Ali Lannom

 

When Ali Lannom first stepped onto the Tennessee Tech University campus to major in exercise science/physical wellness, she felt an immediate connection.

"Tech felt like home," she recalls. "I was drawn to Tech because of its academic programs and the opportunities the university provided to students. Tennessee Tech truly supports student development professionally, socially and personally. Trust me, I never wanted to leave!"

Little did she know that this sense of belonging would be the foundation for her journey from student to successful healthcare professional. Driven by her dream to help others live life to the fullest, despite impairments or injuries, Lannom started down the path to become an occupational therapist. 

She also immersed herself in campus life. She became a student orientation assistant and student coordinator in the New Student and Family Programs, roles that allowed her to welcome and guide new students just as she had once been welcomed. Lannom also found a sense of community in Greek Life as a member of Kappa Delta sorority. These experiences weren't just extracurricular activities; they were crucial steps in her personal and professional development.

"I feel like my experiences helped me grow and develop into a well-rounded young professional," she said. "Tennessee Tech gave me the opportunities to soar and succeed in what I have accomplished thus far in life."

Lannom's dedication and achievements did not go unnoticed. She was honored as a Corre Anding Stegall recipient, representing the top one percent of Kappa Delta sorority members for scholastic achievement and community involvement.

Putting her education into practice, Lannom made significant strides in her field after graduation. She started Tennessee's first comprehensive prosthetic rehabilitation program, improving functional outcomes for individuals with limb loss. This groundbreaking work allowed her to train and manage clinics across the state and contribute to nationally adopted methods and protocols.

Today, Lannom lives in Gallatin, Tenn., where she works for Abbott Laboratories and specializes in neurostimulation, which involves using electrical signals to change how nerves send pain messages to the brain.

"My job is to help provide a life without limits for individuals with chronic pain utilizing neurostimulation," she said. "I get the opportunity to be a part of the patient's journey from the time they arrive to clinic, to being in surgery, to following them as long as they have the device. I am extremely lucky to do what I do, and I feel like I get to make a significant impact on people's lives every day."

Her exceptional work in this field has not gone unrecognized. Lannom has been named Clinical Specialist of the Year for the South Region, and in 2023, she was honored as the Territory Manager of the Year nationally.

Though not in the specific role of occupational therapist, Lannom has still realized her original dream of using her career to help others live life to the fullest. Whether through her groundbreaking work in prosthetic rehabilitation or her current role in pain management, Lannom continues to embody the spirit of service that first drew her to her field.

"Tennessee Tech provided me with the education to excel within my career, and I would not be where I am today without it," she said. "It's been amazing to see the impact I've been able to have on the community, and I absolutely love what I do!"