Alumni Spotlight

Pictured above, Donna Shahbazi (left) and her father (right).

Meet Donna Shahbazi (J.D., ‘24)

Donna Shahbazi (J.D., ‘24). Donna was a CEJS Gary Chamberlain Student Research Fellows in 2021-2022. Until very recently, she served as a superfund attorney for the EPA Region 7. The focus of her work was to protect human health and the environment by cleaning up contaminated sites, make responsible parties pay for cleanup work, involve communities in the process, and return Superfund sites to productive use. Donna pursued a law degree to make a tangible impact: “I am driven by a deep sense of responsibility to future generations, and I know that law is a powerful tool to achieve meaningful change.” Her fondest memory from her days at SU: “Homecoming. My dad is a Seattle U alum (BS ’82) and we enjoy spending those weekends together.”

 

Read the Interview with Donna*

 

Q: Until just recently, you worked as a superfund attorney for the EPA Region 7. Can you briefly describe what that work consisted of? What were the superfunds in Region 7 that you worked with and what is the role of attorneys in this?  

A: As an attorney at EPA Region 7, I served Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, and nine Tribal Nations, providing legal support to help advance the agency’s mission. My work involved offering legal advice, conducting research, preparing documentation, and making policy recommendations to ensure environmental laws are effectively implemented. I also participated in litigation, draft Agency determinations, proposed regulations, and Federal Register notices, all of which contribute to shaping environmental policy. Additionally, I engaged in negotiation and informal dispute resolution to address complex regulatory challenges. Collaboration was a key part of my role—I worked closely with program clients, the Office of General Counsel, the Department of Justice, and other federal and state agencies to support the region’s environmental priorities and ensure we are protecting public health and the environment effectively.

Some of the sites I worked on include the HPI Chemical Products Removal Superfund Site, Big River Mine Tailings – Residential Soil Cleanups, Washington County Lead District – Old Mines, General Motors Sioux City, Omaha Lead, Cherokee Zinc – Weir Smelter, Faball Abandoned Containers, Parkview Well, Ruth’s Norge Launderama, Thompson Chemical, and Cherokee County – Residential Soil Cleanups.

Q: What are some of the key things you have learned about superfunds in your time with the EPA that the broader public should be aware of?  

A: In my time with the EPA I have learned that Superfund’s goals are to: protect human health and the environment by cleaning up contaminated sites, make responsible parties pay for cleanup work, involve communities in the process, and return Superfund sites to productive use. The last goal is where I have learned the most and what I believe the public could benefit from knowing. Superfund Redevelopment has helped communities reclaim and reuse thousands of acres of formerly contaminated land. There is reuse potential in each Superfund site and I believe that’s a great thing to be apart of.  

Q: What motivates you in this field of work? 

A: What motivates me is the opportunity to make a tangible impact – whether it is holding polluters accountable or advocating for communities affected by environmental harm. I pursued a law degree to make a tangible impact. I am driven by a deep sense of responsibility to future generations, and I know that law is a powerful tool to achieve meaningful change.  

Q: When it comes to environmental justice, what are in your opinion the actions individuals can take to move this issue forward? What role can/should a higher education institution such as SU play to promote environmental justice and environmental protection? 

A: I believe when it comes to environmental justice, the key is to ensure that those who are affected have a seat at the table. When it comes to environmental protection, we often forget that we are all on the same team. Environmental protection takes all of us, from both sides of the aisle. 

Q: How did your Seattle University education prepare you for your work?

A: In the School of Law, there are limited offerings for environmental law courses. With that being said, I worked to take as many as I could. The knowledge and skills I gained in my coursework and in my research as a CEJS fellow have greatly impacted my ability to succeed in my career. What I learned is directly applicable to what I do today, and I highly encourage the School of Law to continue to invest in additional environmental law course offerings for their students.  

Q: What advice do you have for students who are considering environmental-focused careers? 

A: My advice to students would be to get involved early through internships, advocacy groups, or research projects to gain hands-on experience. Most importantly, stay persistent. Advocacy can be challenging, but every effort counts! 

Q: What is your fondest memory from your days as a student at SU? 

A: My fondest memory from my days as a student have to be Homecoming. My dad is a Seattle U alum (BS ’82) and we enjoy spending those weekends together.  

 

*Please note, these are her personal opinions and do not represent the views of the US EPA or the United States Government.