Said Al-Hallaj, Ph.D., Founder and acting CEO
Said Al-Hallaj is a Research Professor in Chemical Engineering and Coordinator of Renewable Energy Programs at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). He is a nationally-recognized expert on renewable energy and environmental policy planning and implementation. Prior to Sun Phocus, Dr. Al-Hallaj founded All Cell Technologies, LLC, an IIT-based technology transfer company, and played a leadership role in the Illinois Hydrogen Highway project at Rockford Airport, and Sustainable Village, House of the Future, and Hydrogen Fueling Stations at IIT.  He is also active in developing green building code metrics and sustainable energy demonstration projects for the City of Chicago.  Dr. Al-Hallaj received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in 1994 from Jordan University of Science and Technology and his Ph.D. in 1999 from IIT. 

Elena Savona, Co-Founder and Director of Architecture
Elena Savona is a licensed architect in Italy and a LEED Accredited Professional.  She has extensive contacts with architects and institutes that work with PV technologies in the US, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy.  Ms Savona has been published in Italy, including a study of applications of solar and wind technologies in the built environment.  Ms. Savona graduated cum laude with a degree in Architecture from the University of Palermo, Italy.  Her education in architecture includes one year of study with the Department of Architecture at the University of Kassel, Germany.  In 2006 she received a Master's degree in Architectural Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), Chicago, IL.  Since 2003 Ms. Savona has been working at IIT on research projects related to sustainable buildings, and she is currently working as Energy Designer at a consulting engineering firm in Chicago, IL. 

Mike Mehawich, Director of Marketing
Michael Mehawich joined the Sun Phocus team in December 2005 to assist with marketing and institutional financing efforts. Prior to this he spent six years in management and technology consulting, most recently as a Manager in Capgemini’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) consulting practice. Mr. Mehawich holds a bachelors degree in Industrial Engineering from Northwestern University and is pursing an MBA from the University of Chicago with concentrations in marketing and entrepreneurship (expected graduation June, 2007). He was recently named Co-chair of the MBA program’s High Tech Group. 

Monica Cook, Director of Research and Development
Ms Cook’s experience is in the chemical process and allied products industry. This experience includes polyester film packaging and converting, adhesives, chemical and environmental products. Her skills include process engineering, quality coated (Six Sigma Black Belt Training), manufacturing, technical service and support, product and equipment development, customized inspection systems and corporate planning. She has a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois, an M.S. degree in Environmental Project Management from Northwestern University and is a Ph.D. candidate at IIT.

Ken Johnson, Advisor
Mr. Johnson serves as an advisor in corporate finance, law, and strategy.  He is a senior-level executive with more than 20 years experience in management and law.  He has started several venture-backed companies and has extensive experience in corporate development at Fortune 50 companies.  Currently he is the Executive Director of the Jules F. Knapp Entrepreneurship Center at IIT.  Previously, he ran his own company and held executive positions in manufacturing, global consulting, and at leading healthcare companies.  He has an MBA degree from Northwestern University and a JD degree from John Marshall Law School.

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