sustainability. Her experience spans local, regional, and provincial governments including climate implementation, rural innovation, communications, energy policy and program development, and partnerships. She is passionate about climate justice, youth inclusion in decision-making, and mindfulness for supporting collective wellbeing. In her spare time, you can find Cecilia at the pottery studio, climbing mountains, or talking to anyone who will listen about how much she loves living in Nelson BC.  

Ryan has over a decade of experience working in municipal, provincial and federal politics. His expertise is in relationship development and management, strategy, public policy, political messaging and communication. His career spans politics, municipal government, federal advocacy and post-secondary education. He is passionate about community-based leadership and technology innovation as critical to making meaningful change in the world. In his spare time, you will find Ryan traveling, camping, reading a book or spending time with his dog.

A metallurgical engineer by training and strategist by experience, Nicolas has spent over 15 years shaping applied research and innovation ecosystems across Quebec and beyond. Now ACET’s research manager for green hydrogen and e-fuels based out of the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, he bridges institutions, industry and ideas—driving collaboration, supporting infrastructure growth and advancing research with impact. He’s also a lifelong advocate for turning complexity into clarity (and occasionally metal into art).

Gail Hochachka is a researcher, manager and cross-sector collaboration facilitator concerned with the human dimensions of climate change and energy transformations. As a research manager of the Cities and Communities pillar of MéridaLabs at UBC, she uses transdisciplinary frameworks to understand and catalyze transformative change across practical, political and personal dimensions.  Her research examines how worldviews, populism and polarization influence discourse and action on climate- and energy transitions, with implications for climate communications and engagement. Out of office, she can be found skiing and surfing with her daughter, traveling to interesting places in the world, and doing zen meditation. 

Laurel is a connector of people, ideas and capital. With a background spanning social finance, impact investing and community development, she thrives on building partnerships and solutions that drive change. Laurel has worked with impact investors (incl. foundations and corporations), governments and social enterprises to support their investment strategies that centre equity and community ownership. She now brings that same spirit to her current work. A lifelong learner and nature lover, Laurel is happiest by the ocean, discovering hidden trails on the island, or dancing to a good beat.

Lana is a contracting expert who centres collaboration, transparency and personal integrity in her work. A UVic alumna with more than a decade of experience as a research administrator, she empowers research innovation through meticulous and equitable contract management—reviewing, negotiating and drafting essential agreements between academic, government, industry and community partners. In her spare time, Lana composes and produces music (swiftly, all too well) and enjoys the local beaches and hiking trails of southern Vancouver Island.

Phil is an award-winning storyteller and communications generalist with multiple areas of specialization, including communications strategy, branding, media relations, reputation management and partner engagement. In his (relatively) short time on this earth, Phil has been a canoe guide, competition-trained barista, kids' camp art director, manure schlepper, forklift operator, radio show host, party DJ, landscaper, telemarketer, bartender and political organizer. One of these is a lie, but which?

Alison is an executive assistant par excellence whose decade+ in early childhood education well prepared her for a role managing unpredictability, harnessing an abundance of energy, and finding harmony in sometimes cacophonic spaces. Her primary drive is to help others by setting them up for success in whatever way that works for them, using whatever set of skills is required for the moment. She says that sarcasm is her second language — and she’s maybe still figuring out her first. 

Pete is a research and data analyst with a penchant for quantifying the qualitative value of a healthy and vibrant global ecosystem. He brings to the table a broad set of skills in strategic planning, knowledge mobilization, predictive modeling and environmental economics. When he’s not at the desk finding new ways to measure success and demonstrate impact, he can usually be found climbing up a mountain (sometimes hanging from an ice axe) or trying to keep up with his border collie, Tallie.

Ian is a financial administrator with a passion for accessibility and transparency in financial reporting. With more than a decade of experience in account management, financial compliance and policy development in public and private sectors, he now says he “doesn't know what's more interesting than a spreadsheet to be honest.” Ian is a lifelong learner who reads anything from Sci-Fi to sociology and mystery to science history.  His only party trick is reciting pi to 80 decimal places. 

With a background in psychology and data science, Nas brings a mix of analytical thinking, curiosity and compassion to her work. Whether she’s engaged in research, creative problem-solving or community engagement, she thrives in roles that blend logic with intuition and interpersonal connection. When she’s not deep in a project, you can find her reading, honing her technical skills or fostering meaningful relationships.

Nadia is a lifelong learner who loves building connections between people, research and projects that make a big impact through local, daily efforts. A microbiologist by training, she spent the last four years managing a biomedical engineering lab that studies neurodegenerative diseases and co-operating her own charcuterie business. More recently she has also been leading social engagement for Rootd, a mental health app. Though her focus is invariably on process and efficiency, Nadia always wants to lift up the people on her team. “Work is a culture. Vibes are important,” she says. “It’s important for me to bring empathy to work.” 

Parmila Devi is an environmental scientist and project manager combining technical expertise with strategic leadership to drive sustainable solutions. Specializing in wastewater treatment, waste management, and environmental chemistry, she applies advanced techniques across biology, chemical engineering, and environmental sciences. Her research naturally evolved into project management, where she leads multi-million-dollar interdisciplinary initiatives. Parmila is dedicated to bridging research and real-world impact to solve environmental challenges and advance sustainability. 

Ned Djilali’s work in fuel cell science and technology has shaped the field and includes pioneering computational modeling and design methods that have been adopted by industry. His research program addresses the challenges of large-scale integration of renewable energy, identifies long term pathways for energy and water sustainability, and informs policy.

Jacob is a Commerce student driven by the desire to make a positive impact in peoples’ lives through community-centered work. His passion for protecting the environment is rooted in BC’s parks, where he has been privileged to both work and play over the years. A brush with policy development during a co-op with the Province inspired him to consider a career in sustainability policy – “if my dreams of becoming an NHL general manager fall through.” When not working at ACET, Jacob enjoys backpacking, running, cycling and playing hockey.

With a background in business administration, project coordination and community engagement, Brandon brings an analytics-meets-people approach. Whether he’s lining up meetings, tracking budgets and KPIs, conducting community research or engaging with communities, he loves connecting numbers to people and place. When he’s not deep in a spreadsheet, you’ll find him on the tennis court or skiing BC slopes.