Lawrence Nehring is a Lecturer in the Department of Modern and Classical Language Studies at Kent State University, specializing in American Sign Language (ASL). His academic affiliation and work focus on bridging ASL education with theatrical practices. BA in English and Theatre MSEd in Curriculum for the Deaf from the University of Rochester His research and professional activities center on adapting, directing, and performing plays in ASL, particularly through collaborations with groups like SUNSHINE TOO and CLEVELAND SIGNSTAGE THEATRE. Nehring’s expertise also extends to stage combat coordination and theatrical interpretation, enhancing accessibility and artistic expression for the Deaf community. Office: 308-F Satterfield Hall, Kent Campus | Email | Phone: 330-672-1808
Linda Flores is an Assistant Professor in the ASL department and serves as Assistant Dean at Wayland Baptist University, San Antonio campus. She can be reached at floresl@wbu.edu or via phone at 210-590-5655. Her office hours are Monday-Thursday 8AM-6PM and Friday 8AM-4PM. While specific research interests are not detailed in the text, her roles suggest focus areas in educational leadership and ASL program administration within higher education. No academic publications or research grants are listed in the provided information.
Kim Weild is the Area Chair for the John Wells Directing Program and an Associate Professor at Carnegie Mellon University. She is an award-winning director and educator renowned for her collaboration with d/Deaf and Disabled artists, creating groundbreaking bilingual performances integrating American Sign Language (ASL) and spoken languages. In 2023, she co-created The Apothetae Residency at The Public Theater, focusing on Access Aesthetics and Disability Performance through Shakespeare. Her production of American Moor is archived at the Folger Shakespeare Library and taught globally. MFA, Columbia University School of the Arts BFA with Honors, New York University Tisch School of Arts Weild’s research and practice investigate themes of otherness, difference, and inclusivity across culture, language, gender, ability, socio-economic class, and race. Her work challenges contemporary perceptions of 'normalcy' and emphasizes the transformative power of understanding human diversity. Her career includes directing critically acclaimed productions at institutions like Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and Shakespeare’s Globe London. She has received fellowships and residencies from Park Avenue Armory, The Kennedy Center, and Williamstown Theater Festival, among others. Co-founder of The Apothetae Residency Founding Artistic Director of Our Voices Theater Senior Lecturer at John Wells Directing Program Her teaching spans over 25 years, training MFA/BFA candidates and leading workshops on diversity in the arts. She is a proud member of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) and an affiliate of New Georges and The Adaptations Project.
Anne Therese Frederiksen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication, Arts, Sciences, and Disorders at Brooklyn College, City University of New York (CUNY) . Her work bridges psycholinguistics and sign-language linguistics, with a particular focus on how bilingualism in signed and spoken languages illuminates broader questions about language and cognition. Education: Ph.D. in Linguistics and Cognitive Science, University of California, San Diego (Mayberry Lab for Multimodal Language Development) Postdoctoral fellowships: UC Irvine Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellow (2019–2020) and NSF-funded postdoc under Dr. Judith Kroll (2020–2022) Research Interests: Frederiksen’s research centers on bimodal bilingualism —the simultaneous use of a signed and a spoken language—examining how this unique bilingual experience shapes cognitive control, referential cohesion, and discourse processing. She investigates American Sign Language (ASL) pronouns and spatial grammar, gesture–language interaction, and the developmental trajectories of both native and late learners of ASL. Publications at a glance: Since 2015 she has published nine peer-reviewed articles and numerous conference presentations. The corpus spans high-impact journals such as Language, Cognition and Neuroscience , Frontiers in Psychology , and Lingua . Collectively, the work traces a trajectory from foundational descriptions of reference tracking in novice ASL learners to sophisticated models of bilingual language control and the semantics-pragmatics interface in sign languages. Scientific Awards & Funding: National Science Foundation research grant (2020–2022) UC Irvine Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowship (2019–2020) Advising & Collaborative Networks: While the supplied text does not list individual advisees, Frederiksen has collaborated closely with Prof. Judith Kroll (UC Irvine) and Prof. Rachel Mayberry (UC San Diego), indicating active mentoring of graduate students and postdocs within large, federally funded research teams. Labs & Research Groups: During her doctoral training she was a member of the Mayberry Lab for Multimodal Language Development at UC San Diego, and she maintains collaborative ties with language-science groups at UC Irvine and CUNY.
Justin Malone is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the College of Education and Human Development at Georgia State University, specializing in American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture education. He previously taught ASL at Towson University from 2018 to 2020 before joining Georgia State University in fall 2020. Education: B.A. in American Sign Language Studies, Gallaudet University (2017) M.A. in Sign Language Education, Gallaudet University (2018) His research and teaching focus on linguistic features of American Sign Language and cultural aspects of the Deaf community, contributing to sign language education and accessibility initiatives. Contact: jmalone18@gsu.edu | Personal Website
Laurel B Whitsett is a Distinguished Senior Lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance at The University of Texas at Arlington. She holds a strong interdisciplinary profile, bridging performance, linguistics, and accessibility in the arts. Her work integrates academic scholarship with professional practice in theatre, film, and television. BA in Theatre Arts, University of California San Diego (1990) MA in Theatre, Text & Performance Studies, King’s College London and Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (2005) MA in Linguistics, The University of Texas at Arlington (2019) Currently pursuing a PhD in Linguistics & TESOL at UTA Her research centers on the science of comedy , pragmatics , forensic linguistics , and the interpretation of verbal humor , with a strong commitment to Universal Design in performing arts . She explores how virtual intelligence can support mental health, and she is passionate about integrating American Sign Language (ASL) into mainstream theatre through shadow interpretation and ASL coaching. Her sole published article (2023) reflects on navigating uncertainty in higher education during the pandemic using collaborative autoethnography, indicating a scholarly interest in pedagogical resilience and reflective practice within interdisciplinary contexts. Notable awards include the Yumi Nakamura Prize in Linguistics (twice), the Experiential Learning Faculty Fellowship, and service and research honors from Tarrant and Collin Colleges. Peer reviewer for the International Journal of Education and The Arts Organizer of interdisciplinary programs between UTA and Tarrant County College Recipient of experiential learning and curriculum development grants She is a member of the Maverick Theatre Company and the Screen Actors Guild, and has served as an ASL instructor and interpreter, contributing to accessibility in education and performance.
Dr. Lance Nozot is an affiliate faculty member at Colorado Christian University, Red Rocks Community College, and the University of Northern Colorado, where he teaches American Sign Language and interpreter theory and skills. He is affiliated with the College of Undergraduate Studies, School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Colorado Christian University. With 27 years of experience in public education, Dr. Nozot currently teaches ASL at the high school and college levels while contributing to curriculum development in the Douglas County School District. His educational background includes: Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, Liberty University M.A. in Teaching American Sign Language, University of Northern Colorado M.A. in Information and Learning Technologies, University of Colorado at Denver M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction, Colorado Christian University B.M.E. in Music Education, Colorado Christian University Principal Licensure Preparation, University of Denver Dr. Nozot's research and professional interests focus on aligning curriculum with the Colorado Academic Standards (CAS2020), integrating learning technologies into instruction, and enhancing second language acquisition, particularly in American Sign Language. He is deeply invested in teacher education, professional development, and mentoring, with a strong emphasis on constructivist instructional strategies and authentic assessment methods. His work bridges K–12 education and higher education, aiming to improve pedagogical practices in world language classrooms. Though no publications are listed, his career reflects a consistent engagement with curriculum design, educational technology, and ASL instruction across multiple institutional contexts. Dr. Nozot has not been mentioned as receiving any formal scientific awards. He advises and mentors future educators and ASL interpreters, particularly within Christian educational frameworks, aiming to equip them with communication skills to serve the Deaf community. While no formal grants are mentioned, his involvement in district-level curriculum councils suggests active participation in educational leadership and policy implementation. He is involved in curriculum development teams within the Douglas County School District World Language Curriculum Council, where he contributes to shaping ASL and world language instruction aligned with state standards and technological integration.
Lisa Aikin-Allen is an Instructor of American Sign Language at Colorado Mesa University, where she teaches foundational ASL and promotes understanding of Deaf Culture. With over a decade of teaching experience across four higher education institutions, she is committed to making ASL accessible, engaging, and enjoyable for students. Her educational background includes: BA in Family and Children Studies from Gallaudet University AAS in Photo/Media Technology from Rochester Institute of Technology, National Institute for the Deaf AAS in Computer Operations from Rochester Institute of Technology, National Institute for the Deaf Lisa Aikin-Allen's primary research and teaching interests center on American Sign Language and Deaf Culture. She emphasizes experiential and immersive learning, encouraging students to view ASL not only as a linguistic system but also as a vibrant cultural expression within the Deaf community. Her pedagogical approach highlights the visual-spatial nature of signed languages and fosters inclusive communication practices. While no recent publications are listed, her teaching expertise spans over ten years and multiple academic environments, suggesting a strong commitment to language education and student engagement in ASL acquisition. There are no listed scientific awards or honors in the available information. Lisa Aikin-Allen advises and mentors students learning ASL, focusing on practical communication skills and cultural competence. There is no mention of research grants or funded projects in the provided text. She is actively involved in classroom instruction and student support at Colorado Mesa University, though no formal lab or research team is referenced in the profile.
Ann Bolton is an Associate Professor in the Department of Humanities at Maranatha Baptist University, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Education. She is a part-time faculty member and alumna of the university, with a long-standing commitment to Christian education and service. MS in Curriculum and Instruction, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater BS in Elementary Education, Maranatha Baptist University Her research and teaching interests focus on Physical Education , American Sign Language , and Christian educational ministry . She is passionate about mentoring students in fields that integrate faith and service, particularly in underserved areas like deaf ministry and physical education. While no publications are listed, her professional work emphasizes curriculum development, inclusive education, and faith-based teaching practices, reflecting a strong applied and service-oriented approach. Ann Bolton is actively involved in campus and community service, though no formal scientific awards are mentioned. She advises and mentors students informally through teaching and ministry, and has contributed to NCAA grant reporting and educational administration. Her work bridges academics, athletics, and spiritual outreach. She is involved in campus initiatives including the Campus Safety Committee and Maranatha Baptist Academy coaching. Her service extends to church-based deaf ministry, where she interprets services and teaches ASL, and to emergency response volunteering in Jefferson and Dodge County.
Charles Herbold is a Lecturer in American Sign Language at McDaniel College, where he teaches courses such as Educational and Life Experiences of Deaf People , The Deaf Narrative , and American Deaf Culture . As a Deaf individual, he brings lived experience and deep cultural insight into the classroom, fostering inclusivity and effective communication between Deaf and hearing communities. His research and teaching interests center on the linguistic structure of ASL, including grammar, syntax, and the use of facial expressions and body movements. He is particularly passionate about ASL literature, storytelling, poetry, and visual expression techniques like role-shifting and classifiers. While no publications or awards are listed, his pedagogical approach emphasizes immersive learning and cultural empathy. He mentors students to appreciate ASL not merely as a language but as a rich cultural and artistic medium that reflects the history and values of the Deaf community. Outside academia, Charles enjoys surfing, traveling to destinations like Nicaragua and the upcoming Mentawai Islands in Indonesia, reading classic literature such as A Tale of Two Cities , and eating pizza with pepperoni and pineapple.
Dr. Jennifer Beal is a faculty member in the Department of ASL/Interpreting and Deaf Education at Valdosta State University, Georgia. She contributes to both undergraduate and graduate programs in this field, focusing on education and interpreting for the deaf community. Email: jsbeal@valdosta.edu Phone: 229.219.1317 Location: 1029 Education Center, Valdosta State University Her research interests include: American Sign Language (ASL) Education Deaf Education Interpreting Studies Linguistics Special Education Language Acquisition
Angela Ellman serves as an Assistant Professor of Sign Language Interpreting at Augustana University within the Sharon Lust School of Education. She is an active member of the ASL Lab and teaches ASL I through V, Classifiers, and Deaf Culture courses, demonstrating deep commitment to advancing student fluency from foundational skills to conversational proficiency. Her academic credentials include: Master of Arts in Sign Language Education from Gallaudet University Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Colorado Technical University (2005) Professor Ellman's professional expertise centers on American Sign Language pedagogy and Deaf cultural studies, with specialized focus on sign language interpreting methodologies. She maintains active certification through the American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA) and holds a Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) score of 4+, reflecting advanced linguistic competency. Her work bridges academic instruction with practical community engagement through conference coordination. She founded Bella & Bash Consulting, providing specialized ASL instruction and conference planning services. Since 2003, she has coordinated major annual events for the National Council of Independent Living and National Association of the Deaf, demonstrating sustained leadership in Deaf community initiatives beyond the classroom.
John Borkowski is a Lecturer in American Sign Language at Purdue University, affiliated with the SLC (likely School of Languages and Cultures) department. His contact information includes jaborkow@purdue.edu and Room SC 181A. Research Interests: American Sign Language (ASL) linguistics Deaf cultural studies Language education pedagogy Contact: jaborkow@purdue.edu | Office: SC 181A
Deanna Twain is a Tutor at the Center for Academic Support and Tutoring (CAST) within Marymount Manhattan College, where she has taught American Sign Language (ASL) and Academic Writing since 2000. She also tutored writing and ASL at CAST for many years and taught the summer HEOP writing course for eight years. Her academic journey includes ASL training at the New York Society for the Deaf, where she earned certification as a Sign Language Interpreter. She applied this expertise in medical, legal, and personal interpretation settings before joining Marymount. Research and Teaching Focus: American Sign Language (ASL): Designed two ASL course levels and facilitates internships in the Deaf community. Academic Writing: Specializes in tutoring and course instruction, including summer programs. Outside academia, Deanna is a former actress and partnered with her late husband, Norman Twain, on creative projects. Their final collaboration, The Lifespan of a Fact , achieved Broadway success.
Kari Sween serves as Assistant Professor and American Sign Language Coordinator in the Department of Speech, Hearing, and Rehabilitation Services within Minnesota State University, Mankato's College of Allied Health and Nursing. Her work bridges ASL pedagogy, Deaf cultural advocacy, and systemic barrier reduction for Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities across healthcare, education, and legal settings. Her educational qualifications include: M.S. in Teaching and Learning, Minnesota State University, Mankato (2022) B.A. in Education, Minnesota State University, Mankato (2008) Sign Language Proficiency Interview: Superior Plus Rating Dr. Sween's research examines communication inequities through lenses of audism, social justice, and accessibility. She investigates how linguistic discrimination manifests in audiology, law enforcement, and healthcare systems while developing frameworks for culturally responsive practices. Her scholarship emphasizes early intervention strategies for Deaf children and amplifying Deaf community voices in policy discussions, with recent work focusing on person-centered care models and legal advocacy pathways. Her conference presentations from 2023-2025 demonstrate consistent engagement with pressing accessibility challenges, particularly regarding healthcare access, law enforcement communication protocols, and educational equity. While specific grant details aren't public, her collaborative presentations with professionals like Oeding and Kinney indicate interdisciplinary partnerships addressing systemic barriers. As ASL Coordinator, she shapes curriculum that moves beyond linguistic instruction to examine power dynamics in Deaf-hearing interactions. Her teaching philosophy centers creating transformative learning environments where students develop both ASL proficiency and critical awareness of societal barriers facing Deaf communities.
