Academics
Areas of Study

Our research advances understanding and influences policies that impact the deaf and hard of hearing community. 

Our unique mission encourages, promotes, and facilitates scholarly research to enhance the intellectual climate on-campus while making a difference in our local and global communities.

The number of principal investigators has doubled over the last 10 years and are more diverse than ever.

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Rave project, mother and baby looking at screen

What Are Our Research Priorities?

Our priorities guide our projects and motivate our researchers to make a difference.

Education
Diversity
Accessibility
Deaf Experience
Language and Cognition

What Are Our Priorities?

Our priorities are the foundation of our research. They’re what guide our projects and motivate our researchers to make a difference.

Diversity
Education
Accessibility
Deaf Experience
Language and Cognition
Women in lab photo

Gallaudet ranks among the top doctoral universities

We believe that gaining the insight of younger generations is essential to supporting Gallaudet’s ongoing mission.

Become a student assistant for faculty researchers carrying out their own studies.

Collaborate with seasoned faculty researchers on your projects through research study mentorships.

Contribute to the vitality of on-campus research

Brain and Language Laboratory for Neuroimaging (BL2)

Led by Director Dr. Laura-Ann Petitto, BL2 uses advanced experimental equipment, such as functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) neuroimaging, to advance knowledge and improve deaf education worldwide.

Center for Deaf Health Equity

The research conducted at the Center for Deaf Health Equity lays the foundation for better health and quality of life-related data among deaf and hard of hearing people who use American Sign Language.

Center for Science, Technology, and Research

Focusing on congenital deafness, ecology, and cancer research, the $1.2 million Center for Science, Technology, and Research sponsors undergraduate research for course credit and through paid summer internship opportunities.

Motion Light Lab (ML2)

Using motion capture technology to create bilingual learning tools in American Sign Language, ML2 makes strides in literacy development and learning experiences for deaf and hard of hearing children.

Schuchman Deaf Documentary Center

To make research entertaining and approachable through the arts, the Drs. John S. & Betty J. Schuchman Deaf Documentary Center researches, documents, and shares the lived experiences of deaf people via film, photography, and written narrative.

National Science Foundation Science of Learning Center on Visual Language and Visual Learning (VL2)

VL2 oversees nine of Gallaudet’s research labs to explore visual learning and apply research findings to develop advanced educational techniques and technology at an international level.

Technology Access Program (TAP)

TAP collaborates with many other Gallaudet research laboratories to conduct research and produce valuable information to advance communication technologies that serve deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

Contribute to the vitality of on-campus research

Center for Deaf Health Equity (CDHE)

CDHE conducts population health, patient-reported outcomes, and clinical trial studies with individuals who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing.

Center for Science and Technology Research (CSTR)

Home to multimillion-dollar labs designed for deaf scientists, CSTR is a beacon on the Gallaudet campus. Deaf and hard of hearing students work side-by-side with Gallaudet faculty across disciplines, including Molecular Genetics, Ecology, Pharmacology, Chemistry, Bioinformatics, Computational Chemistry, Information Technology, and Mathematics.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Child Resilience Center

Research at DHHCRC addresses gaps in the delivery of mental health services to deaf and hard of hearing children by creating and adapting accessible tools to assess trauma symptoms and behavior, adapting evidence-based trauma treatments, and providing training and ongoing consultation for mental health professionals.

Motion Light Lab (ML2)

Using motion capture technology to create bilingual learning tools in American Sign Language, ML2 makes strides in literacy development and learning experiences for deaf and hard of hearing children.

Drs. John S. & Betty J. Schuchman Deaf Documentary Center

The Schuchman Deaf Documentary Center educates students in the documentary arts and explores the lives of deaf people through research, documentation and dissemination. Special focus is given to significant historical issues and endangered cultural knowledge specific to deaf peoples.

Center on Visual Language and Visual Learning (VL2)

VL2 utilizes neuroimaging techniques to advance knowledge on how human higher cognition is realized through vision. VL2 studies the effects of visual processes, visual language, and social experience on the development of cognition, language, reading and literacy.

Technology Access Program (TAP)

TAP conducts research and development related to communication technologies and services. It works closely with deaf and hard of hearing consumers, policymakers and industry to inform its work and to accelerate the transition from research to practice.

Support

Our research can only be good as the support it receives. We provide support to our faculty, staff, and student researchers to ensure they experience the highest standard of academic integrity and excellence.

Gallaudet leads global advances in research and education

Learn more about how Gallaudet expands the frontiers of deaf scholarship and deepens knowledge through its Office of International Affairs, creates opportunities through Study Abroad programs such as Fulbright fellowships, welcomes international scholars, and provides students with unparalleled opportunities to collaborate on research that changes lives throughout the world.

Research That Goes Beyond the Classroom

Gallaudet’s dedication to research takes many forms. From global education opportunities to developing leaders right at home in Washington DC–Gallaudet is where students become world-changers.

Entrepreneurship

The Gallaudet Innovation and Entrepreneurship Institute (GIEI) provides a safe platform for budding entrepreneurs to test the waters and experiment with whatever fun, innovative ideas they can bring to the table with wise mentors and vast resources to guide the way.
GIEI bison logo

Student Startup Career & Internship Fair at George Washington University

DMV Top 150 Student Pitch Competition at George Mason University

On-campus and Online Courses in Entrepreneurship

The Y-Summit - Two-day on-campus/virtual conference.

Entrepreneurial conversations at “In-Class Roadshows.”

Ongoing mentoring services