Leah C. Geer (also formerly Leah Zarchy) is an academic and researcher specializing in linguistics, early intervention, and signed language acquisition. She currently serves as the Director of the Early Intervention Studies Graduate Programs at Gallaudet University.
Early Life and Education
Leah Geer was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and identifies as Latina[1]. She began her higher education at New Mexico State University, where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Her interest gradually turned toward language, development, and sign language acquisition, which led her to pursue graduate studies[1][2].
She obtained a Master’s degree in Linguistics from Gallaudet University, combining her interests in motor learning and signed language acquisition[1]. Later, she earned her PhD in Linguistics from the University of Texas at Austin (2010–2016)[1][3][4]. Her doctoral work placed her in the domain of sign language linguistics, fingerspelling, and cross-linguistic studies of sign languages (e.g. ASL, Mongolian Sign Language)[2][4].
Academic Career
Following her PhD, Geer held roles in linguistic research, teaching, and curriculum development. Her academic appointment includes work as Associate Professor and Program Coordinator in American Sign Language & Deaf Studies at California State University, Sacramento[1][2][5]. She also maintains her role at Gallaudet University in directing the Early Intervention Studies graduate programs[1].
Geer is a co-author of ASL at Home, a routine-based curriculum designed to support families of young Deaf children in acquiring ASL in their home environment. The project includes virtual classes, professional development, and consultative services[1][6]. Under her direction, the second edition of the curriculum was released in June 2023[1].
She is active in service roles within the Deaf and academic communities, including being a Commissioner for the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education (starting January 2025), serving as a content expert for Language First, and holding a board membership position with the American Board of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (ABDHHS)[1].
Research and Scholarly Contributions
Geer’s research interests lie primarily in:
- First and second language acquisition in Deaf and hard-of-hearing children.
- Sign language acquisition (especially ASL).
- Fingerspelling comprehension, cross-linguistic sign language structure, and sign language pedagogy.
- Intervention and early childhood language development for Deaf children
Some of her published works and contributions include:
- Investigations on fingerspelling comprehension, linking sign language corpora with child language data.
- Cross-linguistic analyses involving Mongolian Sign Language.
- Research in sign language pedagogy and variation.
- Curriculum design and outreach through ASL at Home.
Identity, Perspective, and Vision
Leah Geer brings to her work a confluence of identities and perspectives: as a Latina scholar, a linguistic researcher, and a practitioner in early intervention for Deaf children. Her trajectory shows a commitment to connecting theoretical linguistics with praxis in Deaf early childhood development and family language environments. Her work in ASL curriculum and early intervention programs reflects a dedication to accessible language development for Deaf children within familial and community contexts.
Her professional narrative demonstrates a bridging of multiple fields: linguistics, child development, deaf education, and service in the Deaf community.
- Geer, L. C. (n.d.). www.leahgeer.com
- Geer, L. C. (n.d.). Leah Geer – ResearchGate profile & publications.
- Geer, L. Zarchy. (n.d.). Scholar’s Esploro Profile.
- Geer, L. (n.d.). Curriculum Vitae – Leah Geer.
- Geer, L. C. (n.d.). Leah C. Geer (ORCID 0000-0002-7321-9973).
- ASL at Home: Our Team. (n.d.). www.aslathome.org
