Advancing Teaching and Learning in ASL & Interpreting Studies
About ATLAS Lab
The ATLAS Research Lab at Oklahoma State University is dedicated to advancing the fields of ASL and Interpreter Education. Our mission is to investigate questions that inform practice and support for ASL and Interpreter Educators, with the ultimate goal of improving student outcomes and increasing access and equity for Deaf and hard of hearing communities.
Our work aims to:
- Increase the number of ASL-proficient professionals across various fields
- Enhance the quality of ASL-English interpreting services provided by interpreting program graduates
- Support and develop best practices in ASL and Interpreter Education
ATLAS Lab Values
Diversity and Lived Experience
We cherish the rich diversity within Deaf and hard of hearing communities and honor their lived experiences as a fundamental source of knowledge and insight.
Partnership & Collaboration
We embrace the principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us” by actively collaborating with Deaf researchers, organizations, and community members in all aspects of our work.
Integrity
We uphold the highest standards of integrity in our research, communication, and interactions with all stakeholders.
Inclusivity
We strive to create an inclusive environment where all team members, regardless of hearing status or background, can contribute and thrive.
Continuous Learning
We value lifelong learning and actively seek opportunities for professional growth and knowledge exchange.
Impact-Driven
We focus on conducting research that has tangible, positive application and impacts.
Current Projects
Brief History of the Oklahoma Association of the Deaf
This community engaged project is in partnership with the Oklahoma Association of the Deaf. Though “oral” history interviews, the project aims to document and preserve the rich history of the Oklahoma Association of the Deaf.
Funding and support has been provided by:
- Oklahoma Association of the Deaf
- Oklahoma State University, College of Arts and Sciences, Community Engagement grant
- Oklahoma State University, College of Arts and Sciences, Advancing Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (AURCA) program
- Oklahoma Oral History Research Program (OOHRP)
First-Year-Faculty Study
This 10-month longitudinal study focuses on the acculturation experiences of early career faculty members. We aim to identify challenges, support needs, and best practices for successfully transitioning into academic careers in our field.
Funding and support has been provided by:
- Oklahoma State University, College of Arts and Sciences Advancing Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (AURCA) program
Interpreting Student Self-Reflection
This project investigates the role of self-reflection in the development
of interpreting skills. We’re exploring how structured self-reflection
practices can enhance student learning outcomes and professional
readiness.
The current phase of this project is in collaboration with Tara Stevens at Eastern Kentucky University. We are exploring the “stickiness” of explicitly taught self-reflection tools and strategies in alumni 2-years post program completion.
Sociocultural Model of Interpreting
My colleagues (Tara Stevens, Folami Ford, and Kirsi Majuri) are composing a textbook built around a sociocultural model of interpreting (SCMI). The model takes into account multiple factors of the interpreting process (culture, communication, process, ethics, etc.). A key feature of the text is spotlight interviews with interpreters and members of the communities we serve. We’ll be sharing more about this model and our work at the CIT conference in November 2024.
Our Team
The ATLAS Research Lab is proud to work with a diverse team of talented researchers, including undergraduate students from various disciplines. Our team members contribute unique perspectives and skills to our projects, fostering an environment of collaborative learning and innovation.
Get Involved!
We’re always looking for passionate students interested in ASL, the Deaf community, Interpreter Education, or faculty development research.
If you’re a student at Oklahoma State University and would like to join our team, please contact us to learn about current opportunities.
You do not need ASL skills to join the team, although you’re expected to have plans to learn rudimentary ASL conversational skills (not necessarily major or minor).
We have opportunities for students with a wide range of skills. Here are some activities our research assistants work on:
- Transcribing/Captioning: Edit computer-generated transcripts
- Translate/Interpret: interviews, social media, marketing, or other materials
- Annotating: Tag portions of recorded interviews by topic, demographics, quotes
- Video editing: Extract clips, stitch topics together, make gif
- Marketing: Create educational/promotional materials, connect with media, publicize the project
- Social media: Make images, write updates, post clips, promote list growth
- Website management: update website with new projects, team members, etc.
- Newsletter Publication: work with all project teams to develop monthly content, write, edit, distribute,
- Thematic analysis: Look for patterns in the content of the interviews,
- Database or archive management: create entries, tag materials with metadata, organize content
- Lab/project management: Keeping track of people, completed tasks, data organization, protocols, etc.
- Preparing forms: IRB, consent, Qualtrics
- Research Poster Design: design, editing, graphics, QR code generation, etc.
- Article writing support: literature review, graphics, citation checking, etc.
- Budget management: assist with processing approved reimbursements, tracking expenses, organizing expense documentation, etc.
If you’re an OkState student and you’d like to apply to work in the Lab, please complete this application. Our team will get back with you soon!