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.

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.

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.

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.

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.