Her research involves the arts and restorative practices, analysis of narratives of difficult or contested histories, memory, and reconciliation. Her doctorate is from the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland where she lived while doing her research and fieldwork. Dr. Strauss is a Fulbright Scholar and an active member of the Gender Working Group of Mediators Beyond Borders and the national racial reconciliation organization Coming to the Table. She is currently co-authoring a collection of narratives by descendants of enslaved people and enslavers.