As a microbiologist with the Alabama Department of Public Health, (ADPH) Faulkner alumna Hannah Putman is working to combat illnesses and make a positive difference in people’s lives.
Born in Austell, Georgia and growing up in Villa Rica, Putman graduated from Faulkner with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and was honored for her work by being selected as the 2021 Marketplace Faith Friday Forums’ Young Alumnus for the College of Arts and Sciences’ Natural and Physical Science department.
Putman currently works in the Mycobacteriology and Mycotics Division of the Bureau of Clinical Laboratories where she tests and identifies patient specimens as a part of the Tuberculosis monitoring program for the state of Alabama, as well as other species of Mycobacteria that cause illness.
“I enjoy working in the laboratory setting and being able to perform hands-on science!” Putman said. “Microbiology is a fascinating and evolving field of study and I love that there is always something new to learn.”
She graduated from Arlington Christian School in 2012 and after two years at the University of West Georgia she transferred to Faulkner in her junior year and graduated in 2016.
While at Faulkner, she was a member of the delta Xi Omega social club and was a founding member of the Faulkner Science Association.
“During my time at Faulkner, I was a part of a community. I made amazing friendships through social clubs and the long hours spent in the science building,” Putman said. “I had the opportunity to learn from professors who encouraged me to think critically and apply my knowledge. Their guidance shaped the way I approach challenges in my day-to-day work and made me a better scientist.”
Following graduation, she continued working in the Faulkner science department as a laboratory technician assistant and teaching assistant. She began her position as a microbiologist for the ADPH Clinical Laboratory in January in 2018. In August 2020, she started a graduate program through the University of Florida to pursue a Master’s in Microbiology and Cell Science.
“I was able to grow in my faith while at Faulkner. I experienced God’s power to bring people together in community with each other, despite our differences. It was also a blessing to study biology in a Christian learning environment and openly discuss how science and faith fit together,” Putman said. “I believe that Faulkner’s mission is to shape students to be productive members of society, but also compassionate individuals. I appreciate the opportunity I had to be a part of that mission.”
She lives in Millbrook, Alabama and attends Prattville Church of Christ. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time with her family.
