Member Spotlight: Meet Raj Shah

What’s a typical day like for you?

In short: exciting and unpredictable. I may interact with cus- tomers, put out fires, or solve internal and external issues, and it is always fun and fulfilling. I love the satisfaction of solving a customer’s problem; it is difficult to put that feeling into words

Flash back to when you were 10 years old. What did you want to be when you grew up?

I grew up in the suburbs of Mumbai, and my dad was active in the chemical industry. I always wanted to be a chemical engi- neer. I still remember how excited I was when I was accepted at the Institute of Chemical Technology, which has an accep- tance rate of 0.06%.

Why did you decide to do the work you are doing now?

In graduate school, I was part of a research group headed by Professor Elmer Klaus, a world-renowned petroleum engineer and tribologist. We were fortunate to be exposed to indus- try on an almost daily basis. In fact, I worked on projects for eight different multinational corporations before receiving my degree.

Is there an achievement or contribution you are most proud of? Why?

I have been fortunate enough to work with several mentors. I am currently working with Stony Brook and Hofstra universi- ties, and as a result, Koehler has a number of interns working at our organization. Watching them grow and learn about our industry gives me great joy. I feel as if I am playing a small but important role in teaching the next generation

What event, person, or life experience has had the most influ- ence on the direction of your life?

I met my wife, Dr. Niloufar Faridi, at Penn State, when we were graduate students. We had our son, Kian, 16 years ago. Kian is a special-needs child who has autism and is nonverbal. Raising him has been a blessing. He has taught me patience and grati- tude—both lessons I really needed to learn.

How do you relax after a hard day of work?

I like to be on the water. When weather permits, Kian and I are on our tandem kayak.

What skill would you like to master?

I would love to play better golf (I make zero effort) and be flu- ent in Spanish. Both are works in progress. I speak seven lan- guages but learned them all when I was younger. It is much more difficult to learn one at my current age.

What are some small things that make your day better?

Accomplishing what I set out to do at work for the day before I leave the office, interacting with my son, reading a funny one- liner, listening to a soothing piece of music, or tasting a uniquely crafted concoction: All of these bring a smile to my face.