Professor Tonya Stremlau is a faculty member in the Department of English at Gallaudet University's School of Language, Education, and Culture. She specializes in Deaf Literature, Creative Writing, and Composition Studies. Currently teaching courses such as ENG-175H Honors Critical Reading, Writing, and Integrated Learning and ENG-325 Introduction to Deaf Literature, she has extensive experience in curriculum development and student mentorship. Her research focuses on accessibility in academic spaces, particularly through CART and sign language interpretation, as well as exploring narratives by Deaf and hard-of-hearing writers. She has advised honors students including Brenna Smith, Jai Dortch, and Alex Forkin. Stremlau holds roles such as Core English Coordinator and serves on Gallaudet's AAUP Chapter executive committee. She is also a series editor for Gallaudet University Press' 'Deaf Lives' collection.
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).
Emily Shaw, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Interpretation and Translation at Gallaudet University, where she has taught since 2015. Her research focuses on ASL etymology, sociolinguistics, and discourse analysis. She co-authored A Historical and Etymological Dictionary of American Sign Language , tracing ASL's roots to French Sign Language. Dr. Shaw's work bridges historical linguistics and applied interpreting studies, emphasizing embodied discourse and corpus development. She teaches courses such as Discourse Analysis for Interpreters and Introduction to Sociolinguistics. She received the 2015 Rachel Hartig Award for Research Excellence and has contributed to Gallaudet's Faculty Senate and the Gallaudet University Documentation of ASL (GUDA) initiative. Her research also explores interpreter-mediated interactions and sign language variation documentation.
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.
Matthew Seita is an Associate Research Scientist at the Artificial Intelligence, Accessibility and Sign Language Center at Gallaudet University. His work focuses on advancing AI and technology accessibility for Deaf communities through interdisciplinary research. Affiliated with Gallaudet University's Research & Innovation division Contributes to initiatives in technology access and sign language documentation Research interests include developing accessible AI systems, improving sign language recognition technologies, and applying computational methods to visual language studies. No specific publications/articles were listed in the provided text. Awards or grants associated with his research were not mentioned.
Shuxu Huffman is an ML Programmer affiliated with the Artificial Intelligence, Accessibility and Sign Language Center at Gallaudet University. They are currently teaching the course ITS-595G Special Topics (2024/02) in an online format, as well as ITS-595U Special Topics (2024/02). Their work focuses on advancing machine learning applications within accessibility frameworks, particularly in the context of sign language technology and human-centered computing. No formal education details, awards, or lab affiliations are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Sarah Sparks is a Lecturer in the Department of Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences at Gallaudet University. She specializes in audiology and communication access, with a focus on sign language applications in clinical settings. University: Gallaudet University School: School of Science, Technology, Accessibility, Mathematics, and Public Health Department: Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences Her teaching portfolio includes courses such as: HSL-507U: Audiology and Communication Access for Service Providers HSL-507G: Graduate-level Audiology and Communication Access HSL-828/829: Clinical Applications of Sign Communication Sarah's research interests align with audiological interventions, accessibility solutions, and the integration of sign language in healthcare education for deaf communities.
Sara Konkel is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biology at Gallaudet University, part of the School of Science, Technology, Accessibility, Mathematics, and Public Health. She specializes in teaching foundational biology courses and has expertise in ecology and human biology. Her current teaching responsibilities include: BIO-105 Introduction to Human Biology BIO-108 Principles of Biology for Science Majors II BIO-241 Ecology MAT-45 Elementary Algebra VEE-150 Research Methods in ASL/English Bilingual Academic Contexts Konkel's work emphasizes accessible science education, particularly within bilingual (American Sign Language and English) academic environments. While no specific research awards or publications are noted in the text, her role focuses on curriculum development and student support in STEM fields. She is affiliated with Gallaudet's efforts to promote accessibility in science education and interdisciplinary learning.
Ilaria Berteletti is an Associate Professor and Dean of the Faculty at Gallaudet University. She serves as the PEN Program Director for the Ph.D. in Educational Neuroscience, leads the Numeracy and Educational Neuroscience (NENS) Lab, and oversees university partnerships. Her academic journey includes roles as an Assistant Professor at Gallaudet (2016–2022), postdoctoral research at the University of Illinois and Northwestern University, and a PhD in Cognitive Science from Università degli Studi di Padova (Italy). Her research focuses on numerical cognition, the impact of language modality on mathematical processing, and educational neuroscience. Notable grants include NSF funding for studies on bilingual numeracy and neural correlates of arithmetic. She has advised numerous PhD students and contributed to initiatives like the Bilingual ASL-English Summer School in Cognitive Neuroscience. Berteletti's work spans developmental psychology, neuroimaging, and educational interventions. She holds leadership roles in academic societies, including Secretary of the Mathematical Cognition and Learning Society. Her lab explores how language and sensory experience influence mathematical learning, with findings published in top journals.
Prof. Mine GÜVEN is a Professor and Department Chair of the Department of English Translation and Interpreting at Dogus University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Linguistics from Boğaziçi University (2004), with prior academic roles at institutions like Beykent University and MEF University. Her research focuses on semantics, language communication, translation pedagogy, and media accessibility. Key contributions include studies on Turkish linguistics, audio description practices in media, and the intersection of music and language. Education: Ph.D. in Linguistics, Boğaziçi University (2004) MA in Linguistics, Boğaziçi University (1997) Bachelor's in Translation, Boğaziçi University (1994) Research Interests: Her work explores language structure and communication in diverse contexts, including: Translation methodologies and pedagogy Accessibility in media (audio description, subtitles) Phonological and syntactic aspects of Turkish Language in disaster reporting and media discourse Semiotics of music translation Publications: Recent studies emphasize Turkish linguistics and media accessibility, including analyses of disaster communication, audio description practices, and musical text-setting. Her work bridges theoretical linguistics with applied research in education and technology. Administrative Roles: She has led departments at Dogus University (since 2021) and Beykent University (2011–2017), demonstrating leadership in academic governance and curriculum development.
Prof. Martin Lengwiler is a Professor of Modern General History and currently serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Basel. He holds positions at the Department of History within the Faculty of Humanities. His research focuses on modern European history, welfare state development, social policy, and the history of insurance and science. Key projects include studies on social protection, demographic change, and Argentine public health in a transnational context. He has authored and edited numerous publications, including Auf dem Weg ins Jetzt. Seit 1960 (2025) and works on global history, disability studies, and health economics. Education: Doctorate in History Research Interests: 20th-century urban history, global welfare systems, insurance economics, and the cultural history of Basel. His recent articles address topics such as Sino-German arms trade, child welfare norms, and the intersection of health and finance. As dean, he oversees academic and administrative affairs in the Faculty of Humanities.
Teresa Iacono is a prominent academic researcher at La Trobe University, Australia, with a sustained focus on disability inclusion, health equity, and service delivery for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her work spans education, healthcare, and social support systems, emphasizing policy reform, quality improvement, and systemic responsiveness. Her research interests center on inclusive education , intellectual disability health , active support models , telehealth , and practice leadership . She investigates how systems can better serve marginalized populations, especially through policy analysis, psychometric tool development, and intervention evaluation. Her studies often employ mixed methods, including systematic reviews, feasibility trials, and qualitative analysis. The recent publications reflect a strong trend toward improving educational and healthcare access for people with disabilities. Themes include the use of digital tools (e.g., telehealth), measurement of service quality, and equity in medical training. Her work increasingly informs national policy, particularly in Australia’s disability and health sectors. A critique of the Disability Royal Commission’s approach and recommendations for educational inclusion in schools (2024) Reliability Testing of the Reasonable Adjustments for Inclusive Education Rating Scale (2024) Intellectual disability health content within medical curriculum: an audit of what our future doctors are taught (2023) Enabling mainstream systems to be more inclusive and responsive to people with disabilities (2022) Dr. Iacono has been involved in significant research collaborations with experts like Christine Bigby, Emma Bould, and Jo Spong. She has contributed to grants and projects evaluating hospital experiences, supported accommodation, and workforce training. While no formal advising list is provided, her senior authorship and leadership in multi-year projects suggest active mentorship of junior researchers and postgraduate students. She has co-authored a major book, Disability Practice: Safeguarding Quality Service Delivery (2024), and developed psychometric instruments such as the Group Home Culture Scale. Her work is instrumental in shaping best practices in disability services and inclusive systems.
Patrick Stefan Kermit is a Professor at the Department of Mental Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), where he conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of disability, ethics, and social inclusion. His work addresses critical challenges in special education, sign language, medical ethics, and the support of individuals with cognitive and hearing impairments. Research Interests: His primary fields include medical/dental ethics , behavioral sciences , special education , and disability studies , with a particular focus on cochlear implants and inclusive societal structures. His research emphasizes ethical frameworks and equitable access to services for vulnerable populations. The recent publications reflect a consistent trend in exploring how institutions—such as child protection services, legal systems, and healthcare—accommodate individuals with cognitive and sensory disabilities. Themes include policy evaluation, ethical service delivery, and systemic inclusion, primarily situated in Norwegian and global contexts. Scientific Contributions: Active contributor to national research initiatives on disability and inclusion Key participant in multi-institutional studies involving NTNU, UIO, FAFO, and SAMFORSK Advising and Grants: Dr. Kermit leads and participates in several active research projects funded by academic and public institutions, including Young hearing - knowledge for a better upbringing with hearing impairment and Hearing impairment and working life . These projects suggest grant acquisition and mentorship roles, though specific advisees are not listed. Labs and Teams: He collaborates extensively with multidisciplinary teams across NTNU and partner organizations, particularly in projects related to disability inclusion, ethics, and educational support. His involvement in the INCLUSCHOOL project and others highlights leadership in integrated research networks focused on equity and access.
Dr. Curtis Gautschi is a Research Fellow at the ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, affiliated with the School of Applied Linguistics and the Institute of Language Competence. His work focuses on language testing, digital literacy, and English-Medium Instruction (EMI) in higher education. He has led and contributed to projects like CEFR for Sign Languages, Digital German assessment, and Seamless Writing, which examine language competence, automated evaluation, and writing support tools. Research interests include Automated writing evaluation and feedback systems English-Medium Instruction quality assurance Scenario-based literacy education in vocational contexts Integration of natural language processing in language assessment Impact of digitalization on academic writing Development of CEFR-aligned testing frameworks His publications span journals like Reading and Writing and Bulletin suisse de linguistique appliquée , as well as peer-reviewed conference contributions at events such as the EARLI Conference, EATAW, and the International Pragmatics Conference. Recent work explores automated writing feedback, CEFR level prediction, and EMI's role in educational social spheres.
Dr. Yi-Ching Lee is a Professor at George Mason University specializing in Human Factors with research foci on transportation and medical systems , intelligent virtual agents , and multimodal interfaces . She joined GMU in Fall 2016, bringing 15+ years of experience from roles like directing the driving simulator research group at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. PhD in Industrial Engineering (Human Factors) from University of Iowa (2006) MS in Experimental Psychology Her research examines human-automation interaction , driver behavior , and emerging technologies , particularly autonomous vehicles and wearable systems . Recent work explores social attribution in AV interactions, driver stress induction, and chatbot user experiences. Key publication themes span machine learning for driver health detection, environmental science studies on PM2.5 exposure, and human-computer interaction frameworks for augmented reality interfaces. Her articles often bridge transportation psychology with technological innovation . 2025-2027: Graphical changeable message signs grant (VDOT) 2019-2023: Driver vigilance framework grant (NHTSA) 2015-2021: NSF grant for real-time driver condition detection Dr. Lee supervises PhD students Kyle Hickerson, Allegra Ayala, and Liam Kettle, while previously guiding Daniela Barragan. She focuses on behavioral change and quality of life improvement through methodological innovations integrating applied and basic research .
