SCS Engineers proudly announces that the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES) has recognized one of our Young Professionals for her outstanding achievements in engineering environmental solutions.
The AAEES honored Senior Project Professional, Parita Shah, EIT, M.ASCE, with its prestigious 40 Under 40 Recognition Award. This recognition celebrates emerging leaders making significant contributions to environmental engineering and science, and Parita exemplifies the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and positive community impact that the award embodies. Recipients are honored at the 2026 Academy Convocation and Celebration of Excellence evening event on April 16, 2026.
Mentorship and Teamwork
Throughout her career, Parita has valued the mentorship of Darrin Dillah, who nominated her for the award. “He helps me be a better engineer and a better leader… he’s taught me the importance of building trust with clients,” she said.
She also recognizes colleagues Jacob Gaither, Larry Taylor, and Guy Lewis in multiple practice disciplines under the SCS corporate umbrella for their support and expertise, emphasizing the value of collaboration and learning from others.
A Journey Marked by Empathy
Parita’s path to environmental engineering was anything but conventional. With undergraduate degrees in chemistry and religious studies, she initially worked in data management for cancer research. It was her grassroots activism—particularly around food waste and food insecurity—that sparked a deeper interest in environmental impact. Discovering environmental engineering as a career, she pursued a master’s degree and joined SCS Engineers, where she has thrived.
Advancing the Field Through Collaboration and Innovation
Day to day, Parita manages multi-million‑dollar projects in landfill permitting and design, landfill gas collection and control systems, stormwater management, erosion and sedimentation control, leachate treatment, and solid waste facility master planning.
Parita’s work also extends into academia and the community, illustrating a model for industry and universities to work together. She serves as an industry partner/technical advisor, collaborating with universities and laboratories on a Department of Energy grant to develop machine learning models to characterize MSW and develop methods for converting MSW into biofuels. She also collaborates with the University of Maryland on a National Science Foundation grant to deploy an AI-based platform, NourishNet, to help reduce food insecurity on a national scale—a cause close to her heart from years of activism. “I have the opportunity at SCS to create the position that I want…I’m grateful for the flexibility to pursue projects and experiences that interest me”, she shared.
Advice to Other Young Professionals
When asked what advice she would give to others, Parita said: “Be reliable, admit when you’re wrong, have a sense of humor, and answer the phone – this has worked well for me”.
Congratulations, Parita, on this well-deserved recognition from AAEES! You inspire us and represent our culture of pursuing our passions, embracing collaboration, and making a meaningful impact—both within SCS and across the environmental community.
