Laurel Hilliker

Biography

Dr. Laurel Hilliker has recently joined PHHS and will oversee the Master’s in Public Health Program along with her teaching responsibilities in courses related to Health Education, Health Administration, Aging, Health Sciences and Public Health.  She earned her doctorate in sociology from Michigan State University [with a concentration in grief and bereavement studies].  Her dissertation explored formal bereavement care services for spousal loss among Baby Boomers.  She also holds a Paralegal Certification by the American Bar Association. Prior to academia, she practiced as a Paralegal in a law office specializing in Probate, Wills and Estates, which was a catalyst for her current research interests.  Before joining UM-Flint, Dr. Hilliker held the position of Assistant Professor of Sociology for Park University in the Kansas City, Missouri area [2012-2015].  At the same time, she assumed the role of Executive Director of the Center to Advance the Study of Loss [CASL], which she established at Park.  CASL, under the guidance of a 21-member Advisory Council, provided workshops for professionals in the death and grief fields and curriculum [a minor and a Certificate of Thanatology] for students who want to specialize in this area. 

Research Interest

Her specific research interests include bereavement care programs and policies, health and illness, death, grief, mourning, altruism and care giving.  She has authored a number of articles, notably, Social Psychological Perspectives on Altruism in Care Giving:  The Schiavo Case and Beyond.  In addition to her academic pursuits, she has remained active in the greater Lansing, Michigan bereavement community involving hospice agencies, the Art for Charlie Foundation and several other organizations in the death and grief care industry in numerous capacities.