معرفی
Svenna Pedersen serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education at San Diego State University (SDSU), where she teaches American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Culture courses. She concurrently instructs at Gallaudet University, Mesa Community College, Grossmont College, and Southwestern College, demonstrating extensive commitment to ASL education across multiple academic institutions.
Her educational background includes:
- MA in Deaf Studies (emphasis: ASL Teaching), Gallaudet University, 2007
- BA in Communication Studies, Gallaudet University, 2005
- Online DEFT Teaching Credential, Southwestern College, 2018
- ASL Proficiency Interview Score 4+, 2016
- California Subject Examination for Teachers (ASL), 2014
Professor Pedersen's research bridges ASL linguistics, cognitive neuroscience, and Deaf cultural studies. Her investigations into limb apraxia, sign span metrics, and neurological impacts on sign language production reveal the complex interplay between motor control and linguistic processing in visual languages. This work establishes critical baselines for understanding Deaf cognition and language disorders.
Her publication record shows consistent conference presentations at major neuroscience and linguistics venues over the past decade, with pronounced focus on ASL production errors and neurological correlates. Collaborations with the Salk Institute highlight her integration of laboratory neuroscience with real-world Deaf community applications.
Her professional recognitions include:
- Online DEFT Teaching Credential (Southwestern College, 2018)
- ASL Proficiency Interview Score 4+ (2016)
- California Subject Examination for Teachers (ASL, 2014)
As an educator, Professor Pedersen oversees SDSU's ASL proficiency assessment program and teaches ASL from beginner to advanced levels. Her pedagogical approach integrates research findings with cultural immersion, drawing from 15+ years of experience teaching Deaf children and families. She emphasizes identity development alongside language acquisition, reflecting her commitment to holistic Deaf education.
Though not leading a formal research laboratory, Professor Pedersen actively shapes the field through professional service on the San Diego ASLTA board and contributions to educational resources like Visual Language and Visual Learning's storybook apps. Her work consistently centers Deaf community perspectives in academic settings.
