Professor of Linguistics Donna Jo Napoli has been named to the prestigious ranks of American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellows. “A linguist down to [her] toes” and a steadfast advocate for the deaf, Napoli joins a venerable cadre of scientists, engineers, and innovators whom AAAS recognized for their achievements across an array of disciplines. She was chosen to their 2024 class of fellows for “distinguished contributions to the scientific understanding of signed languages and for enhancing the inclusion of deaf researchers and sign-language communities in science.”

It’s quite the honor for Napoli — a full-circle moment for someone who grew up not expecting to even attend college. “It might just be one more accolade to others in their careers, but to me it is stunning,” she says.  “And I know it's because I've been lucky enough to have so much help from so many wonderful people.”