Sara Blick-Nitko, a deaf scientist, credits federal grants for funding her education and research in cancer treatments. However, the recent cancellation of these grants by the Trump administration has posed threats to her career and similar pathways for other deaf students. These grants, which supported vital programs like scholarships and mentorship for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, are crucial for fostering representation in the science field. The vague reasons given for the cuts have left students and educators concerned about the future of deaf individuals in scientific careers.
"Growing up, I never met another deaf person working in the science field," says Blick-Nitko. "I didn't see role models."
The cancellation of these competitive grants has made the path for deaf scientists more difficult and uncertain, as evidenced by Blick-Nitko's precarious funding situation.
Federal agencies offered vague explanations for ending the grants, stating they were no longer aligned with the administration's priorities.
Programs providing scholarships and mentorship for deaf students significantly contributed to their development in the sciences, making these cuts particularly impactful.
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