Laura G. HillView profile
Professor
Laura G. Hill is Professor and Chair of the Department of Human Development within Washington State University's College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. Appointed Chair in 2014 after serving as Professor (2013-2014) and Associate Professor (2007-2013), she leads research on prevention science implementation in real-world settings with focus on college student transitions and adolescent development. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Psychology from Vanderbilt University (1998) M.S. in Psychology from Vanderbilt University (1994) B.A. in Greek Studies from Smith College (1979) Dr. Hill's research centers on translating evidence-based prevention programs into practice, developing brief values-based interventions for college-bound students (particularly underrepresented STEM populations), and examining parent-child dynamics during emerging adulthood. She integrates psychological flexibility frameworks to address retention challenges and risky behaviors through culturally adapted family interventions. Her 2016-2019 publications reveal strong thematic continuity in emerging adulthood research, with methodological innovation in qualitative comparative analysis and person-centered approaches. Key contributions span economic evaluation standards in prevention science, cultural adaptation of parenting programs, and integrating personal development into higher education curricula to support student success beyond academic metrics. Dr. Hill actively mentors graduate researchers including B. Bayly, J. Jeffords, G. Shrestha, and L. Hyman, while directing major funded initiatives: NIDA R01: $2.46M for 'Letting Go and Staying Connected' parenting intervention (2016-2021) WSU Grand Challenge: $7.12M student success transformation project (2016-2021) NIDA Spanish-adaptation supplement: $274k (2018) WA State DSHS prevention evaluation: $575k (2016-2019) SAMHSA Prevention Tech Transfer Center: $540k subcontract (2018-2023) As Department Chair and principal investigator, she oversees interdisciplinary teams collaborating with state agencies and community organizations to scale evidence-based prevention programs across Washington's educational and healthcare systems.










