North Cape, Prince Edward Island – November 28, 2025 – WEICan is proud to share that our Scientific Director, Marianne Rodgers, PhD, has been awarded the Engineers PEI Friend of the Profession Award for 2025. This prestigious award recognizes a layperson who has made an outstanding contribution to the practice of engineering in Prince Edward Island.

Marianne has led WEICan’s scientific research activities for more than a decade and has been a driving force behind advancements in wind energy, solar PV, battery storage, grid integration, wind turbine blade erosion, industrial lubricants, and climate data collection. Her leadership has strengthened renewable energy research not only on PEI, but across Canada.

Marianne is also a champion of developing future engineers. A passionate advocate for experiential learning and workforce development, Marianne hires and mentors numerous co-op students, interns, and early-career engineers each year. She is widely respected for creating meaningful hands-on learning opportunities and for her commitment to equitable and inclusive hiring practices. Many of her students have gone on to successful careers in engineering and clean energy, supported by the skills and field experience gained under her guidance.

Marianne also leads WEICan’s robust outreach and engagement activities. She collaborates closely with the University of Prince Edward Island’s Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering, coordinating student placements, site tours, and educational programming. She has been an enthusiastic supporter of UPEI’s ProGRES (Promoting Girls in Research in Engineering and Sustainability) program, hosting participants at WEICan’s Wind R&D Park to inspire the next generation of women in engineering. Marianne has also played a foundational role in the Canadian Wind Energy Research Network (CWERN), connecting researchers, industry leaders, and policy makers across the country.

Her research contributions are widely recognized in academic and government circles. Marianne has co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and presented many invited and keynote lectures. Her leadership has helped establish WEICan as a reliable, long-term partner in renewable energy research and grid integration. She has truly embodied what it means to be a friend of the engineering profession.

“We are thrilled to see Marianne receive this well-deserved recognition,” said Scott Harper, CEO of WEICan. “Her dedication to advancing renewable energy research, supporting engineering education, and strengthening the future workforce has been invaluable to our organization and to the engineering community across Canada and within our home Province of Prince Edward Island.”

WEICan congratulates Marianne on this honour and celebrates her lasting contributions to engineering, education, and Canada’s clean energy future.

For more information about WEICan and its work, please visit www.weican.ca