BA: Texas Christian University (Political Science)
BFA: Texas Christian University (Ballet)
First field: American Politics
Second field: Public Policy
Expected Graduation: 2012
Research interests: I'm excited by research on policy development in the U.S. states as well as the structure and conflicts of federalism. I'm particularly interested in the politics and policy of immigration and election law. I enjoy studying the roles of parties, interest groups, lawmakers, and public opinion in the process of public policy creation.
Other interests: In a non-scholarly capacity I love the arts scene in DC and can often be found at the Washington Shakespeare Theater or a performance at the Kennedy Center. The museums and art galleries within a few miles of the UMD campus are a great distraction from studying. When I'm not working on my research I also enjoy biking around DC, cooking, and taking ballet and yoga classes.
CV: http://www.bsos.umd.edu/gvpt/grad/cv/hcreek.pdf
Email: hcreek at gvpt•umd•edu

Biography: I was born in Dayton, Ohio but as an Air Force kid I lived in 5 states and a few other countries before moving to Texas for college. I moved to Maryland in the summer of 2007 to begin work on my Ph.D. in Government and Politics.

While living in Texas I worked for the Texas House of Representatives as a legislative aide to State Rep. Lon Burnam and the House Committee on Elections and Ethics. I’ve long been a political junkie with an interest in state-federal relations so I was pleased that in leaving Austin I made the move from a state capitol to the Nation’s Capitol - though I still miss the quirkiness of campaigning and policymaking in Texas.

Before coming to grad school I also worked as a strategist for The Tyson Organization, a political consulting firm specializing in campaign strategy and voter mobilization. I continue my love of campaigns and public policy in my political science research.

I currently live in Hyattsville, MD with my husband, Greg, and our cat, Espy. We recently purchased a home in the Hyattsville Arts District and we spend weekends working on home projects and exploring the DC area.