Laura Putnam

Laura Putnam is a Professor in the Department of History at the University of Pittsburgh and Director of the Civic Resilience Initiative. Her work bridges Latin American History, Atlantic History, and modern political dynamics, with a focus on power and inequality, digital literacy, and election security.

Education:

• PhD, University of Michigan (2000)

Her research explores transnational labor history, race and anti-racism, and the social life of data, particularly in the post-emancipation Atlantic World. She leads the Mellon Foundation-funded Information Ecosystems seminar, examining how digitized sources reshape knowledge production.

Her recent articles (2018-2020) analyze grassroots activism, suburban political shifts, and digital campaign limitations. Collaborative works with scholars like Theda Skocpol and Jeremy Pressman highlight her interdisciplinary approach.

Scientific Awards:

• Andrés Ramos Mattei-Neville Hall Article Prize (2014-2015)
• Elsa Goveia Memorial Lecturer (2016)
• ACLS/SSRC/NEH Fellowship (2006)
• Premio Nacional de Historia Aquileo J. Echeverría (2000)

She has contributed to media outlets like The Washington Post and The American Prospect, emphasizing community organizing and pragmatic policy approaches. Her edited volume Caribbean Military Encounters underscores her collaborative work in multidisciplinary scholarship.