Aaron Hahn

Q: Hi, thanks for doing this! Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

A: My name is Aaron Hahn and I graduated from Alma College with the Class of 2013. My major was exercise science, which evolved to become the integrative physiology and health science (IPHS) program. I currently work as a physical therapist at MyMichigan Health. I’m originally from St. Louis, Mich., and the Alma College community was always a part of my life growing up — you would see professors and staff members at church and around town. These people became a part of my bigger family, which was a big reason why I came to the college in the first place.

Q: What was your experience in the exercise science/IPHS program like?

A: What really stands out to me, especially now looking back on it, are the hands-on experiences. Alma College’s anatomy lab allows students to dissect and study cadavers, which is something that not a lot of colleges can say they offer. When I got to my post-graduate physical therapy program, I was way ahead of my classmates, because I had that research experience already under my belt. The faculty also stood out to me for their willingness to work with you 1-on-1. Those relationships are bar none — I don’t think that faculty at other colleges and universities can make time for you the way they do at Alma College.

Q: Did you do any interesting research, or have an out-of-the-classroom experience at Alma?

A: Yes, as part of my senior project for the exercise science major, I reached out to members of local gyms to test pre-workout supplements and see how it affected blood flow during exercise. It was really interesting to talk to people from different demographic groups and take part in something bigger than myself. The college also helped me secure an internship at a physical therapy clinic, which was pretty important for my development as a physical therapist. I also had a great Spring Term course with Dr. Maurie Luetkemeier — our entire class bicycled to the Mississippi River!

Q: Overall, how do you think Alma College prepared you for your current role as a physical therapist and in life in general?

A: Alma College does a great job of taking you outside of your comfort zone. I was an exercise science major and a member of the football team, but I did all sorts of things outside those realms. When I went to graduate school and when I became a physical therapist — someone who works with diverse populations, who are dealing with different physical issues — I could relate to others better because of my experience at Alma. I’ve also tried to mold my life around these ideas of mentorship, because of my experiences with the faculty at Alma.

Learn more about integrative physiology and health science (IPHS) at Alma College by visiting alma.edu.