Melissa Malzkuhn is an American deaf advocate and founder of the Motion Light Lab at Gallaudet University.
[10] Within the Motion Light Lab, Malzkuhn uses motion-capture tools to create "signing avatars" used in interactive digital apps for deaf children.
[12] A review in the Journal of Education in 2016 recognized the appeal of The Baobab to children "whether Deaf or hearing", calling it a "well-crafted tale" well suited for instruction and creative inspiration, with a bilingual glossary that is "both intriguing and informative".
[12] When schools closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Motion Light Lab team released one VL2 Storybook App available for free each week.
[9] In 2022, Malkuhn's artwork was displayed as part of the "Exploring Deaf Geographies" exhibit at the Pyramid Atlantic Art Center in Hyattsville, Maryland.