Subhash Shah, a distinguished expert in hydraulic fracturing and well completions, has established the Dr. and Mrs. Subhash and Jaya Shah Family Endowed Scholarship Fund to assist graduate students in chemical engineering at the University of New Mexico (UNM). The fund aims to alleviate financial burdens for two selected graduate students each year.
Shah, originally from India, faced significant financial challenges when he arrived in the United States for his graduate studies at UNM in 1969. "I remember in 1969, it was kind of rough," he said. "It was a hardship for me and difficult to get financial help." Despite these difficulties, Shah earned his master's degree in 1971 and a Ph.D. in 1974.
Reflecting on his journey, Shah emphasized the importance of support systems during his academic career. He attributes much of his success to mentorships that connected him with fellowship opportunities. This experience inspired him and his wife, Jaya, to create the scholarship fund.
The couple's commitment to giving back extends beyond monetary contributions. They are active volunteers both locally near Dallas and internationally in India. "There are many other ways to give back, such as through time and talent," Shah noted.
Throughout his career, Shah has held prominent positions in both industry and academia. After working for Allied Chemical and Halliburton as a senior research engineer and group supervisor, he transitioned into academia at the University of Oklahoma in 1994. There he served as Stephenson Chair Professor and Director of Well Construction Technology Center before becoming professor emeritus in 2015.
Shah’s professional accolades include recognition by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) as a Distinguished Member and Lecturer, as well as receiving their Completions Optimization and Technology Award. He is also a fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and was honored with UNM's School of Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award in 2017.
For more information about the scholarship fund, interested parties can contact Elsa Maria Castillo at elsac@unm.edu or scholarships@unm.edu.
