Martha Tyrone is an Associate Professor in the Department of Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences at Gallaudet University, part of the Human Services and Sciences school. She specializes in sign language phonetics, motor speech disorders, and neurogenic language disorders. Her research integrates kinematic analysis with clinical linguistics, focusing on ASL phonetics, Parkinson’s disease impacts on signing, and phonetic reduction in sign languages. She teaches courses such as HSL-714 Speech Science and HSL-753 Motor Speech Disorders. Her work is affiliated with Gallaudet’s Technology Access Program (TAP) and Visual Language and Visual Learning (VL2) research centers.
Odd Morten Mjøen is an Associate Professor in Health Sciences at NTNU’s Department of Mental Health, affiliated with the Social Educator program and NAKU (The National Institute on Intellectual Disability and Community). He holds a doctoral degree in social sciences specializing in social work, focusing on disability and professional interactions in municipal health services. His research explores disability policy, inclusion, organizational impacts on service delivery, and qualitative methods. Education: PhD in Social Sciences (Social Work), NTNU Focus: Disability studies, professional interactions, service organization Research Interests: Disability inclusion in education and employment Policy and organizational aspects of disability services Sign language interpretation and legal access Attitudes toward disability in institutional settings Recent Work Trends: His 2020s research emphasizes systemic barriers for students and workers with disabilities, exploring ableism in higher education and transition-to-work policies. Earlier work focused on legal accessibility for Deaf individuals and ethical dilemmas in residential care. Awards: No specific awards listed, but his work is recognized through extensive publication in disability policy and social work journals. Advising & Grants: Leads the Social Educator program and NAKU. Active in national projects like MASQ (2024) and collaborates on EU-funded initiatives. Supervises research on disability inclusion and service quality metrics. Labs/Teams: NAKU and Social Educator program leadership roles, collaborating with NTNU Samfunnsforskning and Nord University on disability policy research.
Patrick Stefan Kermit is a Professor in the Department of Mental Health at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). His research focuses on disability studies, inclusive education, and accessibility within criminal justice systems. He holds a strong academic profile with over 15 peer-reviewed publications since 2015, addressing topics such as deaf children’s educational challenges, employer attitudes toward hiring individuals with developmental disabilities, and legal barriers faced by disabled individuals in Norway. His work bridges theory and practice, emphasizing ethical considerations in public service interpreting and the role of assistive technology in enhancing daily life participation. Key themes in his research include moral struggles in inclusive settings, systemic gatekeeping in higher education, and comparative studies on global disability policies. Collaborations with institutions like Universitetsforlaget and Routledge highlight his contributions to academic discourse. Recent publications (2021–2018) reflect a focus on intersectional issues such as criminal justice accessibility for hearing-impaired individuals and the sociocultural implications of assistive technology. His interdisciplinary approach addresses both practical and theoretical challenges in achieving equitable inclusion across educational, legal, and technological domains. No awards or grants are explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. His advising record is unspecified, though his work often engages with marginalized communities and professional stakeholders. Labs or specialized research teams are not explicitly detailed, though collaborations with colleagues like Terje Olsen and Heidi Pedersen suggest a networked research approach.
Sigrid Slettebakk Berge is a Professor in the Department of Teacher Education at NTNU's Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences. Her research specializes in sign language interpretation, deaf education, and communication accessibility, particularly examining interpreter-mediated learning environments and haptic communication for deafblind individuals. Research focus includes visual access in educational settings, role expectations for sign language interpreters, and communicative strategies in multi-sensory impairment contexts. Her publications analyze interactive dynamics in interpreted classrooms and meetings. Dr. Berge's work contributes to improving educational practices and interpreter training programs through empirical studies of real-world communication challenges.
Matthew Fardoux, M.S. (he/him/his), is an Instructor in the Department of Anatomy at Midwestern University's College of Graduate Studies. He holds an M.S. in Biology: Human Anatomical Sciences from Northern Illinois University (2023), a B.S. in Health Sciences (2021), and an A.S. from College of DuPage (2018). He is currently pursuing an Ed.D. focusing on pedagogical methods in anatomical sciences. Education: Ed.D. Candidate; M.S. Biology (NIU); B.S. Health Sciences (NIU); A.S. (College of DuPage) His teaching spans multiple disciplines including gross anatomy, histology, embryology, and neuroscience, utilizing modern pedagogies like modified Socratic Method and advanced technologies such as Anatomage tables and AI software. He instructs students across programs including DO, DPT, DMD, OD, and graduate biomedical science programs. Research interests emphasize optimizing teaching methods through data collection on student engagement with technologies like cadaver dissection, silicone plastinates, 3D models, and virtual anatomy tools. He serves on the University Diversity & Inclusion Committee and Anatomy Department's Social Media Subcommittee, and is a member of the Human Anatomy & Physiology Society (HAPS). Certifications: American Sign Language Fluency, Certified Pharmacy Technician (2014–2020) Teaching responsibilities include co-directing neuroscience courses for DMD and OD programs, and leading anatomy labs for multiple health professions students. He provides academic advising, mentorship, and supervision of student projects across various campuses.
Chris Drohan is a Teaching Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Oklahoma State University (OSU), serving since July 2023. Previously, he held roles such as Teaching Assistant Professor (2006–2023) and Instructor at Tarleton State University (2014–2016). His academic journey includes adjunct roles at Arizona State University (2012–2018) and other institutions. Drohan earned a PhD in Philosophy (Art & Critical Thought) from the European Graduate School (2007), an MA from the University of Guelph (2003), and a BAH in Philosophy and History (2000). His research focuses on semiotics, existentialism, post-structuralism, and the history of continental philosophy, with interdisciplinary connections to education policy and social/political philosophy. He has contributed to scholarly works analyzing Deleuze’s impact on education, semiotics in literature, and ethical consumerism. Drohan also engages with popular culture through philosophical lenses, such as examining Batman and Dr. Manhattan through Kierkegaard and Bergson. In teaching, he designs courses on global ethics, biomedical ethics, logic, and existentialism, emphasizing critical thinking and ethical reasoning. He served as Undergraduate Liaison in OSU’s Philosophy Department and has led courses at multiple institutions, including Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University. His professional service includes roles like General Secretary of the Toronto Semiotic Circle (2010–2014) and Assistant Director at the European Graduate School. He has advised master’s theses and maintained collaborative networks across academia, focusing on sustainable development goals like education equity and climate action.
Sameer ud Dowla Khan is a Professor of Linguistics at Reed College and co-editor of the Journal of South Asian Linguistics. They lead research in phonetics and phonology, specializing in intonation (prosody), voice quality (phonation), and South Asian languages. As director of Reed College's Lab of Linguistics, they oversee research on diverse languages and their varieties. Their research examines the physical attributes of speech sounds, abstract mental representations, and cross-linguistic patterns. Primary specializations include developing phonological models of Bengali intonation (InTraSAL system), comparative analysis of South Asian languages, and pioneering work on Bangla Sign Language. Khan's work spans theoretical and applied linguistics with strong interdisciplinary connections to cognitive science. Analysis of their 15 most recent publications reveals dominant research trajectories: phonetic documentation of phonation types (breathy/creaky voice) across languages, prosodic typology of South Asian languages, sociophonetic variation in voice quality, and applications in language acquisition/technology. Major methodologies include acoustic analysis, perceptual experiments, and corpus linguistics. Khan teaches undergraduate courses including: Introduction to Phonetics, Phonological Theory, Intonation Systems, Field Methods, and South Asian Languages. They mentor students in the Lab of Linguistics on experimental design and linguistic analysis.
Wolfgang Mann is a Professor in Special Education and Honorary Reader at the University of Roehampton’s School of Education, with affiliations at University College London (DCAL) and City University London. He holds a PhD from the University of California Berkeley and expertise in sign language development, bilingualism, and educational equity. His research focuses on language assessment for deaf children, including web-based tools like the BSL-VT and ASL-VT. Recent projects include a British Academy-funded study on deaf/hearing children’s online reading strategies and EU-funded work on cognitive processes in sign/spoken language. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and active in deaf education policy through roles like governor at Hamilton Lodge School. Key contributions include developing sign language assessments and collaborating with institutions globally. Teaching focuses on language-cognitive development, literacy, and research methods. His work bridges theory and practice, emphasizing technology and equity in education.
Amanda Smith is an Associate Professor and Programme Lead for British Sign Language (BSL) and Deaf Studies at York St John University. She has taught BSL for 20 years, specializing in integrating deaf lived experience into education. Her roles include teaching BSL modules, mentoring colleagues for Higher Education Academy (HEA) fellowships, and serving as an external examiner for institutions in Ireland and the UK. She holds a Senior Fellowship of the HEA (SFHEA) and a range of BSL qualifications up to Level 6. Education and Qualifications: Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (York St John), Postgraduate Diploma in Health Practice (Northumbria), Level 6 BSL (Signature), and CMI Leadership and Management (Level 5). Research and Interests: Focused on BSL pedagogy, accessibility in education, and deaf cultural awareness. She advocates for equal access for d/Deaf communities and collaborates with organizations to enhance deaf awareness training. Her work includes developing video resources for language learning and promoting inclusive university practices. Awards: Recognized nationally and locally for teaching excellence, including National Teacher of the Year (2011) and multiple student-nominated awards. Her contributions were acknowledged with Course Team of the Year (2022) for BSL and Deaf Studies. Professional Activities: External examiner for TRALEE Institute of Technology (Ireland), Salford University, and iBSL certifications. Active in Signature (BSL awarding body) and involved in HEA fellowship assessments. She also supports the student-led Sign Language Society in advancing BSL visibility.
Milos Ajcevic serves as Assistant Professor in Biomedical Engineering at the Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, specializing in biomedical signal and image processing with emphasis on neurophysiological signals and neuroimaging. His work bridges engineering and clinical neuroscience to address neurological disorders and chronic disease management. Education: B.Sc. in Electronic Engineering, University of Trieste M.Sc. in Electronic Engineering (summa cum laude, 2012), University of Trieste Ph.D. in Information Engineering (Biomedical Engineering curriculum, 2015), University of Trieste Dr. Ajcevic's research integrates advanced signal processing with machine learning to analyze neurophysiological data (EEG, PET, CT) for conditions including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and post-COVID cognitive impairment. His methodology emphasizes non-invasive diagnostic techniques and computational modeling for neurological assessment, with growing applications in hepatology and wound management through AI-driven solutions. Analysis of his 2025 publications reveals dominant trends in leveraging large language models for clinical decision support (particularly in hepatology via EASL guidelines), multimodal neuroimaging for post-COVID neurological sequelae, and deep learning for medical image segmentation. Key thematic clusters include AI safety validation in gastroenterology, non-invasive portal hypertension diagnosis using pan-elastographic models, and EEG-based biomarkers for stroke and neurodegenerative disorders. Dr. Ajcevic has secured research funding through multiple competitive projects including PARIDE and ECRES-DiabEx (2015-2016) for chronic disease self-management systems, followed by Airalzh, MeMoRi-NET, and CASSIA (2016-2022) focused on neurological disorders. He currently contributes to the Twin Brain H2020 project developing mobile brain/body imaging solutions. As an active member of EURASIP, IFMBE, and Italy's GNB group, he participates in international collaborative networks advancing biomedical signal processing standards.
Dr. Christoph Weber is a University Professor for Empirical Educational Research at the Upper Austrian University of Education (PH OÖ), focusing on research methods, evaluation, and educational inequalities. Since 2021, he has led the Coordination and Service Center for Research at PH OÖ and contributes to the Linz Research Center for Educational Research and Evaluation (zB). Academic appointment: Professor since 2021 Key affiliations: PH OÖ, JKU Linz Methodological expertise: Quantitative approaches (multilevel analysis, panel data, structural equation modeling) His research spans educational disparities, teacher training, and pandemic-related educational challenges. Recent projects analyze test mode effects in vocabulary assessment, app-based diagnostic tools for spelling deficits, and social communication in deaf populations . Google Scholar articles highlight studies on sign language assessment, arithmetic development, and teacher collaboration dynamics. Publications since 2021 emphasize compensating pandemic learning gaps impact of school closures methodological innovations in teacher training language screening for preschoolers peer effects in educational settings He also contributes to policy evaluations like Austria's New Middle School (NMS) reforms.
Prof Simone Taffe is a Professor in Communication Design and Associate Dean Research at Swinburne University of Technology's School of Design and Architecture. She leads research in participatory design, bridging industry experience with academic rigor. Her work emphasizes end-user engagement in design projects, with national/international recognition through real-world applications. Awards include the Australian Award for Teaching Excellence (2017) and multiple OLT Citations for innovative problem-based learning. She holds leadership roles in Swinburne's Centre for Transformative Media Technologies, Smart Cities Research Institute (Urban Decision Making theme), and SWAN Women's Academic Network. Research focuses on codesign methodologies, digital/remote collaboration, and inclusive design practices. She has advised numerous PhD projects on topics ranging from food waste reduction to cultural preservation. Active in professional networks, she serves on editorial boards (e.g., CoDesign Journal) and committees for institutional initiatives. Her creative outputs include data visualizations addressing sustainability and museum design projects prioritizing community agency. Teaching innovations include frameworks for branding education and reflective design pedagogy.
Marianne Pilskog Nyhus is an Assistant Professor and Head of the Programme for Signed Language and Interpreting at the Department of Language and Literature, Faculty of Humanities, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Her office is located at Bygg 5, 5525, Dragvoll. Her research focuses on sign language pedagogy, interpreting methodologies (including TSS – signs supporting speechreading), language development in deaf children, and inclusive educational frameworks. She investigates linguistic accessibility, professional training for interpreters, and multimodal communication strategies in deaf education. Her publications consistently address challenges in deaf communication, language acquisition, and educational equity. Recent works emphasize practitioner knowledge gaps and innovative interpreting techniques, reflecting sustained engagement with sign language applications in academic and professional contexts. She teaches courses including: TEGN2004: Interpreting – Professional and Theoretical Perspectives 2 TEGN1001: Independent Assignment in Teaching Norwegian Sign Language TEGN1000: Teaching in and About Norwegian Sign Language She actively contributes to academic outreach, such as co-presenting lectures on Norwegian Sign Language history and usage at institutions like Nidaros mållag.
Gøril Thomassen Hammerstad is a Full Professor at the Department of Language and Literature, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), where she also heads the Centre for Professional Discourse Studies. Her research focuses on applied linguistics, particularly health communication and professional discourse in institutional settings such as healthcare, social welfare, and education. She specializes in discourse analysis of professional interactions, including genetic counseling, medical emergency teams, and interpreter-mediated communication. Her work examines themes like diagnostic uncertainty, patient participation, communicative responsibility distribution, and digital interaction practices in public services. She has supervised numerous PhD and master’s students in linguistics, communication studies, and applied linguistics. Key research areas include: Healthcare communication ethics Interpreter-mediated interactions for Deaf patients Emergency team decision-making processes NAV (Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration) digital communication practices Genetic counseling discourse strategies Her publications span over 20 years, with contributions to journals like BMJ Open , Journal of Genetic Counseling , and NLT - Norsk lingvistisk tidsskrift . She has co-authored books on Nordic discourse studies and edited volumes on professional communication challenges. Honored as a leading scholar in institutional discourse analysis, her work bridges theory and practice, influencing healthcare training programs and public sector communication policies.
Vanissa Wanick is a Senior Lecturer in Interaction Design at the Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton. She holds a PhD in Design from the University of Southampton, an MBA in Marketing from the University Federal Fluminense (UFF), and a BA in Design from PUC-Rio, Brazil. Her research focuses on games for social change, gamification, human-computer interaction (HCI), participatory design, and data-driven design. She actively supervises PhD students in Design and has over 10 years of professional experience in digital design and UX design. Education: PhD (University of Southampton), MBA (UFF), BA (PUC-Rio) External Roles: Chair of the Serious Games Society (2021–2023), Chair of ACM SIGCHI (2022–present), Women in Games Ambassador Research Projects: Includes collaborations with Stewart Signs Limited and initiatives like CivicMAGIC, exploring citizen agency and immersive technologies. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, blending technology and creativity to address societal challenges. She has authored over 20 papers on gamification, UX design, XR technologies, and cross-cultural design, and contributes to leading conferences such as CHIPlay and GALA Conf.
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