Early Career Research Award Recipients

Erik Carter

The Division for Research of the Council for Exceptional Children is pleased to announce that Dr. Erik Carter is the recipient of the 2009 Early Career Research Award. This award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding scientific contributions in special education, in basic and/or applied research, within the first 10 years following receipt of the doctoral degree. The award, co sponsored by the Hamill Institute on Disabilities, includes $1000 presented at the DR reception at the 2009 CEC Annual Convention and an invited presentation at the CEC convention the following year.

Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Carter received his Ph.D. in 2004 from Vanderbilt University. He was a special education teacher for several years before completing his doctoral degree. Dr. Carter's research focuses on two primary areas and is supported by over one million dollars in funding. One line of research addresses peer relationships and school participation among adolescents with severe disabilities, including the influence of peer-mediated support models within secondary school settings. His second line of research focuses on equipping youth with disabilities with the skills, services, and experiences need to transition successfully to life after high school. Dr. Carter's publications include 32 peer-reviewed articles, 4 books, and 4 chapters or monographs. His work has appeared in outstanding journals, including Exceptional Children, American Journal on Mental Retardation, Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, and The Journal of Special Education.

The depth, breadth, and quality of Dr. Carter's scholarship and the impact his work has had on the field of special education are impressive. As Dr. Kathleen Lane, Vanderbilt University, noted, "Erik carefully couples rigor with relevance, directing high quality research methodologies to address issues that matter to secondary schools."  Dr. Michael Wehmeyer, University of Kansas, reflected that Dr. Carter and his colleagues "have already contributed significantly to the knowledge base in self-determination and transition, and I have no doubt that they will continue to do so, much to the benefit of the field." Dr. Carter's commitment to the field is evident in his creation of evidence based guides that impact the daily practices of educators charged with meeting the multiple needs of youth with disabilities. Dr. Martha Snell, University of Virginia, noted that his research has resulted in "detailed guides for fostering peer relationships through interactions and improved conditions." In addition to conducting his own research and development of evidence based practices, Dr. Carter serves on the editorial boards of six journals, including Exceptional Children, and as Associate Editor for two journals, including Remedial and Special Education. Dr. Craig Kennedy, Vanderbilt University, concluded, "Erik is a rising star in the field of intellectual/developmental disabilities and will become a leading figure in the field's future."