Campus & Community
A chat with VCU Alumni’s new 10 Under 10 class
The 2023 honorees share a little about what they do and why
Hannah Altman (M.F.A.’20)
Photographer
“I’m really interested in my family history and Jewish heritage, and those interests naturally expanded into my photographic practice. Jewish heritage is one of those bottomless topics; you can continuously shape the work and get inspired by new things. After five years, it still feels really fresh and exciting.”
Chris Arnatt, Ph.D. (Ph.D.’13)
Associate professor of chemistry and pharmacology and physiology, Saint Louis University
“I usually am the floater in my department — i.e., I teach a lot of different classes — because I’ve got such an interdisciplinary background, which is unusual and unique for chemists. Not many people can teach biochemistry, molecular modeling and organic chemistry, but my mentor at VCU made me become an expert in all those subjects.”
Ashley Bland (B.S.’13, M.Ed.’16, Cert.’23)
Lead educational technology integrator, Richmond Public Schools
“I’m passionate about using the resources we have to make education more accessible for everybody. I’m also passionate about amplifying voices that you don’t necessarily hear all the time because I feel like I’ve been given that opportunity, and I want to give that opportunity to others.”
Kristal Lyn Brown, Ph.D. (Ph.D.’20)
Assistant professor, Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions
“Sometimes I tell people I’m a behavior changer and a storyteller. I help people make changes to their behaviors that will improve their health. But other times I say I’m an interdisciplinary health equity scholar. My work sits at the intersection of stress, obesity and disordered eating. I use mixed methods and clinical trials to make lifestyle interventions more equitable.”
Arshelle Carter (B.S.’16, B.A.’16)
Program manager, TechGirls
“While at VCU, I participated in a number of international exchange programs. What stands out for me is the connection you get from developing long-lasting relationships with people from all around the world. International exchange has shaped my view of life and allowed me to broaden my horizons.”
Gilbert Michaud, Ph.D. (Ph.D.’16)
Assistant professor of environmental policy, Loyola University Chicago
“I teach my students how to get out of the classroom and into communities, advocating for policies that they think will make the world a better place. I show them how to provide testimony and other forms of public input, and then they go out and help solve our energy and environmental challenges.”
Arzu Moosvi, Pharm.D. (B.S.’15, Cert.’20, Pharm.D.’20)
Community pharmacist and clinical outreach coordinator, Giant Pharmacy
“I spent all my life going to Pakistan at least every five years, so I had a gist of their health care system. That’s what led me to say, ‘I’m going to go back, and I’m going to help where I’m able to.’ It’s a work in progress, and it’s not something I’m going to stop doing.”
Alton Reid (B.S.’13)
Health scientist, EPA Office of Inspector General
“When people think about the federal government, they might think of congresspeople and the executive branch. They don’t really see the people who are behind the scenes, doing the work to keep the government running. Depending on the agency and position you are in, you can really see the impact your work has on lives.”
Axana Soltan (B.S.’17)
Human rights lawyer
“Born in Afghanistan after the Taliban took over, I lived in a world where women endured unspeakably harsh conditions and were deprived of basic human rights like education, employment and freedom of speech. When war erupted and conditions worsened, my family was forced to flee and become refugees. Being a refugee taught me the value of keen observation, the surprising strength of a single voice and the lasting importance of advocacy.”
Kim Young (M.S.W.’13)
Director of programs, The Hive; founder, Dope Black Social Worker
“As a social worker, a big part of what I do is stand on the side of what’s right. I stand on the side of people to ensure folks have what they need to live their most fulfilling lives. As a social worker, I’m a therapist. I’m a disruptor. I’m a problem solver.”
