Drs. John S. and Betty J. Schuchman Deaf Documentary Center receives $3 million federal research grant to advance knowledge about informal STEM learning

The Drs. John S. and Betty J. Schuchman Deaf Documentary Center, led by Dr. Brian H. Greenwald, ’96, Professor of History, has been awarded a four-year, $3 million research grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation through its Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) program. This program seeks to advance new approaches to, and evidence-based understanding of, the design and development of STEM learning in informal environments. This includes providing multiple pathways for broadening access to and engagement in STEM learning experiences. 

A documentary, Deaf in Motion, and companion website will tell a story that reveals not only a hidden component of early space history, but also how diverse peoples contribute to science in unique and extraordinary ways. Rather than being based on themes of pity or overcoming, the documentary will show how the diversity of the human condition made this particular research possible. As such, the documentary has the potential to change attitudes about disability. 

This documentary draws on research conducted by the Schuchman Center on ways Deaf people served the United States as test subjects in early space studies conducted by the United States Navy and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Gallaudet alumni interviewed for the documentary are Donald O. Peterson, G-’53; Harry O. Larsen, ’61; David Myers, ’61; Barron Gulak, ’62; and John Zakutney, ’64. In 2017, the National Deaf Life Museum opened an exhibition on the original research conducted by the U.S. Navy and NASA. 

The Deaf in Motion project will also advance knowledge about informal STEM learning by conducting research and evaluation studies that investigate how the documentary can build a sense of belonging in the STEM fields for Deaf youth and adults, how the theory of Deaf Gain (i.e., perceived hearing loss as an asset) can be applied to efforts in informal learning settings to encourage deeper thinking on ability versus disability, and the accessibility features and decisions that filmmakers and other informal STEM practitioners can use to encourage people to reexamine their biases about normalcy and value human diversity. A mix of Deaf and hearing investigators will conduct this research using interview and survey methods with film viewers. Through screenings and discussions, the project will further enhance the public’s engagement with important STEM concepts and broaden participation aims.

“We are very grateful to have support from the U.S. National Science Foundation in sharing this important slice of American Cold War history with the broader public,” stated Dr. Greenwald. “The Schuchman Center team is honored to work on this film and other engagement efforts to bring light to a small, but very patriotic group of Deaf test subjects during the 1950s and 1960s.”