Caroline Solomon

Dr. Caroline Solomon is the current Dean of Faculty at Gallaudet University, where she previously served as a Biology faculty member for over 20 years. She holds adjunct roles at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and advises doctoral committees on STEM accessibility. Her academic background includes a B.A. from Harvard, M.S. from the University of Washington, and Ph.D. from the University of Maryland in Biological Oceanography.

Her research focuses on estuarine ecosystems (e.g., Chesapeake Bay and Anacostia River), microbial dynamics, and nitrogen cycling. She has pioneered studies on urease activity in phytoplankton and the socio-environmental barriers faced by deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in STEM fields.

Dr. Solomon has received numerous awards, including the 2017 Ramón Margalef Award and 2020 Gallaudet Hall of Fame recognition. She has authored over 30 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, emphasizing accessibility in science education and environmental policy.

Her teaching spans undergraduate courses like Ecology (BIO-241) and Research Experience modules, with a focus on mentoring deaf students through capstone projects and internships. She leads national initiatives funded by NSF to support underrepresented groups in STEM.