Analyst Ii Clean Energy

Grace Nichols

** ****** ****** *** ***, Augusta, ME 04330

*****.********@*****.*** 518-***-****

EDUCATION

University of Maine School of Law

Juris Doctor May 2024

Student Attorney with the Youth Justice Clinic, Spring 2024

Intern with the Conservation Law Foundation, Fall 2023

Energy and Environmental Law Society, Class Representative

Intern with the Governors’ Energy Office, Clean Energy Partnership, from 10/2022- Summer 2023

Intern with the Workers Compensation Board, Maine WCB, Summer 2022. University at Albany, Albany NY

B. S. Biology 2005

Research at Wadsworth Institute/heavy metals toxicology lab Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA.

California Clear Multi-Subject Teaching Credential (K-12) 1995 SUNY Binghamton, Binghamton

B.A. in History, Concentration Labor History 1987

Editor-in-Chief

Alfred V. House Departmental Award in History

SELECT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Investigator, Maine Human Rights Commission, Augusta, ME 2024-

Evaluate claims of discrimination

Hold fact finding conferences

Write Investigative Reports

Explain and Defend decisions at Commission Hearings

Legal Analysis

Conservation Law Foundation, Portland, ME Fall, 2023

Research on FERC Order 2022 and the need for Grid Reform for the Clean Energy Transition. Presented to New England Attorneys. 1

Wrote testimonyto oppose the expansion of the Juniper Ridge Landfill

Researched federal programs to fund electrical vehicles and transportation reform

Maine Governor’s Energy Office, August, ME October 2022 to September 2023 Legal Intern

Researched statutes related to the clean energy workforce.

Contributed to collaborative research and drafting of a proposed statute.

Prepared inventory of training programs for aspiring clean energy workers.

Helped provide curriculum re. Clean Energy Careers to teachers.

Co-wrote a federal application for funds for EV Charger Infrastructure Maine Workers’ Compensation Board, Portland, ME

Legal Intern June – August 2022

Supported Board attorneys to defend workers’ interests in disputes with insurance companies and employers regarding work-related injuries.

Conducted legal research and wrote memoranda on a variety of issues raised in Workers Compensation hearings. Wrote letters to doctors requesting their opinions.

Communicated with workers and opposing counsel; prepared cases; requested and organized evidence and discovery documents; reviewed medical evidence. New York Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance, Albany, NY Disability Analyst September 2009 – June 2021

Made disability determination decisions using medical and legal analysis.

Helped claimants negotiate the process of applying for SSI/SSDI.

Eleven years experience in swift, accurate, medical and legal determinations, deciding over 200 claims a year.

Mildred Elley College September 2007 - June 2008

Anatomy and Physiology, Evening College

Reid Middle School, Pittsfield, MA

7th and 8th Grade Science Teacher September 2007 – September 2008 St Anne Institute, Albany, NY

7th and 8th Grade Science Teacher (Secular School) September 2006 – September 2007 New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services, Albany, NY Program Manager, Advance Directives Provider Training Project 2000 – 2002

Led a team of six trainers who conducted over 2000 trainings for doctors, nurses and social workers regarding the use of advance directives in behavioral healthcare.

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Substitute Teacher (San Francisco, Oakland American Indian Public Charter School and Hoopa Valley School District -Hupa Reservation; experience with second language speakers, particularly from Latin America.) 1995-1999 Berkeley Ecology Center, Berkeley, CA

Bookstore Manager and Membership Director 1989 – 1993 SELECT VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Citizen Science Bat Monitoring, New York 2018 - 2021

Organized eleven observers, used bat detectors and bioacoustic bat recorders to establish the presence of rare bats in 44 acres of Pine Bush slated for development.

Worked with the Friends of the Mahicantuck to monitor bats on a piece of land with archaeological and ecological significance.

Advocate for Insect Conservation, New York 2009 - 2020

Worked in coordination with New York State scientists.

Wrote “Albany County Pollinator-Friendly County Resolution,” and organized for its passage.

Presented at Skidmore University (2020) and on Hudson-Mohawk Community Radio (2020 and 2021).

Co-founded the group, “Capital District Pollinator Allies.” Clear Air Coalition, New York 2016 - 2018

Advocated passage of groundbreaking Albany County clean air legislation. Save the Pine Bush, New York 2004 - 2018

Advocated for preservation of inland pine barrens.

Worked on newsletter, monthly hikes, fundraising dinners, community participation in hearings and support work for environmental litigation.

Served as Science Testimony Coordinator.

SKILLS

Medical and legal analysis

Environmental research.

Organizing Science Testimony/ Conservation Biology research

Teaching and curriculum development: Biology & History

Data gathering and analysis

Newsletter production

Community outreach

Spanish language

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REFERENCES:

Dr. Marietta Angelotti, MD, Review Doctor at Social Security Administration,

(2015-2021) *****************@*****.***

Mr. Nigel Stevens, Esq., Worker Advocate at the Maine Workers Compensation Board, Nigel. *******@*****.***, 207-***-****. I also worked for Margaret Bratten, Esq. (Summer Internship, 2022)

Ms. Tagwongo Obomsawin, Maine Clean Energy Partnership of the Governor’s Energy Office, 207-***-****, ********.*********@*****.***. Ms. Lynne Jackson, Supervisor at Save the Pine Bush, ************@***.***, 518-***-****. (2004-2018 litigation support).

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