She received her master's degree in building technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for her work in international energy policies and technologies. 

Cyane's work is published in books, journals and conference proceedings. At SEI, Cyane helps to enable communities to embrace clean energy and energy efficiency, green buildings, economic development, and sustainable communities. She believes sustainability will only work when communities consider the environment, economics, and equity. Her primary focus is on underserved market sectors such as local jurisdictions, schools, small businesses, and multifamily and affordable housing. She is also the executive director for the School of Environmental leadership, and helped to design and launch the first one, the Marin School of Environmental Leadership in partnership with Terra Linda High School in San Rafael.