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Sverre Urnes JohnsonView profile

Professor

• Clinical Psychology
• Psychotherapy Mechanisms
• Anxiety Disorders
• +4 more

Sverre Urnes Johnson is a Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Oslo. His primary affiliation is with the Department of Clinical Psychology within the Faculty of Psychology. He leads the COPE research team and is actively involved in initiatives like the Depression Research Initiative (DRIVE) and the MAP-19 project focusing on pandemic mental health. His research emphasizes improving psychotherapy outcomes, particularly in anxiety and depression, with a focus on metacognitive therapy and network analysis approaches. Education and career milestones include a PhD from the University of Oslo (2018), Specialist in Clinical Adult Psychology (2018), and roles as a supervisor in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Level 2 therapist in Metacognitive Therapy. He teaches courses such as PSYC4301 Psychological Treatment and PSYC6310 Clinical Practice. Research interests span mechanisms of psychotherapy change, complex systems theory applications, and pandemic mental health dynamics. Key collaborations include work with Asle Hoffart (Modum Bad), Henrik Nordahl (NTNU), and international partners like Richard McNally (Harvard). Publications focus on anxiety/depression treatments, network analysis in mental disorders, and pandemic-related mental health. Notable topics include urban-rural mental health disparities, vaccine hesitancy, and therapeutic alliance dynamics. His work bridges clinical practice with statistical methodologies, particularly in longitudinal and network-based analyses.

Allison FitchView profile

Assistant Professor

• Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
• Language Acquisition
• Visual Attention Mechanisms
• +4 more

Dr. Allison Fitch is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the College of Liberal Arts, Rochester Institute of Technology. She holds a PhD in Developmental and Brain Sciences from the University of Massachusetts Boston and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Boston University. Her research focuses on developmental cognitive neuroscience, particularly the interplay between visual cognitive systems and language acquisition in infants and toddlers, with special attention to deaf children acquiring American Sign Language (ASL). She teaches courses such as Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Research Methods in Psychology, and leads the Perception & Acquisition of Words (PAW) Lab at RIT. Dr. Fitch's work emphasizes understanding how joint attention mechanisms influence language development and the relationship between early language experiences and low-level visual attention processes. Her recent scholarship explores cross-linguistic input patterns (Japanese/English comparison), ASD-related cognitive functioning, and ASL acquisition dynamics using advanced methodologies like human simulation paradigms. She has published extensively in Developmental Science , Cognitive Science , and Infant Behavior and Development . Teaching responsibilities include advanced courses like Graduate Cognition and Psychology Laboratory Research, reflecting her commitment to training future researchers. Her lab investigates language acquisition in English, ASL, and bilingual children, combining behavioral experiments with neurodevelopmental perspectives. Current research themes include visual attention allocation in deaf learners and the role of social context in early word learning.

Nicholas LalanneView profile

Senior Lecturer

• American Sign Language Education
• Deaf Studies
• Linguistics
• +3 more

Nicholas Lalanne is a Senior Lecturer of American Sign Language (ASL) and Program Coordinator for the ASL Minor at the University of Vermont. He joined UVM in 2018 after teaching at Holyoke Community College and serving as adjunct faculty at colleges in Massachusetts and Vermont. His expertise includes ASL education, Deaf Studies, and digital pedagogy, with a focus on nurturing students' understanding of Deaf culture and language. Lalanne holds an M.A. in Sign Language Education and a B.S. in Computer Information Systems from Gallaudet University. His teaching philosophy emphasizes student growth, likening learners to seeds developing into 'beautiful flowers' through cultural and linguistic immersion. Active in advocacy, he serves on the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) Equity in Deaf Education committee and co-directs the Association of Sign Language Vermonters. He has co-presented at the American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA) Conference and received the 2020 Mosaic Center Outstanding Faculty Award for his dedication to inclusive education.

Melissa Kate Adams-SilvaView profile

Lecturer

• American Sign Language Education
• Deaf Culture
• Diversity and Inclusion
• +3 more

Melissa Kate Adams-Silva is a Lecturer of American Sign Language (ASL) at the University of Vermont (UVM), affiliated with the Department of Education within the College of Education and Social Services. She holds an MS in Secondary Education (Deaf and Hard of Hearing) from Rochester Institute of Technology/National Technical Institute for the Deaf (RIT/NTID) and a BFA in Interior Design from RIT. Her expertise spans ASL instruction, Deaf Culture, Deaf History, and Art Education, with a focus on fostering inclusive, equitable learning environments. Education: MS in Secondary Education (Deaf and Hard of Hearing), RIT/NTID, Rochester, NY BFA in Interior Design (minor in Art History), RIT, Rochester, NY Research and Teaching: MK emphasizes connection-building through humor, creativity, and experiential learning. She teaches ASL, Deaf Culture, and related courses online and at UVM, while advocating for social justice and equity. Her innovative methods include integrating art, games, and body language into instruction. Community and Leadership: MK has served on a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice (DEISJ) committee and presented at the 2023 DEISJ conference in Albany, NY. She co-authored interviews in the bestselling book *Success Wisdom: By Deaf and Hard of Hearing People* (August 2024), sharing insights from her lived experience as a Deaf educator. Teaching Roles: ASL 1100: American Sign Language I (multiple sections at UVM) Online courses in ASL, Deaf Culture, Deaf History, and Deaf Art Professional Experience: With 12+ years teaching ASL and 20 years as a Teacher of the Deaf, MK prioritizes accessibility and collaboration, mentoring students across disciplines and advocating for marginalized communities.

• Marketing
• Consumer Behavior
• Digital Marketing
• +7 more

Asle Fagerstrøm is a Professor at Kristiania University College, affiliated with the School of Economics, Innovation and Technology and the Department of Technology. He specializes in marketing, consumer psychology, and technology-driven behavioral change. His research focuses on online shopping, health-related behavior modification, retail innovation, and personal finance, often collaborating with industry partners. He leads the Behavioral Lab, applying behavioral science and design to drive practical outcomes in areas like public service usage and healthcare. Teaching responsibilities include digital marketing, consumer psychology, and research methods at bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels. He has developed academic programs and supervised students across all levels. Fagerstrøm is an invited lecturer at institutions such as the University of Oslo, Cardiff Business School, and Reykjavik University, emphasizing his expertise in human-technology interaction and innovation. His applied research bridges academia and industry, with studies published in journals like the Journal of Business Research and Psychology & Marketing. The Behavioral Lab’s work combines technology, design, and behavioral science to address real-world challenges in retail, health, and public services.

Carol DicksonView profile

Professor

• Environmental Literature
• American Literature
• Cultural Studies
• +6 more

Carol Dickson is Professor of Environmental Humanities and Associate Dean of Academics & Advising at Sterling College (since 2009). She holds a PhD from University of Wisconsin-Madison, M.A. from University of Vermont, and B.A. from Smith College. Her research explores intersections of literature, environment, and identity through American literature, cultural studies, and regional narratives. Key research areas include gender in environmental writing, African-American ecological perspectives, and place-based storytelling. She has presented at over 10 ASLE conferences on topics like proto-feminist geography textbooks (2007) and food systems in Vermont (2007). Her publications span academic essays to Smith College Quarterly articles about women in farming. Recipient of notable fellowships including the Huntington Library Hill Fellowship (1994) and NEH funding (2005). Coordinates Sterling's advising program and Learning Center, supervising student mentors. Engaged in community work through Vermont Folklife Center board service (2013-2019, 2024-) and Northeast Heritage Music Camp governance. Her creative output reflects dual academic/livelihood passions: co-owning Bobolink Farm informs her writing about small-scale agriculture's narratives. Teaches courses like Global Environmental Literature and Literature of the Rural Experience, emphasizing experiential learning and oral history methods.

• Cognitive Linguistics
• Diachronic Linguistics
• Historical Linguistics
• +4 more

Ana Laura Rodríguez Redondo is an Associate Professor of English Language and Linguistics at the Complutense University of Madrid, affiliated with the Department of English Philology I. She holds a PhD in Philology (1996) and a BA in English Philology (1986), both from UCM. Her research focuses on Cognitive Linguistics, Diachronic Linguistics, and Sign Language Studies, with recent work on metonymy in Spanish Sign Language (LSE) and gesture analysis in narratives. She has supervised PhD theses such as Marta Genís Pedra’s 2005 study on advertising stereotypes and Nadia Hamade Almeida’s 2020 analysis of 19th-century Lancashire dialect spellings. Her academic leadership includes roles in the Language Institute and the Advanced Center for Modern Languages at UCM, alongside organizing major conferences like the 21st Congress of the Spanish Society for Medieval English Language and Literature (2009) and the 1st Conference on Sign Language Linguistics (2004). Current projects include a Cultural Linguistics study on female childhood perceptions (1750–1900), led by Dr. Paloma Tejada Caller. She co-edited volumes on gender studies and contributed to research on neurolinguistics and interdisciplinary language learning strategies. Publications span cognitive approaches to gesture, historical phraseology, and sign language linguistics. Awards and fellowships are not explicitly mentioned, but she has held key administrative roles, including Quality Committee membership and website management for her department. Her teaching innovations include the Master’s Degree in English Linguistics: New Applications and International Communication. Research interests also encompass socio-cultural conceptualization, metonymy in sign languages (LSE/BSL/ASL), and computational processing of sign languages. Recent projects include analyzing mental spaces in Deaf identity discourse and exploring gesture’s role in narrative construction. Grants include leadership of a UCM-funded Visual Dictionary of LSE (2009) and participation in national projects like FFI2016-77540-P (Emergent Discourses) and FFI2012-36523/FILO (Metonymy Database). She actively participates in interdisciplinary research collaborations across European universities.

• Sign Language Phonetics
• Motor Speech Disorders
• Neurogenic Language Disorders
• +3 more

Martha Tyrone is an Associate Professor in the Department of Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences at Gallaudet University, part of the Human Services and Sciences school. She specializes in sign language phonetics, motor speech disorders, and neurogenic language disorders. Her research integrates kinematic analysis with clinical linguistics, focusing on ASL phonetics, Parkinson’s disease impacts on signing, and phonetic reduction in sign languages. She teaches courses such as HSL-714 Speech Science and HSL-753 Motor Speech Disorders. Her work is affiliated with Gallaudet’s Technology Access Program (TAP) and Visual Language and Visual Learning (VL2) research centers.

Wolfgang MannView profile

Professor

• Language and cognitive development
• Bilingualism
• Sign language acquisition and assessment
• +3 more

Wolfgang Mann is a Professor in Special Education and Honorary Reader at the University of Roehampton’s School of Education, with affiliations at University College London (DCAL) and City University London. He holds a PhD from the University of California Berkeley and expertise in sign language development, bilingualism, and educational equity. His research focuses on language assessment for deaf children, including web-based tools like the BSL-VT and ASL-VT. Recent projects include a British Academy-funded study on deaf/hearing children’s online reading strategies and EU-funded work on cognitive processes in sign/spoken language. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and active in deaf education policy through roles like governor at Hamilton Lodge School. Key contributions include developing sign language assessments and collaborating with institutions globally. Teaching focuses on language-cognitive development, literacy, and research methods. His work bridges theory and practice, emphasizing technology and equity in education.

Ifeoma NwoguView profile

Associate Professor

• Human Behavior Modeling
• Sign Language Understanding
• Probabilistic Modeling
• +5 more

Ifeoma Nwogu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University at Buffalo. She holds an appointment in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, specializing in research areas including human behavior modeling, sign language understanding, and probabilistic modeling. Her work spans computer vision, robotics, and AI with applications in healthcare, education, and social signal processing. Her research focuses on advancing technologies for sign language interpretation, infant vocal analysis, and human-robot interaction. Key projects include developing automated code generation frameworks for social robots, 3D motion synthesis systems for sign language avatars, and methodologies for emotion recognition in facial interactions. She teaches courses such as CSE 455/555 (Pattern Recognition), CSE 610 (Special Topics), and CSE 706 (Seminars), reflecting her expertise in AI and machine learning. Nwogu's recent publications emphasize cross-disciplinary applications of machine learning, including medical imaging anonymization, multi-agent systems, and ethical considerations in data privacy. Her work bridges computational methods with societal needs, particularly in education accessibility for deaf communities and stroke rehabilitation technologies.

• Vestibular and Balance Studies
• Audiology
• Spatial Cognition
• +4 more

Dr. Chizuko Tamaki is a Professor in the Department of Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences at Gallaudet University, where she directs the AuD Program. She holds dual doctorates (AuD and PhD) from Gallaudet, specializing in clinical audiology and vestibular research. Her work focuses on vestibular dysfunction in deaf populations, spatial cognition, and interprofessional healthcare. Education: AuD (2004) and PhD (2006) in Audiology at Gallaudet University. She has led the AuD Program since 2013 and serves on national boards like the American Academy of Audiology. Her lab explores vestibular assessment techniques and balance rehabilitation. Research interests include vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP), spatial navigation in deaf individuals, and fall prevention strategies. She investigates how deafness and ASL fluency influence cognitive and sensory processing. Dr. Tamaki has secured NIH funding for projects like 'Vestibular Function in Diverse Deaf Individuals' and 'Fall Risks in Older ASL Users.' Teaching: Courses include vestibular studies, clinical supervision, and audiology practicum. She advises doctoral students (e.g., 13 in 2023) and mentors through research projects and internships. Awards include the 2021 AAA Board election and CAPCSD Leadership Academy recognition. Labs/Teams: Director of Gallaudet’s Vestibular and Balance Lab, collaborating with neurology and engineering teams. She develops culturally accessible balance assessment tools for deaf patients.

• Psycholinguistics
• Neuroanatomy of reading in deaf populations
• Bilingualism effects on cognition
• +3 more

Dr. Daniel Koo serves as Professor and Director of the School of Human Services and Sciences at Gallaudet University. He holds a PhD in Brain and Cognitive Sciences from the University of Rochester (2003) and completed postdoctoral work at Georgetown University's Center for the Study of Learning. His research focuses on neuroanatomical correlates of language processing in deaf individuals, bilingualism effects, and phonological processes in signed/cued languages. Key areas include studying how visual language experiences shape brain structure and cognitive function, with particular attention to deaf cuers and signers. Teaching responsibilities include courses in Cognition, Research Methods, Psycholinguistics, and Neuropsychology at both undergraduate and graduate levels. He currently advises 13 students (undergraduate and doctoral) and has served on numerous university committees including Tenure & Promotion and Faculty Development. 2014 Rising Star Faculty Award for Distinguished Scholarship Principal Investigator on grants studying bilingual deaf adults' cognitive performance and phonological processing Active member of CueSign Inc. board and Deaf Calvary Church His work bridges neuroscience, linguistics, and education to improve understanding of deaf cognition and inform educational practices.

• Linguistics
• American Sign Language (ASL)
• Cognitive Linguistics
• +3 more

Miako Villanueva is a Professor and Dean of the Faculty at Gallaudet University, where she also serves as Director of General Education. Her roles include overseeing academic affairs and leading initiatives in bilingual education. She holds a PhD in Linguistics from Gallaudet University (2010), an MA in Linguistics from Gallaudet (2004), and a BA in Psychology from Colorado College (1998). Her research focuses on linguistic structures of American Sign Language (ASL), cognitive linguistics, and bilingual education, with a strong emphasis on applied and community-engaged scholarship. Her teaching spans undergraduate and graduate courses, including Structure of ASL , Cognitive Linguistics , and Guided Research Projects . She actively advises doctoral students in linguistics and interpreting studies. Villanueva co-authored the textbook Linguistics of American Sign Language: An Introduction and contributes to initiatives like the Motivated Look at Indicating Verbs (MoLo) project. She also serves on committees such as the General Education Council, Academic Review Committee, and the Board of Managers for the Center for the Assessment of Sign Language Interpreting (CASLI). Her work bridges academia and practice, emphasizing community-based research and inclusive pedagogy. She regularly presents at conferences, co-organizes panels on Deaf interpreter perspectives, and collaborates on projects like Depiction in the Classroom . Her professional affiliations include the International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (ISSOTL) and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).

• Public Administration
• Leadership and Management
• Pedagogy
• +5 more

Dr. Geoffrey Whitebread is an Associate Professor in the Public Affairs Department at Gallaudet University, serving as Director of the Master in Public Administration (MPA) program since 2020. He has been actively teaching since 2006, previously coordinating the Honors Program and overseeing over 120 capstone projects. His roles include teaching courses in Government, Honors, Disaster Preparedness, and MPA programs, where he has designed 25+ innovative courses covering topics like Public Leadership, AI, Organizational Culture, and Genocide Studies. His research focuses on leadership, pedagogy, marijuana policy, AI applications in education, and Deaf representation in public administration. Current projects include a database of U.S. deaf-serving nonprofits and AI-driven language fluency tools. He leads curriculum development for the MPA program, emphasizing hybrid learning models. Dr. Whitebread’s academic contributions span multiple disciplines, with notable work on social equity frameworks in public administration and disability justice. His teaching philosophy prioritizes student engagement through creative methods, and he has advised numerous graduate and undergraduate students across programs. His professional network extends to Gallaudet’s Civic Leadership, Business and Social Change school, where he integrates interdisciplinary approaches into both research and instruction.

• Deaf Education
• Bilingual Education (ASL/English)
• Language Acquisition in Deaf Children
• +6 more

Dr. Maribel Garate is a Professor in the School of Language, Education, and Culture at Gallaudet University. She specializes in ASL/English bilingual education models, deaf child language development, and culturally-responsive pedagogy. Her work emphasizes translanguaging practices, early childhood intervention, and teacher professional development. Teaches courses on bilingual literacy, student teaching methodologies, and deaf education practicum. Advises graduate students in deaf education and interpretation programs. Serves on university committees including Faculty Welfare and Council on Graduate Education. Research focuses on bilingual education efficacy, Latinx Deaf communities, and cochlear implant education strategies. Recent work explores transformative translanguaging in K-12 settings and global bilingual education policies. Holds the 2023 Fulbright García-Robles award for scholarly contributions. Authored over 15 publications on bilingual pedagogy, teacher training, and deaf child development since 2006.