Allegheny Graduate Dedicated To Energy Solutions Off The Coast Of Maine As An Island Institute Fellow

Off the coast of Maine, island communities are abuzz with activity, but their separation from the mainland proves challenging when it comes to literal electricity.

As an Island Institute Fellow, Elizabeth Dyer '25 develops energy solutions that enhance energy affordability without relying on the mainland electric grid.

Dyer is currently supporting the Islesboro Energy Committee in a technical assistance program to design a microgrid power system. The microgrid is like a generator, powering the communities when they lose connection to their primary source of electricity.

Dyer says that she continues to draw from her coursework at Allegheny College in her decision-making.

We would often circle back to the idea that change must begin at the local level, and now I get to see that play out every day in my work on Islesboro," notes Dyer, who studied environmental science and sustainability and Spanish. "We had many discussions of climate issues and their related matrices of social, economic, and ecological offshoots.

Concurrently, she engages youth at the Islesboro Community Center by creating programs that foster conversations about sustainability. Dyer says she couldn't imagine succeeding in her role without the emphasis on interdisciplinary learning at Allegheny College.

"I find I am comfortable working in both environmental programming with local students as well as technical conversations about energy with key stakeholders precisely because of the fluidity I learned to incorporate between my majors in college," she says.

Outside of the classroom, Dyer volunteered at the student-run organization Grounds for Change, served as the Sustainability Director of the Allegheny Student Government Cabinet, and was an active participant in Students for Environmental Action (a student group now included in the Green Coalition). She was an intern in the Office of Sustainability and developed a management manual for our permaculture food forest.

"The work Elizabeth is doing in Isleboro is very reflective of the skills and authentic character she brings to everything she does," says Kelly Boulton '02, director of sustainability. "She leads with curiosity, care, and creativity and always infuses a sense of community and fun into her goal outcomes."

Dyer credits the leadership experience she gained as president of Grounds For Change with developing skills she uses in her role today, like project management and creative problem-solving.

"I count myself lucky that I get to continue learning each day throughout my work - building an understanding of Maine's energy landscape, practicing communication with a wide range of audiences, and creating exciting programs are all rewarding in how they expand my own knowledge while contributing to my community's goals," Dyer says.