Naomi Caselli

Naomi Caselli is an Associate Professor at Boston University, Director of the BU Deaf Center, and Director of the BU AI & Education Initiative. Her work focuses on inclusive language research across education, computer science, linguistics, psychology, and medicine, particularly for deaf children. She holds a PhD in Psychology and Cognitive Science from Tufts University, alongside degrees from Boston University and Evergreen State College.

Her research explores three core themes: early language experiences shaping deaf children’s learning, the structure/processing of ASL lexicons, and ethical AI applications for sign language accessibility. Recent grants include NIH and NSF-funded projects studying ASL vocabulary acquisition and lexicon systematicity.

Key collaborations involve Tufts, SDSU, and BU’s Hariri Institute for ASL-LEX 2.0 development. She advocates for linguistic equity, challenging anti-ASL policies and promoting universal sign language access through initiatives like the Global Conference on Sign Language.