2005
Environment and Conservation

As the manager of the Hydrologic Modelling Section of Environment and Conservation, Dr. Amir Ali Khan has taken this section to a new level of public service by developing many new water resources products and services. These products have provided great benefit to the province in terms of disseminating water resources information to the public, and in turn have brought recognition to government for outstanding uses of technology.

Amir has quickly distinguished himself as a dedicated and tireless worker and is an integral member of the team responsible for issuing environmental approvals for various alterations to bodies of water. He leads a small group of professional staff which has implemented leading edge technology within the department. One area is the Geographic Information System (GIS), in which they developed an intranet application that allows users to map and interpret drinking water quality data as visual layers of information for the province. This work was recognized by the Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. through an award in December 2005.

Further accomplishments of Amir and his team include the Canada Newfoundland/Labrador Aqua Link web site which provides public access to ambient water quality data and information. In 2005, the hydrologic modeling section installed and calibrated the department’s first real-time weather station, located in Pippy Park, St. John’s, which gives current temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction. Additionally, Amir has brought new and innovative technology to the area of flood forecasting. He has helped to procure a new form of satellite imagery based on radar that was specifically adapted for showing the actual extent of the Exploits River ice cover.

It is said that the best leaders lead by example, this sentiment is echoed by those who work with Amir on a daily basis. By working diligently and creating a sense of achievement, pride and ambition in every task the group embarks upon he inspires a productive and respectful workplace. He demonstrates what it truly means to be an outstanding public service employee and how hard work results in both personal and provincial recognition.