Rolana Harris
CH2M HILL
Nominated by Project Management Institute

Rolana Harris, a chemical engineer with CH2M HILL in Atlanta , has worked to evaluate unloading a new raw material via barge to the marine terminal to enhance feedstock flexibility, which minimizes capital cost by utilizing existing unit operations. She has completed the Energy/Yield Deep Drill Six Sigma Project with CH2M HILL to identify plant opportunities that would minimize energy usage and maximize yield, potentially saving plants $5 million in capital costs.  She has worked on several projects on equipment development and designs, and has also participated in the projects’ Process Hazard Analysis to ensure inherently safe plant designs.

In addition, Ms. Harris activity volunteers in local community projects:  she participated in three Habitat for Humanity House Builds and immediately stepped up after Hurricane Katrina to help evacuees in Houston. As a Junior Achievement Volunteer, Rolana helps elementary students learn about the importance of education and economics. She has served as a teacher for “Life’s Lessons 101” at Leisure Learning Unlimited in Houston, where she taught high school and college students the importance of early savings and transitioning to college or work.

“I became an engineer because I enjoyed and excelled at math and science, so I knew engineering would be a good fit for my interests," says Harris. “Now I am most proud of following a project from inception to completion and realizing the value it brought to the plant during normal operations."

A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, in Pennsylvania, Ms. Harris earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and master’s degree in industrial engineering.

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