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 a 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 a supervisor of R6 RCRA Permits and Solid Waste Section, I manage the close coordination with EPA Region 6 states, in implementation of a variety of technically complex requirements on treatment, storage, and disposal of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) hazardous waste and solid waste, while providing support and tracking the progress R6 states' hazardous waste permitting. We issue the Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) storage and disposal authorization to the facilities.
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 range of opportunities. There are multiple environmental programs involved in protection of air, water, and land. There are opportunities ranging from developing policy, permitting, inspection, enforcement, legal counsel, and community outreach. There is a cross-program learning opportunity by moving across the divisions within EPA.