Naomi Sheneman

Naomi Sheneman, Ph.D., CDI is an Instructional Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Houston's College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Interpretation from Gallaudet University (2018), an M.S. in Educational Administration from the University of Rochester, an M.A. in Teaching and Learning from UC San Diego, and a B.A. in Psychology from Gallaudet University.

Her interdisciplinary research focuses on interpreting ethics, Deaf epistemologies, power dynamics in interpretation, medical interpreting, and social justice. Published works examine ethical decision-making, ableism in interpretation, and the intersection of linguistic rights and disability justice.

Recent publications demonstrate a focus on critical approaches to institutional translation, epistemic justice in signed language interpretation, and applications of crip linguistics. Her scholarship consistently addresses power asymmetries and social justice frameworks in interpreting contexts.

Honors include:

• Excellence in Research Award from Conference of Interpreter Trainers (2022)
• Outstanding BA in Interpretation Mentor Award, Gallaudet University (2019)
• Distinguished Teaching Achievement Award, UC San Diego (2004)

She has served as curriculum developer for federal and state grants including St. Catherine University CATIE Center and University of Northern Colorado IRIS Project, and consults nationally on interpreter education programs.