Alumni Spotlight: Alton Reid (B.S.’13)
Alton Reid is a New York City native who was seeking a new environment for his college experience but still wanted to be close enough to family and friends. After hearing about VCU, he visited; Richmond was a huge change, but was interesting enough for him to choose VCU. He now works as a health scientist in the Office of Inspector General at the EPA and was recently selected as a 10 Under 10 honoree.
What do you do professionally? How did VCU prepare you?
I evaluate and research programs in the EPA and write reports with recommendations to improve those programs. These reports are utilized by Congress and other stakeholders when they are issued publicly.
My experiences at VCU helped me comprehend and utilize scientific information evaluating different topics. Essentially, VCU taught me to see how science works within a variety of systems. My biology background helps me understand the science in public health concepts, which I use evaluating some EPA programs. It helps me connect the ideas of how program deficiencies would negatively impact people’s bodies, and I use that when defending ideas to stakeholders or writing reports.
One of the most fulfilling parts of my job is working with people at the ground level, and seeing our impact there. The OIG is an accountability office, so we make sure the EPA is doing the things it’s supposed to be doing and making sure taxpayers are getting the most “bang for their buck.” When I work with different stakeholders, such as farmers, EPA grant recipients, tribal groups and whistleblowers, we are giving them an avenue to allow their voices to be heard through our reports, and I take pride in that.
What are you looking forward to this year in the DMV chapter?
Outside of helping new incoming students in the DMV area, and doing general volunteer opportunities with the DMV chapter, I look forward to some collaboration events to advance the new VCU School of Public Health program with colleagues in the chapter. I’ve done work in the past with the DMV chapter and the VCU Public Health program, like working on presentations and panels with students. With the DMV chapter, there are a lot of opportunities to volunteer, especially since we have been trying to get involved with the Baltimore chapter more recently.
Generally, I like giving back and showing students where they can go if they feel stuck, so they don’t feel stuck anymore. I know that feeling of not knowing where to go for answers in college, and I remember thinking, “I wish I had a mentor of some kind who could give realistic feedback on my situation.”
Why should alumni stay connected with VCU?
There are a lot of reasons. Giving back, knowing what’s happening at your alma mater, and, in some cases learning about opportunities you might not have even known existed. I remember finding out about the 10 Under 10 with VCU because I saw a random LinkedIn post about it, and then I just decided “Cool … I wonder what happens if I apply for this.” Amusingly, that is the same way I found out about the 40 under 40 award at my other alma mater, Drexel University, and I won that award as well. College can be more than just a phase in your life — you never know what your experiences can lead to and how staying connected to others can benefit everyone, especially in mentorship.
I remember when I got a Gold Medal for Exceptional Service, the highest honor you can be given at the EPA, not only because of the work I did on a report on dicamba and scientific integrity, but also because I had people who gave me opportunities and great mentorship. I remember speaking to my previous mentor, who stated, “Hey, I know you’re new at your job. Let me help you understand some of these concepts so you can become something better. I can tell you got it; you just haven’t had someone sit down with you to help you understand the little things here yet.” I give that individual, and a lot of others, credit for shaping me into the health scientist I am today. It always feels that you are sort of the sum of the opportunities you are given and the effort you put in to learn from experiences.
I’ve continued to carry the attitude of that mentor, and the many others I have had: How do I give back to my neighborhood or community, and help give someone else an opportunity when I see they are trying their hardest to shine? Thinking back on it, I feel as though my old football coaches from New York and Dr. Landry [Joseph Landry, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics] drilled this into me ….
Congratulations on your 10 Under 10 Award. What did that award mean to you?
I’m not going to lie — it was weird because I didn’t expect to win it. First of all, being 10 years out from graduation is wild and makes me feel kind of old. But beyond that, it’s cool to be recognized for the stuff that I’ve done up to this point. I feel honored to be recognized by VCU in that way. I’m also very thankful that people do notice the work that I have done up to this point in my life’s journey and find it praiseworthy.
What’s next?
Currently, I’m working on my doctoral degree in public health at Rutgers University. Eventually, I’m hoping my dissertation can impact health policy in either New York City, Long Island or northern New Jersey. Also, I am trying to do a presentation with the EPA OIG and VCU biology department this coming school year for a report my team and I have been working on.
Anything else you want people to know?
I think people should read up on inspector general offices, and report things if they feel it makes sense for the appropriate OIG. People want accountability for people in positions of power, and there are ways to do that. If you notice a problem with a government agency, and even better, have any evidence about it, you can help play a big part in any investigation, audit, or evaluation. Teams will take your EPA OIG hotline complaint and listen to you, which I know from personal experience because I have done intake before.
A lot of people think you can only just go to the president or CEO of a company and complain to get something done. I don’t think that always works and they miss out on opportunities to be impactful because they don’t realize some of these other available avenues. However, if you reach out to the IG community, we may be able to investigate your concern. To me, this is an effective way to have your voice heard by some government entities.
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