My research examines the origins and evolution of human semiotic systems, particularly language. Currently, I’m working as a postdoctoral researcher on the Sign Change project. I’m also contributing to several other research projects: studying the evolution of signed languages using phylogenetic methods; investigating the composition of early signing communities in schools for the deaf in the United States; and exploring the transmission of sign languages in the former Soviet Union, including in Georgia and in Tajikistan.
PhD in Linguistics, 2020
University of Texas at Austin
MA in Linguistics, 2014
University of North Dakota
BA in American Studies, 2003
University of South Florida
A pilot project comparing sign languages in Russia, Georgia, and Tajikistan
NSF-funded project studying language change and language relationships among two putative families of sign languages
Collaboration exploring the early dispersal and evolution of sign languages
Dissertation project on the evolution of Russian-Tajik Sign Language