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For Dr. Ali Fazel, a 1983 doctoral graduate of the School of Civil and Environmental
Engineering in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology, engineering has
always been about people. 

After more than 35 years leading Accurate Environmental LLC as CEO and director of
environmental services, Fazel has built a career focused on improving environmental
quality and public health. More recently, that commitment has taken a deeply personal
turn through his efforts to expand access to affordable health care in North Tulsa. 

“My interest in environmental engineering began with a simple but powerful realization:
the systems we design every day have a direct impact on people’s health and the environment
they live in,” Fazel said. “Early on, I was drawn to solving practical problems —
like water quality, sustainability and infrastructure — while also contributing to
something bigger than myself.” 

Fazel credits his time at Oklahoma State University with helping shape that mindset.
Through hands-on coursework, real-world projects and faculty mentorship, he learned
to connect theory to practice while embracing the responsibility engineers have to
serve their communities. 

“That emphasis on collaboration and responsibility stayed with me,” he said. “Those
experiences gave me both the technical foundation and the confidence to pursue a long-term
career in the environmental field.” 

Accurate Environmental is an organization aimed at improving air and water quality,
promoting sustainability, and supporting healthier ecosystems. Fazel notes that the
most rewarding part of this work has been seeing its tangible impact on communities. 

“Collaborating with passionate professionals and seeing the growth of emerging environmental
solutions has been deeply inspiring,” Fazel said.  

That same perspective informed his decision to help fund the creation of a low-income
pharmacy in North Tulsa, addressing a critical gap in access to affordable medications. 

“Over the years, I’ve seen how access to essential resources like health care and
nutrition can dramatically improve quality of life,” Fazel said. “Creating a pharmacy
was about ensuring people in the community can get the medications and health services
they need.” 

Seeing gaps in health care access, such as people struggling to afford medications
or lacking nearby pharmacies, sparked Fazel’s drive to create accessible solutions.  

“I hope the impact can be profound; you might see improved medication adherence, better
health outcomes, and even stronger community trust and well-being,” he said. “It all
adds up to a positive ripple effect throughout the community.” 

Fazel sees a direct connection between his professional work and his community service.
Both, he says, are rooted in sustainability and long-term well-being. 

“In environmental engineering, the work often focuses on reducing pollution, conserving
resources, and improving overall environmental quality,” he said. “Community efforts
are about translating those technical solutions into real-world impact.” 

Reflecting on his career, Fazel draws parallels between caring for the environment
and caring for people. 

“At the core, both involve nurturing and preserving something valuable,” he said.
“They’re interconnected and essential for a thriving, sustainable future.” 

For current CEAT students and young engineers, Fazel encourages them to look beyond
traditional career paths and recognize the broader influence of their skills. 

“Stay curious and open-minded,” he said. “Look for ways your expertise can address
real-world problems, get involved in the community, and keep the broader impact in
mind.” 

As he considers his legacy, Fazel hopes his story demonstrates the power of pairing
technical expertise with compassion. 

“I want to inspire future engineers to pursue meaningful work that benefits both communities
and the environment, and to always strive for positive lasting change. Ultimately,
I want to inspire a spirit of purpose and resilience in others,” he said.