The AHEAD Team
Our team brings well over a century of professional energy and development experience and a broad understanding of energy systems - their advantages, limitations and how they can complement one another. AHEAD's ability to compare, evaluate and combine resources and technologies provides a full palette of energy solutions.
Networking is an essential part of our approach. AHEAD maintains a Council of Experts and draws on other collaborators from across a wide spectrum of technical and social areas of expertise.
Networking is an essential part of our approach. AHEAD maintains a Council of Experts and draws on other collaborators from across a wide spectrum of technical and social areas of expertise.
Dr. Mary Jeanette (MJ) Ebenhack - President and CEO
MJ is the driving force behind AHEAD's day-to-day operations. She has
over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, having directed
programs at the University of Wyoming, Cornell University's Center for
Religion, Ethics and Social Policy, and Cornell Cooperative Extension.
She was ordained to the ministry by the Church of the Brethren in 1978.
She is the author of two books, two curricula and numerous published
works. She has traveled extensively and volunteered with numerous
community organizations.
Daniel M. Martinez, Ph.D. - Energy Systems Research Fellow
Dr. Martínez earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering studying
nucleation science through the University of Rochester and NASA-Goddard
Space Flight Center. Since joining AHEAD Energy, he has been
researching energy's role in development and is attempting to use
principles from nucleation theory to understand current consumption
patterns from a more fundamental viewpoint. This work informs which
types of energy-related activities a nation should pursue to most
effectively meet energy needs while improving quality of life. Through
the AHEAD-SAGES
partnership, he is managing various student-driven energy research
projects at the University of Southern Maine. He is also co-authoring a
book on global energy transitions planning with Ben Ebenhack.
Joao C. Venancio - Senior Program Coordinator
In 1992, Mr. Venâncio completed his Chemical Engineering studies with
distinction at Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM). He was invited to join
the University's Chemical Engineering Department as an Instructor
where he has taught more than 500 students. In 1998, Mr. Venancio
became a consultant to Mozambique's national oil and gas company,
Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos (ENH). He has been in charge of
several studies on natural gas utilization in Mozambique. He has
expertise in assessments of energy policies, planning of energy systems
(liquid fuels supply, rural electrification, and natural gas
utilization) and feasibility studies for energy projects. In 2008, he
completed a Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering at the University
of Rochester.
Joao Chidamoio - Program Coordinator
Mr. Chidamoio earned his "Licenciatura" in the Department of Chemical
Engineering at Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM) in 2001. After
graduating, he assumed a full-time position as Lecturer of Chemical
Engineering at UEM and a part-time teaching position at the High
Institute of Science Technology of Mozambique. In 2008, he earned a
Masters of Science degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of
Rochester and has had advanced training in South Africa and Sweden. Mr.
Chidamoio has conducted field research to garner data on energy
consumption in Mozambique and on agricultural production systems with a
focus on biofuels.