David Nicholas

Professor & Associate Dean, Research and Partnerships in Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary

David Nicholas, PhD, RSW, joined the Faculty of Social Work in the Central and Northern Alberta Region as an Associate Professor in 2008. He has a background in psychosocial outcome and intervention research related to children, youth and families affected by illness and disability. Dr. Nicholas brings expertise in qualitative and mixed-method research approaches. He brings an extensive clinical and administrative background in social work and health, and disability.

Dr. Nicholas is the author of over 70 research publications. Over the past 20 years, he has held over $12 million in research grants and has been a PI on major grant funding from federal and provincial sources, including grants funded by SSHRC and CIHR. Dr. Nicholas has been a key leader in nurturing capacity building, addressing vocational issues in ASD, and building partnerships in Canada and internationally. Much of his current research focuses on seeking more equitable opportunities for obtaining and retaining employment for persons with ASD