Profiles of Members of EPA's Asian-American and Pacific Islander Community: Harry Shah
Profiles of Members of EPA's Asian-American and Pacific Islander Community
Harry Shah, Environmental Engineer
Land, Chemical and Redevelopment Division
Dallas, TX (EPA Region6)
Where were you born?
India
What brought you to EPA?
After my graduation, I worked with an engineering consulting firm as thermal/process engineer. My role was designing/revamping industrial heaters and boilers under NOx abatement program. That inspired me to work on the regulating side of the program and hence, I joined EPA.
What type of work do you do at EPA?
As an environmental engineer, I coordinate with EPA Region 6 states, on a variety of technically complex requirements on treatment, storage, and disposal of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) hazardous waste, while providing oversight for R6 states’ hazardous waste permitting. As a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, I facilitated projects to improve the efficiency. Being a task order contracting officer representative, I develop task orders, lead contract negotiations, and manage timely execution of the contract. As a R6 combustion contact, I am involved in regulating the emissions resulting from combustion of hazardous waste in incinerators, and boilers.
What is your highest level of education? What was your major?
I have a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering.
What message would you like to send other Asian Americans who are considering college or a career in environmental protection?
An education in an environmental field is extremely rewarding. A career with EPA has a wide scope. There are multiple program covering protection of air, water, and land. There are opportunities ranging from developing policy, permitting, inspection, enforcement, legal counsel, and community outreach. There is a learning opportunity by transferring between the programs.