Marisa Fisher

Marisa Fisher is an Associate Professor of Special Education at Michigan State University's College of Education, holding a PhD from Vanderbilt University. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst - Doctoral (BCBA-D), she directs the MSU STRIDE Center, focusing on social outcomes and employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Her work spans two core areas: mitigating social vulnerability and victimization through interventions, and enhancing school-to-work transition programs.

Her research employs applied behavior analysis and participatory methods to address bullying, exploitation, and employment readiness. Key contributions include developing stranger safety training for individuals with IDD, evaluating Project SEARCH's impact on employment outcomes, and analyzing social media's role in neurodivergent youth. She serves as co-editor-in-chief of the Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities and holds editorial roles in multiple disability-focused journals.

Dr. Fisher's work is funded by grants such as the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), supporting studies like the efficacy of distance-delivered social skills programs for Williams syndrome adults. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges clinical practice, policy, and community engagement to improve quality of life for IDD populations.