IIT’s Al-Hallaj Named Honorary Charity Chair of American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago’s Reception at First Look for Charity
Said Al-Hallaj, Research Associate Professor and Coordinator of Sustainable Energy Programs at Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), will serve as Honorary Charity Chair of the American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago’s reception at First Look for Charity on February 9, a black-tie preview of the Chicago Auto Show, 6 pm at McCormick Place
Al-Hallaj will explain sustainability and the research IIT is doing to reduce urban emissions, a leading cause of asthma and other lung related illnesses.
“IIT has a legacy of more than 50 years of leadership in the research, development and commercialization of sustainable energy systems. We are delighted to partner with the American Lung Association and American automobile manufacturers in making sustainable mobility a global priority,” said Al-Hallaj. “Health, environmental and global energy concerns have made sustainable transportation an immediate priority.”
The American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago has been a strong advocate of hybrid automobiles.
"As hybrid cars have proved, consumers are ready for lower emission cars and we're delighted that Prof. Al-Hallaj can offer our guests insight into these emerging technologies," said Joel Africk, CEO, American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago.
Attendees of this year’s First Look will get a glimpse of new low-polluting electric and hydrogen vehicle technologies which will be incorporated in future Ford, GM and Daimler Chrysler models and Al-Hallaj will be on hand to discuss these technologies and highlight some of IIT’s demonstration projects.
Al-Hallaj is currently working with the city of Chicago Department of Fleet Management (CDFM) to convert a hybrid SUV in the city fleet into Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle using lithium-ion batteries. The batteries utilize IIT’s patented thermal management technology using phase change material. The project’s goal is to double the fuel efficiency and reduce emissions in the city’s hybrid Ford Escape SUV.
Tickets to First Look for Charity are available at any of nineteen participating charities although only the American Lung Association offers a VIP reception and technology demonstration. To purchase tickets or for more information call Kendra Meyer 312-628-0207.
All guests will have a chance to win a 2006 Infiniti G35 coupe valued at $36,000 or a Nissan Murano valued at $30,000. Winners must be present. The ALAMC reception starts at 6 pm; the floor show opens to all guests at 6:30.
First Look for Charity and the Chicago Auto Show are presented by the new-car dealers of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, who form the Chicago Automobile Trade Association.
Founded in 1890, IIT is a Ph.D.-granting technological university awarding degrees in the sciences, mathematics and engineering, as well as architecture, psychology, design, business and law. IIT’s interprofessional, technology-focused curriculum prepares the university’s 6,200 students for leadership roles in an increasingly complex and culturally diverse global workplace.
