David G. Strauser

David George Strauser serves as research evaluation specialist on the IIRER evaluation team. His research primarily focuses on interagency collaboration, specifically how schools and state-federal vocational rehabilitation can work together to provide employment-focused transition services to individuals with disabilities. He joined the SWTCIE Illinois project in November 2023. Before enrolling at Illinois, David worked for a non-profit organization in Boston that provided employment support services to individuals with developmental disabilities. During his tenure, he held various positions, including direct care and administrative roles. His work in Boston gave him multiple experiences that helped inform his research and work. For example, he helped manage the organization’s transition off the Department of Labor 14c subminimum wage certification. He also worked with business and school partners to implement employment services for individuals with disabilities, including implementing and managing the organization’s two Project SEARCH programs.

Education

• Ph.D., Health and Kinesiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2024
• M.S., Community Health, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2020
• B.A., History, University of Pennsylvania, 2015