the Deaf studies incubator

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Meet the Deaf Studies Incubator Fellows

DSI Fellows are emerging scholars passionate about Deaf Studies and committed to making a difference.

Naiara Larrakoetxea

Biography
Naiara Larrakoetxea, Bachelor in Political Science, Specialist in Basque Studies and Master in Governance and Political Studies, is currently a researcher at the UPV-EHU, where she is doing her PhD in Society, Politics and Culture program, analyzing the deaf community from a political science perspective. Being Basque ignited her interest in understanding the complexities of political conflicts and their profound impact on relationships and social structures. These experiences ingrained in her a deep appreciation for democratic values and the importance of fostering dialogue across differences. Her commitment to politics has led her to hold different political positions in deaf associations in Spain and Basque Country for a decade, especially those related to Spanish Sign Language policy.

Amelia Palmer

Biography

Amelia Palmer is currently based in Washington, D.C., where she serves as the Black Deaf Diaspora Outreach Assistant at the Center for Black Deaf Studies (CBDS) and as a Mellon Foundation Incubator Fellow in Deaf Studies at Gallaudet University. Originally from Ontario, Canada, and born to Jamaican parents, Amelia brings a unique perspective to her work, which centers on the intersections of race, culture, and Deaf identity. 

Her academic contributions focus on uncovering and amplifying the narratives of Black Deaf communities. Amelia co-authored the groundbreaking paper, “Reconstructing a Hidden History: Black Deaf Canadian Relating Identity,” alongside Dr. Jenelle Rouse and Amy Parsons. This work has been instrumental in shedding light on the experiences and histories of Black Deaf Canadians, fostering greater awareness and understanding within both academic and broader social contexts. 

Amelia’s dedication to advocacy and research continues to shape conversations around Black Deaf identity, ensuring these stories are recognized and preserved for future generations.

Meet the Deaf Studies Incubator Co-Directors & Faculty Mentors

Teresa Blankmeyer-Burke

Co-Director, School Director, School of Arts and Humanities, Professor, Philosophy.

H-Dirksen L. Bauman

Co-Director, Professor and Program Director, Deaf Studies.

Joseph Hill

Associate Professor, Deaf Studies. Director, Center for Black Deaf Studies.

Jannelle Legg

Associate Professor of History. Director, Schuchman Center for Deaf Documentary Studies.

Joseph Murray

Professor and Director, Deaf Studies Online Degree Completion Program. President, World Federation of the Deaf.

Brendan Stern

Professor, Government. Director, Center for Democracy in Deaf America.

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