Meet the Team: Aleah Newton
Aleah joined the OPT for Health team as a clinical research associate in February, 2026.
Aleah Newton relocated from her hometown in Connecticut to Richmond, Virginia in 2024. She already had years of experience in the two areas which are now central to her role in the OPT for Health Lab: phlebotomy and clinical research coordination, and she quickly earned her A.A. in psychology in Virginia. What she didn’t expect after her move was to find a role that would both utilize her existing skills and rekindle her interest in research.
In her role as a clinical research associate, Aleah helps with the day-to-day tasks of managing ongoing studies in the lab. She also serves as the lab phlebotomist, taking blood samples from participants for two of the ongoing studies: Redefining BMI and AYA WELL. Importantly for Aleah, a large part of her work takes place in the Richmond community, connecting directly with participants and engaging in community outreach. “Being here has really changed my perspective on research,” she says, “because back home I was a little discouraged in my position [as a CRC]. I wanted to give research another try, and being here…has really shown me what my purpose is.” Aleah has spent much of her life serving her community through ministry, and finds that community-engaged research inspires her in a similar way to her work with the church. “I have a passion to help people and work with people and serve people,” she says, “To be able to still be in communities and advocate for people on our projects is really fulfilling for me.”
Aleah has big plans for her future – currently she is pursuing her Bachelor’s in psychology, and hopes to go on to earn a Master’s in social work. She wants to continue to pursue research, so long as it’s community-engaged and gives her the opportunity to make a real-world impact. “I want to be that bridge between residents and people who make decisions,” she says, “I desire for my name to be known in communities so that people know, ‘when she shows up, she’s going to make changes and advocate for us, and be a voice for us.’”
Outside of her professional career, Aleah is working towards starting a nonprofit to benefit teens experiencing pregnancies. As a youth pastor and leader for many years, she feels a strong connection to this age group. Her nonprofit would be another way for her to serve and advocate for those whose voices are not always heard.
My path may not look traditional, but I think that’s part of what makes me effective. I bring education and professional experience, but I also bring lived experience. I understand what it’s like to be on the other side of some of the systems and conversations we’re asking communities to trust us with. I may know the research language, but I also know how to talk to real people in a real way.
-Aleah Newton
Although a pivot towards research was unexpected, Aleah seems destined for great things by combining her skillsets and her passion for serving the community. “I was just supposed to draw some blood and manage the lab,” she jokes of her current role, “all of this is unexpected.” We can’t wait to see where she goes from here!
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