Communities large and small across Wisconsin are taking steps to transition to a clean energy economy, and thanks to recent federal legislation, there are more resources than ever to assist in that transition. However, community-driven efforts to achieve local clean energy goals require engaging a complex network of stakeholders while navigating a variety of laws, rules, and regulations at multiple levels. Join us on October 24 at 4:30 PM CT for a discussion on how Wisconsin communities are managing the energy transition and the key supporters or barriers to local-led action.
This event will take place both in person at the Wisconsin Energy Institute (1552 University Ave, Madison) and online via Zoom Webinar.
Register here!
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a barrier free campus and is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services, and activities. If you need an accommodation for this event please let us know by emailing outreach@energy.wisc.edu or calling 608-890-0946. Requests made with less than 3 weeks’ notice will be honored when possible.
Moderator
Mikhaila Calice
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Life Sciences Communication, UW-Madison
Mikhaila N. Calice is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Life Sciences Communication, where she recently received her PhD. Mikhaila conducts mixed-methods community-engaged research that examines communication dynamics and public perceptions of risks related to science and technology issues like climate change, the energy transition, and artificial intelligence, among others. She also explores how engagement with various publics or communities by scientists and others shapes perceptions and policy. A focus of her postdoctoral research includes a multi-institutional and interdisciplinary project funded by the Department of Energy (DOE) that explores community-engaged approaches for local energy futures related to controversial energy issues. Mikhaila holds an MPA with a certificate in Energy Analysis and Policy from the La Follette School of Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a BA in Political Science and International Studies from Randolph-Macon College. Her academic work has been published in Public Understanding of Science, New Media & Society, Environmental Communication, and Computers in Human Behavior, among other outlets. You can find a list of her publications on Google Scholar.
Panelists
Kaiping Chen
Assistant Professor, Life Sciences Communication, UW-Madison
Kaiping Chen is an assistant professor in computational communication in the Department of Life Sciences Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an affiliate of the Department of Political Science, the UW-Madison Robert & Jean Holtz Center for Science and Technology Studies, the Center for East Asian Studies, the African Study Programs, Wisconsin Energy Institute, and the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies.
Chen’s research employs data science and machine learning methods as well as interviews to examine how digital media and technologies affect political accountability to public well-being and how deliberative designs can improve the quality of public discourse on controversial and emerging technologies. Chen’s work is interdisciplinary and draws from theories in communication, political science, and computer science.
Allison Carlson
Executive Director, Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition
Allison Carlson is the first executive director of the Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition, which provides a coordinated voice for local governments that are pursuing clean energy and climate solutions. Carlson has over 15 years of experience in the energy and sustainability industry, including roles at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, and in the private sector where she led projects to support energy utilities and governmental entities in their efforts to plan, implement, and evaluate programs that benefit both residents and businesses.
Brady Steigauf
Community Liaison Manager, Focus on Energy
Brady Steigauf has 8 years of experience working in the nexus of energy efficiency, local government sustainability, and utility space. He recently celebrated his 1-year anniversary as Community Liaison Manager at Focus on Energy, a new position for the program. In this role, his goal is to enhance the Focus on Energy program experience for cities, local governments, and Tribal Nations by bringing communities and utilities together to deliver energy-saving programs to new, broader audiences of residents and businesses. Originally from Minnesota, his background is in Urban Studies, Public Health, and Sustainability from University of Minnesota – Twin Cities (ope!). He’s now a proud Wisconsinite who loves working with communities across the state.