Michelle Asbill, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Department: Social Work

Office: Morrison 201

Phone Extension: 2210

Biographical Information

Dr. Michelle Asbill received her Ph.D. in social work from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2017. Prior to embarking on her doctorate studies, Michelle lived, studied, and worked in Bulgaria for 3.5 years and was chiefly involved in community development projects. Michelle has degrees from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (M.A.), New Bulgarian University (M.A.), Wheaton College (M.A.), University of Wisconsin-Madison (M.S.W.), and Azusa Pacific University (B.S.W.). Michelle’s research and social work interests include topics in the areas of human trafficking, criminal justice system/incarceration, hospital social work, and community development. Michelle enjoys being with family & friends, going to the gym, watching football & basketball, and reading.

Education

• Ph.D. – Social Work – University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (2017)
  • Dissertation Title: Becoming a Human Trafficker: Qualitatively Examining Social Learning Theory and Social Opportunity Structure among Bulgarian Human Traffickers
• M.A. – European Union Studies – University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (2013)
  • Thesis Title: The Perceptions of a Civil Society Organization Towards Anti-Trafficking Policy Development in the European Union: A Case Study
• M.A. – European Social Policy and Social Work – New Bulgarian University, Sofia, Bulgaria (2012)
  • Thesis Title: Селскостопанският сектор на България и американския академичен интерес към него [The Bulgarian Agricultural Sector and American Academic Interest]
• M.A. – Intercultural Studies (Emphasis: Community Development) – Wheaton College, Illinois (2007)
• M.S.W. – Social Work (Emphasis: Health, Disability, and Aging) – University of Wisconsin – Madison (2005)
• B.S.W. – Social Work – Azusa Pacific University, California (2004)

Contact Michelle Asbill