Microbiologist
EPA's Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response

Current Research

The focus of my research is to develop effective sampling and sample processing methods, and rapid, sensitive, and specific analytical methods to detect biothreat agents and biotoxins from environmental samples, including water samples. I represent EPA in national and international expert workgroups in this work area. Most recently, I have worked to provide technical support to EPA's Office of Emergency Management in setting up laboratory capability and capacity for potential environmental sample analysis for the SARS-CoV-2 virus and have also initiated a research project to develop a rapid method to detect the live virus in surface samples. 

Why This Science Matters

It is of paramount importance to protect the environment and human health from contamination by biothreat agents and biotoxins. Availability of effective sampling and analysis methods for environmental sample analyses is critical for optimum decision-making during responses to such contamination incidents of national significance. The methods and detailed laboratory protocols that I develop in direct support of the EPA Office of Emergency Management’s Environmental Response Laboratory Network  and the EPA Office of Water’s Water Laboratory Alliance Network and associated technical support will help address such an important need.

Education

1982 Ph.D. in Microbiology, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar, India
1978 M.S. in Microbiology, Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda, India
1976 B.S. in Microbiology, Gujarat University, Godhra, India

Awards

2018  U.S. EPA Award - Ricin Emergency Response Technical Team
2016  EPA National Honor Award for Exemplary Customer Service
2013  Federal Laboratory Consortium Technology Transfer-Far-West Region Award for Outstanding Partnership for Rapid Viability PCR Method
2012 EPA National Honor Award - Science Achievement Award for outstanding achievement in cementing partnerships to bridge a critical gap in laboratory capacity with the development of a novel laboratory method for the expedited assessment of the viability of Bacillus anthracis from an environmental sample
2002  U.S. Army Research and development Achievement Award for Technical Excellence

EPA Publications

Sanjiv Shah's research publications in the EPA Science Inventory

Related Resources

Homeland Security Research Program
Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response (CESER)
Contact CESER