With almost a decade of experience as a radiation safety officer for the University of Idaho, Samir Shahat was selected to be the university’s new director of Environmental Health and Safety.
Abi Stomberg | Argonaut
Samir Shahat was named as the new director of Environmental Health and Safety. Shahat will oversee all environmental health and safety programs as well as ensure that the University of Idaho is in compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations.
Matt Dorschel, UI director of public safety and security, who was on the hiring committee for the position, said Shahat has a great background in public health and safety, and knows the position and campus well.
“He is really, almost, overqualified when it comes to his education, which is fantastic. So we feel really fortunate to have him and the fact that he took the position,” Dorschel said. “He has a really great background in environmental health and safety, and a Ph.D in chemistry, which leans itself to that area.”
Dorschel said the two main characteristics he looked for in a new EHS director was ethical leadership and genuine care for the position, both of which Shahat had.
“I feel really confident that he has those qualities as a leader, and will do a lot for that program,” Dorschel said.
Shahat said he plans to focus in on efficiency as director of EHS to keep up with ever changing government regulations.
“The new approach or philosophy for me here will be efficiency. So we do our work and serve the people as quickly as we can, and respond as quickly as we can, and follow up after,” Shahat said.
Shahat said he plans to make communication between EHS and the rest of the campus environment easier and more personal.
“I remember when I had my personal interview for this position, I told them communication, communication, communication, because it is the most important thing,” Shahat said. “It is not enough just to give a phone call or send an email…we will be there, we will be apart of the group.”
Shahat has big shoes to fill as he takes the place of Fred Hutchinson, who was the EHS director for more than 30 years, and was a mentor to Shahat.
“He was like a legacy for the university, so it’s very hard to replace Fred actually. He is a very good person,” Shahat said.
Dorschel said Hutchinson is well liked on campus, and built EHS from the ground up into the department it is today.
Shahat said UI does not frequently appoint directors of EHS because the position requires an efficient and diligent system from dealing with government regulations to public safety codes.
As EHS director, Shahat will oversee all workplace safety and environmental safety concerns for UI faculty, staff and students.
“We take care of everything — air quality, water quality, environmental issues on campus,” Shahat said.
Dorschel said EHS is not just responsible for keeping up with federal, state and local government regulations, but also addressing problems about hazardous materials that many professors and students use. He said with a large university like UI, collaboration between departments is key for the safety of students and faculty.
“There are so many regulations, and what is takes is a team effort. So, one unit like EHS can’t really do it without building strong partnerships,” Dorschel said. “One of the things Samir impressed our hiring committee with was his ability to build partnerships and collaborate with people on campus.”
Ryan Tarinelli can be reached at [email protected]