معرفی
Susan L. Gabel is a Professor of Inclusive Education in the College of Education at Wayne State University. She holds a Ph.D. from Michigan State University and an M.Ed. from Wayne State University, and her scholarly work centers on critical disability studies, inclusive pedagogy, and feminist theory. She teaches graduate courses in special education, inclusive curriculum, and doctoral seminars in curriculum and instruction.
Her educational background includes:
- Ph.D., Michigan State University
- M.Ed., Wayne State University
Dr. Gabel's research critically examines how educational institutions produce disability through ableist structures, shifting focus from disabled individuals to systemic exclusion. She employs feminist poststructuralism and new materialism, particularly affect theory, to explore the emotional and material consequences of ableism. Her recent work reflects on inclusion activism and the paradoxes within inclusive education. She has directed the NEH Summer Institute on 'Disability and Identity in History, Literature & Media' (2019–2022), highlighting her leadership in interdisciplinary scholarship.
Her recent publications reveal a strong trend in critical discourse analysis, affect theory, and inclusive pedagogy, with a focus on belonging, identity, and systemic barriers in education. These works span journals in education, disability studies, and feminist philosophy, demonstrating interdisciplinary reach and depth.
Her scientific awards include:
- Senior Research Fellow, University of Auckland (2018)
- Distinguished Research Scholar, University of Auckland (2018)
- Senior Scholar Award, Second City Conference on DSE (2012)
- Faculty Research Award, National-Louis University (2005)
- US Rehabilitation Services Administration Scholar (2002–03)
- Irving K. Zola Emerging Scholar Honorable Mention (1998)
Dr. Gabel has secured significant grants, including from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the US Department of Postsecondary Education. She advises emerging scholars and has co-authored with graduate students and colleagues, indicating active mentorship. She is also engaged in community outreach, serving as President of Families First, supporting adults with developmental disabilities. Her work bridges academic research, policy activism, and community-based inclusion efforts.
She has presented keynotes globally, including at the University of Auckland, University of Waikato, and National Disability Leadership Summit in Sydney, establishing her as an international voice in disability studies and inclusive education.
