Program Leadership

Co-Directors

Ruth M. O’Regan, M.D.

Dr. O’Regan is Chair of the Department of Medicine and Charles A. Dewey Professor at the University of Rochester. She also serves as Physician-in-Chief of Strong Memorial Hospital and Associate Director of Education and Mentoring at the Wilmot Cancer Institute. Dr. O’Regan is an internationally recognized breast cancer clinical researcher whose research program focuses on developing new therapies specifically for triple-negative breast cancer.

Wyatte C. Hall, M.A., Ph.D.

Dr. Hall is a Deaf scientist and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Rochester. He is also the director of the Visual Language Access and Acquisition (VLAA) Lab, which focuses on the impact of early childhood language experiences on the overall quality of life outcomes of deaf communities across the lifespan. Additionally, the VLAA Lab studies the social epidemics of language deprivation and communication neglect in deaf communities.

Program Faculty and Staff

Nicole L. O’Dell, Ph.D.

Dr. O'Dell is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine and the Administrator for the Future Deaf Scientist Program. With over 12 years of experience, she is an educational researcher and program evaluator specializing in designing and implementing strategic evaluation plans for research infrastructure grants funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Her research primarily focuses on improving the satisfaction and retention rates of Deaf learners in higher education.

Sara Blick-Nitko, Ph.D.

Dr. Blick-Nitko is a Deaf scientist who recently graduated from the University of Rochester's Cell Biology of Disease Ph.D. program. While training under Craig Morrell, she researched platelets' various roles in malaria infection. Dr. Blick-Nitko is an integral member of the Future Deaf Scientist curriculum development team and leads the didactic sessions for deaf learners.

Bryon Behm, M.Ed.

Mr. Behm, who holds a Master’s of Education in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education from the University of Minnesota, is the lead interpreter for the Future Deaf Scientists program and coordinates the interpreter team for the summer internship.

Rochester School for the Deaf Leadership 

Antony McLetchie, MS

Mr. McLetchie has taught Deaf students since 1993 and has held Principal positions in several schools. In 2013, he completed the Superintendent certificate, becoming the second Deaf person to hold such a certificate in Ontario, Canada. Mr. McLetchie is the Superintendent and CEO of the Rochester School for the Deaf, which he joined in 2015. His role involves overseeing the effective operation of the campus, managing all instructional and business processes, and advising the Board of Directors.

Susan Ogden, MS

Ms. Ogden is the principal of grades 1-12 at the Rochester School for the Deaf. In her position, she provides daily leadership and supports students' successful education. With an extensive background in School Psychology, she is consistently available to assist FDS students during their summer internships.

Sarah Gordon, MA

Ms. Gordon is the Dean of Students at the Rochester School for the Deaf. She plays a crucial role as the primary liaison between Wilmot and RSD. In her capacity, she supports teachers and school leadership concerning student needs and disciplinary issues. Additionally, she ensures that students progress academically and coordinates with other staff if necessary. Ms. Gordon is routinely on-site with the RSD students during the summer internship program to encourage their involvement and support their learning.

Learn more about the Rochester School for the Deaf.