Careers

Profiles of Members of EPA's Asian-American and Pacific Islander Community: Enid Chiu

Profiles of Members of EPA's Asian-American and Pacific Islander Community


Enid Chiu

Enid Chiu, Environmental Engineer
Water Protection Division
Philadelphia, PA (EPA Region 3)

Where were you born?

Battle Creek, Michigan.

What brought you to EPA?

As an undergrad engineering student, I was fascinated by the world of science and engineering. I was very interested in finding ways to apply these concepts for the greater good.  I got a student internship with EPA Region 3, which gave me a broader view of environmentalism. After graduating college, I joined EPA.

What type of work do you do at EPA?

I help implement the drinking water program in the District of Columbia. This involves a variety of tasks such as reviewing drinking water treatment plans for DC, performing sanitary surveys, and managing drinking water data. I also work on regional regulations for both drinking and groundwater programs.

I also enjoy working on several environmental outreach activities for my community. For example, I serve as the Region 3 Asian American / Pacific Islander program manager and the Beyond Translation Initiative coordinator.

Furthermore, I’ve been actively involved in outreach efforts with the Indonesian community in Southern Philadelphia. We have focused on recycling residential cooking oil. Rather than pouring used cooking oil down the drain or sending it to a landfill, the Indonesian community has adopted more sustainable practices. They have established cooking oil collection barrels at central locations such as places of worship. EPA Region 3 facilitated connections with a local cooking oil recycling company that collects the oil to be turned into biofuels, compost, and soap. This project has empowered the community to address their environmental challenges, while actively developing sustainable solutions.

What is your highest level of education? What was your major?

I have a bachelor of science in engineering with a major in bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania. I’m currently pursuing a master of science in environmental planning and management from the Johns Hopkins University.

What message would you like to send other Asian Americans who are considering college or a career in environmental protection?

Go for it! We are always in need of bright minds and fresh perspectives. Environmental protection affects all people. It would be ideal to have the diversity of the environmental workforce be reflective of the populations impacted.

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