Dr. Strawa has studied the earth's atmosphere since 1992 and has been involved in experimental measurement, analysis, and instrumentation development for over twenty-five years. He is currently the group leader for the Aerosol and Cloud Microphysics Group whose long term goal is to study aerosol and cloud processes and their effects on climate. The group pursues this goal through a combination of measurements, analysis, and modeling. Dr. Strawa is exploiting a technique he developed to discriminate types of polar stratospheric clouds using satellite observation. He has collaborated with industry to develop an instrument capable of measuring aerosol optical properties in situ using cavity ring-down technology. This instrument has been used in many ground and flight missions to assess the climatic impact of aerosol, and is being developed for use on remotely piloted vehicles.

Dr. Strawa has been the leader of the Aerosol and Cloud Microphysics Group at NASA since 1998 and was the lead for the Hypervelocity Free Flight Facility from 1986 to 1993. He established 5-year research plans and budgets for the groups, coordinated the groups' research efforts, wrote proposals, hired and evaluated personnel, and wrote peer-reviewed papers and reports. These groups consisted of between five and 10 people including PhD researchers, engineers, and technicians.

Dr. Strawa served as the Acting Branch Chief for the Atmospheric Physics Branch for nine months in 1997. At the time, the branch consisted of about 50 people, about half of whom were PhD researchers. He evaluated civil servant performance, interacted with finance, human resources, and contractor organizations and participated in Directorate-level meetings.

Dr. Strawa is a Lecturer at Santa Clara University (Environmental Technology) and San Jose State University ( Aerospace Flight Mechanics ).

Dr. Strawa has been advisor for three National Research Council post-Doctoral researchers at NASA – ARC. He has been on the advisory panel for two Masters Degree candidates at San Jose State University and advises a group of undergraduate students involved in developing the Advanced Sunphotometer through an outreach program. He also advises a group of Santa Clara University seniors working on an instrument concept to measure particulate properties from a balloon.

Dr. Strawa is on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Aerosol Science, one of the premier international journals in the field. He is also guest Editor for a Special Issue on the effects of carbonaceous aerosols on the atmosphere. Member of the Sunnyvale Green Ribbon Committee which advises the Sunnyvale mayor and city council on global warming mitigation strategies. Member of Department Advisory Committee for San Jose State University Aerospace Engineering Program Member, DOD Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program Aerosol Working Group

Past Member, Ames Basic Research Council.

Served as Secretary and Technical Disciplines Subcommittee Chairman on the AIAA Aerodynamic Measurement Technology Technical Committee.

Past member of the NASA Aerosensors Working Group and NASP High‑Speed Propulsion Technology Maturation Team.

Past president of the Stanford Chapter of the AIAA.

Cub Master, Pack 325 Cub Scouts 2003-2008.
Asst. Troop Leader, Troop 325, Boy Scouts, since 2005.
Coach of Moreland Community Basketball team, since 2002-2005.
Guest lecturer at Country Lane Elementary School .