Dr. Wladkowski is the Larry & Patty Benz Professor and an Associate Professor of Social Work. Dr. Wladkowski has several years of clinical practice experience as an independent licensed social worker in hospice and palliative care, which directly informs her research and teaching in health, aging, interprofessional education, and end-of-life care. 

Dr. Wladkowski’s main research interest is focused on live discharge from hospice, or when individuals stop receiving hospice care due to no longer meeting the eligibility requirements. She continues to advance knowledge in this under-researched area through exploring the impact of live discharge on individuals with life-limiting illnesses and their caregivers, with careful attention to policy implications and practice opportunities.

Dr. Wladkowski’s teaching background is in health and aging across theory and social work practice. She teaches coursework in the graduate program, including Values and Ethics in Professional Practice (SOWK 5005) and Behavioral Health Interventions in Social Work Practice (SOWK 6120).