Amy Hillier

Amy Hillier is an Associate Professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2), where she teaches introductory research methods, social welfare history, and co-directs the online course The Penn Experience on racism and oppression for graduate students. Previously, she held a faculty position in the Department of City & Regional Planning at the Weitzman School of Design. Her research has evolved from historical mortgage redlining and urban public health to LGBTQ+ communities, particularly trans youth. She founded SP2’s LGBTQ Certificate program and explores intersections of gender identity, policy, and health equity.

Dr. Hillier earned a BA in History from Middlebury College and MSW/PhD degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. Her work bridges academia and community, addressing food security, spatial inclusion, and anti-racist education. She has led projects on SNAP cycles’ impact on diet quality, park accessibility, and the legacy of WEB Du Bois’ The Philadelphia Negro. Her current research emphasizes queer youth empowerment and the moral challenges faced by gender-affirming care providers.

Her interdisciplinary approach integrates GIS mapping, participatory research, and policy analysis to address systemic inequities. She collaborates across disciplines to advance inclusive urban planning, healthcare equity, and LGBTQ+ advocacy.