THE FINAL WORD... ...an interview with Raj Shah


For those who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you – how would you describe your journey into the petrochemical world


I often describe my journey as a mix between a scientific expedition and a series of happy accidents. I grew up in Mumbai, after spending some real early years in London, watching my father navigate the world of chemistry under a Nobel laureate at Imperial College—so curiosity was basically in the air I breathed.


I got through the national exams in India and was fortunate enough to get into one of the best colleges at University department Chemical Technology in Mumbai followed by a fellowship for my Ph.D. at Penn State University, where I worked with the incredible Dr. Elmer Klaus, I was hooked on solving real-world lubrication and fuel problems. Koehler Instrument eventually became my professional home and has been now for almost three decades. Along the way, I’ve worn many hats—from technical service and R&D to sales and regular standardization work with ASTM. Every day is a new challenge, but the thread running through it all has been curiosity, learning, and working with amazing mentors


You’ve been in this industry for over 30 years – what’s something that has genuinely surprised you, even with all your experience?


Even after 30 years, I’m still surprised by how much people in this industry care. I expected a lot of technical rigor, yes, but the camaraderie—the way competitors collaborate to solve problems, share data, and improve standards—continues to surprise me. You read about innovation, but the way engineers, chemists, and scientists quietly push boundaries, while maintaining a sense of humility and humor, is remarkable.


And on a personal level, I’m always amazed at how a small tweak in the formulation of a lubricant or grease or a new test method can have massive real-world implications—something that would barely register outside the lab, but can mean thousands of safer flights or longer-lasting engines.


Why do you think people underestimate just how much innovation there is in petro testing and analysis?


Because we’re the quiet magicians of engineering. Most people think innovation only happens with flashy gadgets or apps. But in our world, breakthroughs happen in subtle, meticulous ways: a new instrument, a refined test method, or a minor adjustment in the formulation of a lube or fuel. It doesn’t make the front page, but it can extend engine life, reduce emissions, or enable alternative fuels.


It’s also invisible work: our labs look calm, orderly, not always meticulate, maybe even boring to the casual observer. But every measurement, every calibration, every experiment is a careful choreography of chemistry, physics, and engineering—and sometimes, a dash of good luck. The real innovation is hidden in the details, and I think the world underestimates the quiet power of that.


We hear a lot about AI, robotics and cloud-based lab systems. From where you sit, what’s hype vs what’s here to stay?


AI and robotics are exciting—but in our world of analytical instrumentation, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. AI has incredible potential for predictive maintenance, optimizing formulations, and analyzing massive data sets from fuel and lubricant testing. Robotics and automation reduce human error and improve repeatability. That part is very much here to stay.


What I’d call hype? The idea that AI will replace human judgment entirely. Lab science is still part intuition, part experience, and part creativity. The machines can do the heavy lifting, but the human mind—especially a curious, questioning one—still drives real progress. So, AI is a partner, not a replacement, IMHO.


You’ve mentored countless young engineers and scientists – what’s the one piece of advice you always give, and the one you wish someone had given you?


The advice I always give: be curious, and don’t be afraid to ask questions—even if they seem obvious. Often the simplest questions lead to the most important answers. I tell young engineers: build expertise, but never stop learning from others.


The advice I wish someone had given me: patience with your own growth. I was often in a hurry to achieve, to contribute, to make discoveries. Looking back, some of the most valuable lessons came quietly, over time. I would have benefited from realizing earlier that impact isn’t always immediate—but it accumulates in profound ways.


The advice I always give: be curious, and don’t be afraid to ask questions— even if they seem obvious. Often the simplest questions lead to the most important answers.


If you had to explain the biggest challenge the industry is currently facing what would it be?


Around the world especially in Europe I would say it would be balancing technological advancement with environmental and regulatory pressures. The world expects rapid innovation—new fuels, EV-compatible lubricants, sustainable formulations—while maintaining safety, reliability, and compliance. It’s like being asked to run a marathon while juggling flaming torches. Our role is to innovate responsibly, ensuring that breakthroughs are not just technically feasible, but commercially viable and environmentally sound.


What’s the most bizarre or unexpected thing that’s ever happened in your career?


It’s hard to pick just one, but a classic was during my Penn State days: the Storm of the Century in 1993. Stranded in snow, my friends and I decided to walk to Fenske Lab—a full mile through blizzard conditions—just to see if we could. We didn’t get far, nearly froze, but it became a legendary bonding experience. We managed to reached a Blockbuster video store ( yep, those existed then) , collected half a dozen video tapes. Safe back home, strange homemade concoctions, and lots of laughter turned a potential disaster into one of my fondest memories. It reminds me that science is not just about experiments in the lab—it’s about experiences, problem-solving, and teamwork.


If you could design a dream lab of the future – no budget limits, no red tape – what features would it absolutely have?


A dream lab would combine absolute precision with flexibility. Imagine: Fully automated instruments with AI-assisted analytics, but still accessible for hands-on experimentation. Real-time remote monitoring and cloud-based collaboration across continents.


Spaces for creativity: whiteboard walls, brainstorming pods, maybe even a coffee lab with “experimental” beverages (strictly for scientific purposes, of course). Maybe even a fully equipped tribology bay for testing extreme conditions—cold, heat, pressure, speed. Most importantly, a culture that encourages questions, and collaboration—because even the most advanced instruments are only as good as the minds that use them.


Finally… the energy sector isn’t always known for being glamorous. What’s one thing you wish people outside the industry understood better about it?


Our work touches everyone’s life in ways they don’t see. Every flight, every car ride, every wind turbine or nuclear plant relies on safe, well-tested fuels and lubricants. We don’t make the headlines, but we make the world move safely, efficiently, and sustainably. I wish people appreciated that innovation in our field isn’t flashy, but it’s indispensable.


Anything else you’d like to add?


I feel incredibly fortunate to have mentors, colleagues, and a family who’ve supported me for over three decades in this industry. Science is not just a career—it’s a conversation across generations, disciplines, and borders. I’m still learning every day, still curious, and occasionally still setting off small, harmless explosions in the lab (just for fun). If I could leave one thought for the next generation: be bold, be curious, and never underestimate the impact of the quiet work that makes the world fly, drive, and turn.


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