Transforming STEM Through ASL
A conversation with Alicia Wooten and Barbara Spiecker, founders of Atomic Hands
Hello everyone,
With today’s newsletter, I’m excited to spotlight an organization near and dear to my heart — Atomic Hands, which creates STEM resources in ASL and works to empower rising generations of deaf STEMists.
As one fun place to start, go check out this ASL STEM library and peruse a few of the videos! Then come back and read on.
Atomic Hands is the brainchild of Alicia Wooten and Barbara Spiecker, who I first met through shared deaf nerd circles several years ago now. We were all doing PhDs at the same time, though in different fields: Alicia is an immunologist, and Barbara is a marine ecologist. And me? I’m the literature outlier here, but I’ve always had an interest in STEM — which is central to all our lives, whether or not we pursue it professionally!
When I first saw the work Alicia and Barbara were doing, I saw how cool and also how important it was. As I’ve seen them both explain a few times, after becoming close friends during college at the Rochester Institute of Technology, they continued into their respective science careers and kept witnessing the frequent challenges of accessing STEM-based knowledge only in English. During their respective PhD programs, they decided they needed to step in and make a difference. From there, Atomic Hands was born.
In my own life, I’ve seen the consequences of this lack of ASL-centric STEM resources. I always enjoyed my science and math classes in high school and college — but there were still many translation barriers. I often brainstormed with my ASL interpreters about shorthand signs to use for different concepts. In college, my interpreters sometimes suggested signs they’d seen other deaf people use in science classes, but other times we straight-up invented our own signs for that day’s lecture. Then we all did our best.
In retrospect, some of our signs were rather “meh”: an initialized E for electron, P for proton, N for neutron, each of them aligning with the particle’s general position around the atom. Or we just abbreviated English phrases and terms. And, oh, there was SO MUCH fingerspelling.
It isn’t uncommon for deaf people and interpreters to do this kind of piecemeal inventing-of-signs, especially in mainstreamed settings. I still did well in my classes, and in college I minored in human biology in addition to my English major, which I really enjoyed. But I now look back and realize how I could have reached a much deeper understanding of many STEM concepts, if I’d known how to use the innate affordances of ASL to express their spatial and material properties, or if I’d had more exposure to the work of other deaf STEMists.
In short, sticking close to the English words for STEM material may have been the best approach I knew at the time, but it involved a lot of extra effort. I went home and did hours of reading to ensure I’d be able to keep up with the material. I memorized these English words and their meanings, knowing I’d have to grab after them in my mind when I watched my interpreters in class. I often wound up trying to think in two languages at once, and certain STEM concepts felt fragmented and abstract to me — something I think many people struggle with, whether they’re deaf or hearing.
Several years later, the first time I sat down and saw a skilled deaf signer express these STEM ideas in ASL, I was blown away. The difference is so obvious! The meaning can be so rich, so sophisticated! An atom, a cell, a piece of machinery, a solar system: no matter the scale, ASL can bring these processes and concepts alive in an entirely new way.
As just one example, check out Barbara explaining the atomic structure of crystals and gems here:
I sure could have used this kind of ASL discourse in my own classes back in the day! I’m glad I get to learn from it now.
With Atomic Hands, Alicia and Barbara are continually working to bring more ASL-based STEM content out to the world. I’m always excited to see what they’re doing — from workshops to networking opportunities for deaf STEMists to short online videos and ASL storybooks featuring different STEM concepts for the general public. Go follow their page on Instagram if you’d like more of this content in your everyday life, or peruse more materials on their website.
This year, Atomic Hands is one of the partner orgs for the annual Dash for Deaf Organizations event at the beginning of April. I’ve signed up to participate in this 5K fundraiser — and though wider registration has since ended, you can still donate through the Atomic Hands fundraiser page and join all of us in doing the dash! And yes, you can run or walk from anywhere you are.
To close out this brief STEM spotlight, I asked Alicia and Barbara a few quick questions about their current work.
What are some new or ongoing Atomic Hands initiatives you’re feeling most excited about these days?
We’re thrilled about two exciting projects currently in development! As well as the work we’ve always been doing.
1. An aggregate ASL STEM dictionary - Tachyo
One of the biggest challenges in the ASL STEM community is finding STEM signs. We often get asked if we know the signs for certain words and sometimes we do, and sometimes we don’t. People love discovering new STEM signs because they carry so much meaning — similar to how prefixes and suffixes function in English words. But searching for them online? That can be a frustrating, time-consuming hunt.
To change that, we’re partnering with Colin Lualdi, a deaf physicist and founder of SignStudy, to create a centralized ASL STEM dictionary. Instead of reinventing the wheel, we’re bringing together existing ASL STEM signs from various sources into one easy-to-search platform. Users will be able to look up an English term — or search by meaning, recognizing that one English word can have multiple meanings while ASL provides distinct signs for each. Imagine being able to access all related ASL videos in one place with just a quick search!
But we’re not stopping there. Our long-term vision includes an ASL search capability, where users can sign a term, and the platform will match it to the corresponding English word and other ASL variations of the STEM concept.
2. Mini STEM courses for all learners
We’re also developing a platform filled with mini STEM courses designed to complement existing K-12 curricula and support teachers of the deaf and interpreters. Our goal is to break down STEM topics with real world applications into three levels — beginner, intermediate, and advanced — so people with varying knowledge and language proficiency can learn at their own pace. We aim to make these accessible to family members of deaf individuals.
What makes these courses special? They are carefully designed with visual effects superimposed on ASL signs, bringing STEM concepts to life through multiple modalities (language and visual representation). And while these courses are in ASL, they are also resonating with hearing, non-ASL users, many of whom find our content more engaging and comprehensible—sometimes even more so than in their native language!
By designing these courses, we aim to challenge the misconception that learning STEM in ASL is only for deaf people — it’s for everyone!
3. Expanding our beloved STEM videos
And of course, we’re continuing the project that started it all — our STEM videos, which break down STEM concepts using real-world examples from everyday life. This original project remains near and dear to our hearts, and the public continues to love it! So, we’re expanding — bringing in new faces to discuss even more fun and fascinating STEM topics! Representation for us is really important, we want to showcase different individuals out there too!
As you continue in your careers, what do you think is the biggest impact of building a stronger network of deaf STEMists?
We see the biggest impact of a stronger network of deaf STEMists in how it transforms not just our experiences, but STEM itself. Many of us have navigated STEM fields in isolation, but by connecting, collaborating, and supporting one another, we prove that we belong here — and that our contributions extend far beyond the deaf community.
Our goal isn’t just to increase accessibility — it’s to redefine what accessibility means. It’s not just about giving deaf people access to the larger world, but also giving others access to new ways of thinking and learning. Deaf people bring unique perspectives that challenge traditional approaches to STEM, leading to innovations that benefit everyone.
Why a strong deaf STEM network matters:
Redefining accessibility in STEM – Our visual and spatial ways of thinking create new methods for learning and understanding STEM, benefiting both deaf and hearing individuals.
Strength in community – Connecting with others helps us navigate challenges, find mentorship, and create opportunities.
Empowering deaf people as authors of their own language – More deaf STEMists means a greater need for accurate ASL vocabulary. By leading the development of STEM signs, we ensure ASL evolves as a natural, intuitive language — fulfilling the original goal of any language: ease of communication.
Increasing representation – More visibility breaks stereotypes and inspires future deaf STEMists.
Driving innovation – Our unique perspectives challenge assumptions, leading to paradigm shifts in STEM communication, research, and education.
What encouragement would you give to deaf and hard-of-hearing students who are interested in STEM?
To deaf and hard-of-hearing students: First and foremost, you belong in STEM.
With shifts in the political climate and the erosion of STEM and DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility) initiatives, it is more important than ever to stay educated, stay involved, and advocate for yourself.
Stay informed and engaged – Knowledge is power. Understanding the opportunities and challenges in STEM and accessibility helps us push forward and create change.
Connect with others – Change starts with community. Communication is a catalyst for progress, allowing us to think, challenge, grow, and push boundaries together. Sharing our experiences inspires action and strengthens our collective voice.
Advocate for yourself – STEM should adapt to your needs, not the other way around. Access isn’t just about participation — it’s about having a seat at the table where decisions are made.
Together, we’re not just breaking barriers — we’re reshaping the future of STEM with us at the table.
What New Hampshire 4000-footer are you going to hike next? (Serious question!!)
Probably the most challenging task of all! It’s been a while since we last tackled a 4,000-footer, ever since our beloved author of this article — aka our favorite hiking buddy — moved out of state. But the mountains are calling again!
Mount Adams is likely next on our list, promising snow-covered trees, sweeping views of the Presidential Range, and just the right amount of winter chill to keep things interesting!
Enormous kudos to Alicia and Barbara for everything they do! And once again, if you’d like to support Atomic Hands through the upcoming Dash for Deaf Organizations, go check out their fundraising page here.
One final note: here’s a bonus shot of Barbara and me (and Tallie) at the summit of Cannon Mountain in July 2023. This must have been my sixth or so mountain out of the NH 48. The mountains are always calling!
Barbara already knows how much I dislike running, even though I’m always game to drag myself up a gnarly steep mountain for hours (yes, I know this makes no sense). That said, I already look forward to running this 5K on the first weekend in April, in support of deaf STEMists! Please consider joining me, and let’s continue supporting STEM literacy, especially during our current times.
Great read. As a former science teacher and now a STEM trainer, it was often challenging to teach science concepts to students in class. I typically refused to make up signs just to make it "easier" to teach. I often finger spelled or described concepts to them. Some signs that were created fit and other attempted ones were naturally discarded due to the awkwardness or not wanting to portray the wrong concept. I have met Barbara and Alicia in the past and appreciate the incredible work they are doing.
Rich content. While I'm not a STEM enthusiast myself, I can't help admiring the substance of the work being done by Alicia and Barbara. I hope they get the support needed to thrive.
PS: I picked some great lines from this article...that aptly relates to other intersections of access beyond STEM.
Keep the switchbacks coming.