Braj K. Singh (’71 MS, Mechanical Engineering) UAH 2018 Alumni of Achievement

The quality of education at UAH and close interactions with faculty members at the university’s Research Institute prepared alumnus Braj K. Singh for challenging jobs in the private sector and federal government.

Singh retired recently from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) after working for nearly three decades in the Office of Environmental Management; Office of Environment, Safety and Health; and Office of Nuclear Energy. Prior to his work at DOE, he worked as a Project Manager for U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

He completed his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from BIT Sindri in India. At UAH, Singh pursued a Masters of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering (Aerospace major) on the recommendation of Dr. Upendra Roy, who was working as an Assistant Professor of Engineering at the university.

Singh worked as a Research Assistant in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering while pursuing his degree. "This assistantship enabled me to pursue graduate studies in Engineering and subsequently provided a great opportunity for me and my children to excel in engineering, computer science, and medicine," he said.

Singh invested in more than education while attending UAH — he made many life-long friendships. "My academic advisor, Dr. Jerome J. Brainerd, Department Chair of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Dr. Kenneth Thompson, Deputy Director of the Research Institute, treated me like a family member and I was frequently invited to their home for dinner and special occasions. My colleagues in class treated me as their best friend. My social life was fun…I spent leisure time with friends like Mickey Wilhelm, who just retired as Dean of the Business School at the University of Louisville, Jim McNally, and others."

Singh credits his diverse academic background with career success. "With a major in Aerospace Engineering and a minor in Operations Research, and additional graduate studies in Fluid and Thermal Engineering. UAH prepared me for challenging jobs in my career at private sector and the federal government."

At the DOE Singh supervised, managed, and directed a multi-disciplinary line organization responsible for developing directives for DOE owned facilities in areas of decommissioning, safety analysis, human factors, fire protection, packaging and transportation, criticality safety, and risk based regulation.

He represented DOE as member of a high level U.S. delegation led by the Chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The delegation visited several of India’s nuclear power stations and Bhabha Atomic Research Institute. Singh advised the DOE Office of International Energy Policy and Office of Arms Control and Nonproliferation on Indo-U.S. bilateral energy issues. He actively participated as an invitee of the International Atomic Energy Agency in developing international guidelines on risk based regulation during a nuclear safety workshop held in Budapest, Hungary. He facilitated and participated in a dialogue between UK Atomic Weapons Establishment and DOE.

Singh’s advice to future alumni of UAH is priceless. "UAH has prepared you for all the challenges to compete with anyone. You are as good as any other student graduating from national or international schools. Focus on your assignments and always be ready to work in other areas to advance your career. You may have a tough time in the beginning but it will help you in the long run."

Singh’s advanced academic studies include The Harvard School of Public Health. In addition, he has published several technical papers and co-authored a book on Engineering Thermodynamics for undergraduate engineering students in India. Singh received a patent from the U.S. Patent Office and foreign countries for a steam generator design. He served as a member of the American Nuclear Society Radioactive Waste Management Standards Committee. As president of a 3,000 member civic organization, in a Washington, D.C. suburb, Singh directed several committees responsible for zoning, architectural control, and liaison with federal, state, and city officials.

---