UNH Today

The nation’s first accredited program of its kind, the ASL/English Interpreting program at the University of New Hampshire at Manchester prepares the next generation of skilled interpreters. Join us for a virtual info session on February 23 at 5 p.m. to meet faculty, all of whom are native ASL signers and/or certified interpreters, and learn how the real-world experience you’ll get at UNH Manchester will help you start an impactful career in the Deaf community and interpreting field.

The virtual info session will be led by Laurie Shaffer, Ph.D., who has shared her expertise and passion for ASL/English interpretation since joining the UNH Manchester faculty in 2017. An active practitioner of ASL/English interpreting for nearly three decades, Shaffer has been an educator in post-secondary classrooms as well as professional development venues. Shaffer holds a Ph.D. in Interpreting Studies from Gallaudet University, where her dissertation examined the influence of social institutional forces on the work of interpreters in the medical environment.

What do you like best about your job?

LS: I enjoy my time with students. UNH Manchester draws engaged, persistent, and resilient students. I also am very appreciative of the collegial feel here – no matter if you are a lecturer or the dean, you are talked to and seen as a colleague. It’s a respectful and encouraging learning and teaching environment.

What are your hobbies?

LS: I do various arts – painting, multi-media, beaded jewelry. I love to read, spend time with my partner, play the ukulele, and I love movies.

Tell us your favorite:

• Manchester restaurant: Café Momo
• New Hampshire destination: Peterborough
• Book: Listening Now by Anjana Appachana
• Movie: Crash, Babel, and The Game
• Childhood book: The Secret Garden

Learn more about Professor Shaffer and UNH Manchester's ASL/English interpreting program at our virtual info session on Tuesday, February 23 at 5 p.m. RSVP today

ASL/English interpreting info session, feb. 23