April 11, 2022
Edison Plugged In: Meet Mackenzie Kuran, Associate Project Engineer
In the next installment of our Edison Plugged In Series, which shines a spotlight on the people, projects, and perspectives of the Edison Energy team, we are featuring Mackenzie Kuran. Mackenzie joined Edison Energy as an intern during the summer of 2019. Following her graduation from the University of Pittsburgh, she became a full-time Associate Project Engineer with our Energy Optimization team in February 2022. Learn more about Mackenzie’s path to Edison Energy and role with the company in her interview below!
Tell us your background, a little bit about yourself, and how you ended up at Edison Energy.
I have always been very interested in clean energy and hoped to combine my technical knowledge as an engineering student with my interest in energy. In the summer of 2019, I was an intern at Edison’s Asbury Park office, where I learned a lot about the solar industry. During college, I took a number of classes that were focused on sustainability and energy and also worked for general contractor in Pittsburgh on an ongoing construction project. Following my graduation this December, I was excited to join the Energy Optimization team and bring the new skills and experiences I have gained since my internship to the team.
What is your role at Edison Energy?
As an Associate Project Engineer on the Energy Optimization team, my responsibilities range from feasibility studies to site visits for on going solar projects.
Is there a project you feel most proud of in your career, and if so, what made this project successful from your perspective?
As an intern in with Edison in 2019, I learned the solar mapping program helioscope that is often used for feasibly studies. Following my internship, I was able to use this knowledge to create over a dozen helioscope of University of Pittsburgh buildings for Pitt’s Mascaro Center for Sustainable Development. These helioscopes were later incorporated in the Pitt’s Facilities Master Plan as part of their efforts to reduce emissions by 2030. I was proud to be able use the skill that I gained working for Edison to contribute to this project, and as a full-time employee helioscopes are still something that I use in my work.
What advice would you give to a peer who is looking to pursue a similar career path?
Energy Optimization is a vast and quickly growing field so anyone who is looking for a career in this field should be willing to learn. I not only learned important tools like helioscope and other project management tools, I have also learned a lot about different solar incentives, expanded my knowledge of construction drawings, and stayed up to date on energy infrastructure trends just to name a few things. As the field continues to grow, anyone who is looking for a career in energy will have to learn and adapt.
What is the most recent song you had on repeat?
Solar Power by Lorde.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 things would you take with you and why?
A long book to pass the time, all of Taylor Swift’s music, and my roommate’s cat who keeps me company during the workday.
Share an interesting fact about yourself.
I have been teaching Spin classes for about 9 months!
Click here to learn more about the Edison Energy team and stay tuned for the next feature in our Edison Plugged In Series!
