SHRM Virginia & DC State Council is committed to advancing the HR profession in Virginia through initiatives like the SHRM Virginia and DC Scholarship Program. Desirée J. Alleyne, Virginia State Council Certification Director, recently interviewed Lorne Epstein, Social Scientist at Electric Cow and Keri Purtell, Senior Human Resources Business Partner at Prince William County, to discuss their insights and experiences as recipients of the 2024 HR Virginia Scholarship.
Keri Purtell
Receiving the HR Virginia scholarship was both an honor and a rewarding experience.
The application process was straightforward, and I appreciated how thoughtfully it was designed to highlight each applicant’s commitment to the HR profession. It gave me a meaningful opportunity to reflect on my journey as an HR leader and the ways I hope to grow.
I chose to use my scholarship funds to attend the HR Virginia Annual Conference. Without the scholarship, I would not be able to attend the conference. This experience was invaluable—it allowed me to connect with HR professionals across the state, including SHRM Virginia & DC leaders and fellow members of the Prince William SHRM chapter. As the current chapter president, I especially valued the chance to strengthen relationships, share best practices, and bring new ideas back to my local chapter.
The scholarship has had a significant professional impact. Attending the conference expanded my network, renewed my enthusiasm for our work, and deepened my knowledge of current trends and challenges in HR. Personally, it reinforced my passion for service and leadership in the field. I’m grateful for the support and encouragement from SHRM Virginia & DC and proud to be part of such a committed and dynamic community.
Lorne Epstein
Q1: What did receiving the SHRM Foundation Scholarship mean to you personally and professionally?
A: Receiving the SHRM scholarship was transformational. Personally, it lifted a huge weight—I no longer had to worry about how to afford graduate school. That $5,000 allowed me to focus entirely on my neuroscience research instead of juggling extra work or loans. Professionally, it felt like SHRM was saying, “We believe in your vision.” That kind of validation from a leading HR organization reinforced the value of my work for the future of our workplace.
Q2: Can you tell us about your research and how it connects to the HR field?
A: Absolutely. My research investigates how serotonin influences decision-making, particularly under conditions of stress, ambiguity, or time constraints. In HR and leadership contexts, those conditions are common. I’m investigating how neurochemical changes affect traits like risk appetite, impulse control, and cognitive flexibility. The goal is to develop tools that enable HR professionals and leaders to make more informed, bias-aware decisions that support equity, psychological safety, and organizational effectiveness.
Q3: Why did you choose to pursue neuroscience as an HR professional and facilitator?
A: After working with thousands of HR professionals through bias reduction and communication workshops, I realized that behavior change requires more than good intentions. I wanted to understand what’s happening in the brain when people make decisions, especially those that impact others. Neuroscience gives us that lens. It helps bridge the gap between leadership theory and actual behavior, and I’m excited to bring that science into HR practice in a real, actionable way.
Q4: How has the SHRM Foundation helped make your vision possible?
A: The SHRM Foundation made it possible, in simple terms. Without this scholarship, I would have had to delay or scale back my graduate work. Instead, I was able to dive headfirst into my studies, collect data, and even begin building tools that HR departments can use. It has enabled me to accelerate my research on how serotonin influences leadership decision styles and how organizations can train for better decision-making, rather than just faster or louder ones.
Q5: What’s one way your research will benefit HR professionals in the next 5 years?
A: We’re developing a neuroscience-based tool that enables teams to understand how their decision-making patterns impact outcomes. Imagine HR teams being able to identify who thrives under pressure, who needs clarity to function best, and how to build resilience without burning people out. It’s about providing HR with real data, not just gut feelings, so they can support people better and create healthier, more adaptable organizations.
Q6: What message would you share with other SHRM Foundation donors and volunteers?
A: Thank you. Truly. What may feel like a financial contribution to one student is fueling a ripple effect. Your support is helping me build tools that will enhance decision-making in boardrooms, hospitals, classrooms, and beyond. You’re not just funding a degree. You’re financing innovation that puts people first. That’s what SHRM is all about, and I’m honored to carry that mission forward.
Q7: If your work inspires someone who wants to learn more or collaborate, how can they reach you?
A: I’d love that. The best way to reach me is through my website, www.LorneEpstein.com, where you can learn more about my research, upcoming workshops, and speaking engagements. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn or email me directly at lorne@lorneepstein.com. Whether you’re in HR, neuroscience, or just curious about how biology shapes leadership, I welcome the conversation. Collaboration is how we move this work forward.
Lorne Epstein MSOD, SHRM-SCP
Social Scientist
The scholarship application is open until September 1st!
For aspiring HR professionals in Virginia and DC, the SHRM Virginia and DC Scholarship Program presents a unique opportunity to fuel your journey towards excellence in the field of Human Resources. If you’re eager to advance your education, enhance your skills, and make a positive impact in your workplace and community, consider applying for the 2025 SHRM Virginia and DC Scholarship by September 1st. Stay tuned for updates on the selection process and announcement of winners at the SHRM Virginia & DC Leadership Conference in October.
Take the first step towards realizing your HR aspirations by visiting the SHRM Virginia and DC booth at the Annual Conference or connecting with us through social media channels, including the SHRM Virginia and DC LinkedIn page. Don’t miss out on this chance to receive valuable support and recognition for your dedication to HR excellence. We look forward to welcoming you into our community of passionate and driven HR professionals. Apply today and embark on a journey of growth, learning, and impact with the SHRM Virginia and DC Scholarship Program.
A huge thank you to our 2024 HRVA Scholarship recipients for their inspiring stories. We can’t wait to learn who our 2025 winners will be and how they plan to use their scholarships to advance their HR careers!
About the Author
Desirée J. Alleyne, SHRM-CP, MBA-HR, MLAW
SHRM Virginia and DC State Council
Certification Director
