Teresa Blankmeyer Burke

Teresa Blankmeyer Burke is a Professor of Philosophy at Gallaudet University. She is the first signing deaf woman to receive a PhD in philosophy in the world, as well as the first deaf person to receive a PhD in philosophy at the University of New Mexico.

Her work primarily focuses on deaf philosophy (the intersection of philosophy and Deaf studies) and bioethics. Burke received a bachelor's degree in Biology, Ethics, and Society from Mills College in 1993. During her time at Mills, Burke led a student movement aimed at increasing access to ADA accommodations, including filing a complaint with the Department of Justice towards this goal.

Publications Burke has published a number of refereed papers and book chapters. Burke also makes an active effort to contribute to public philosophy within the signing Deaf community by facilitating online discussions about issues of ethics in both English and ASL, as well as being an active blogger.