Alicia K. Wooten is a Deaf American immunologist and associate professor of biology at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. She specializes in lung biology, innate and adaptive immunity, and infectious diseases such as pneumonia. Wooten is also a co-founder of Atomic Hands, a nonprofit organization focused on delivering STEM education in American Sign Language (ASL).
Early Life and Education
Wooten earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), an institution with a large deaf and hard-of-hearing student population[1]. She later pursued and completed a Ph.D. in Molecular and Translational Medicine at Boston University[1]. During her academic training, Wooten faced significant communication barriers, including a lack of interpreters proficient in scientific vocabulary. She often had to teach interpreters the appropriate signs for specialized terms, an experience that influenced her later work in STEM accessibility[2].
Academic Career and Research
In 2019, Wooten joined Gallaudet University as an Assistant Professor of Biology, later becoming an Associate Professor[1]. Her research focuses on innate immune responses in the lungs, especially the role of macrophages in combating Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterium responsible for pneumonia[1][3]. This work aims to deepen understanding of the mechanisms through which the body defends itself against respiratory pathogens, with implications for treatment and prevention strategies.
In March 2023, Wooten participated in the STEM Sign Language Lexicon Workshop at Gallaudet University[4]. Supported by a National Science Foundation grant, the workshop gathered educators, scientists, and sign language experts to develop and standardize STEM vocabulary in sign language. This initiative reflects her ongoing effort to reduce linguistic barriers in science education and research for deaf students and professionals.
Advocacy and Atomic Hands
Wooten is a co-founder of Atomic Hands, a nonprofit organization she launched with fellow Deaf scientist Barbara Spiecker[1]. The idea emerged from their shared experiences in graduate school, where they struggled with the dominance of English in STEM education and the lack of networking opportunities for deaf professionals. Atomic Hands develops STEM educational materials—videos, storybooks, and an online ASL dictionary—and fosters a community that connects deaf STEMists worldwide. The organization’s mission is to empower the Deaf community through accessible scientific knowledge, inspire curiosity, and promote STEM careers for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals[5].
Legacy and Impact
Through her academic research, teaching, and advocacy, Alicia Wooten has significantly contributed to both science and accessibility. Her work bridges the gap between advanced biomedical research and community engagement, making her a prominent figure in the movement to ensure that Deaf individuals have equal opportunities in STEM.
- Gallaudet University. (n.d.). Alicia Wooten, Associate Professor at Science, Technology, Accessibility, Mathematics, and Public Health | Gallaudet University.
- Hallet, V. (2024, June 13). Panel on STEM signs prepares undergraduates for summer research program. Gallaudet News.
- Atomic Hands. (n.d.). Alicia Wooten – Atomic Hands Deaf STEMist profile.
- Hallet, V. (2023, March 28). STEM Sign Language Lexicon Workshop. Gallaudet News.
- Atomic Hands. (n.d.). About – How We Became Atomic Hands.
