Timothy Alston

CEEAA Young Alumni Achievement Award, 2025

For commitment to access to opportunities for underrepresented minorities through mentorship, networking, and professional development demonstrated through his involvement as the Director of Programs for the Chicago Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), spearheading the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Student Outreach Mentorship Program, and co-founding The Black Water Professionals Alliance (BWPA); and for emerging leadership in the water and wastewater industries as a plant and process control engineer.

Biography

Timothy Alston is a dedicated process controls engineer with a strong commitment to improving wastewater treatment and promoting diversity in the STEM and water industries. As a key member of the Gary Sanitary District, one of Indiana’s largest wastewater utilities and a majority-Black utility, Timothy plays a crucial role in optimizing plant processes and advising the Plant Superintendent on technical improvements. His responsibilities extend to managing the Operations Department, the vital component of the utility.

Before his current role, Timothy worked as an environmental consultant at CDM Smith Inc. in Chicago, focusing on air, soil, surface water, and groundwater sampling projects. His professional career is complemented by a passion for mentorship and community service. He has served as an undergraduate mentor and Director of Programs for the Chicago Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), leading initiatives such as the Chapter’s Professional Mentorship Program and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Student Outreach Mentorship Program.

Timothy’s passion for fostering diversity and inclusion is also evident in his co-founding of the Black Water Professionals Alliance (BWPA), a non-profit dedicated to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the water industry. Since its inception in 2022, BWPA has grown to over 400 members, providing networking, professional development, and leadership opportunities for Black individuals in the field.

In addition to his work with BWPA, Timothy is deeply committed to STEM education and mentorship, having personally mentored over 100 high school students through SMASH Academy, a non-profit focused on empowering underserved youth in STEM.

A proud graduate of Claflin University, a historic HBCU in South Carolina, Timothy holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the University and a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. With his combination of technical expertise, leadership in community-building, and dedication to fostering underrepresented talent in STEM, Timothy Alston is a young professional making significant contributions in both his field and his community.