About Me
I’m a computational linguist and AI researcher working on how the structure of language shapes the behavior of AI systems.
Trained as a formal linguist (PhD, University of Southern California), my research focuses on the syntax–semantics interface and how linguistic theory can inform the design and evaluation of computational models of language.
I direct the Zoorna Institute for Language, AI, and Society,
where we develop linguistically grounded and ethically designed AI systems. Our work brings together linguists, computer scientists, and educators to advance multilingual and low-resource language technologies, with a focus on the languages of the Middle East and the Caucasus.
My work spans academia, research labs, and applied AI systems, including large-scale multilingual NLP and narrative analytics. Across these domains, I examine how AI systems interpret language—not only structurally, but within cultural and social contexts.
I’m particularly interested in what current models miss: how gaps in data, language coverage, and cultural understanding shape who is represented, and who is excluded, in AI systems. This includes a focus on minority languages, underrepresented communities, and women in technology.
More broadly, my work is grounded in the view that language, society, and the living world are interconnected—an idea that also informs my work in animal rescue and sanctuary building.
Outside of research, I explore creative and nature-centered projects.
Degrees & Certificates
PhD in Linguistics, University of Southern California (2002)
Chief Technology Officer Certification, Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania (April 2026)
Chief AI Officer Certification, World AI X University (2025)
Graduate Certificate in Computational Social Science, George Mason University (2017)
Masters in Linguistics, USC (1995)
(Secondary specialization in Neural Computation)
Bachelor of Science in Physics, USC (1991)
(Secondary specialization in French)
Published Research
My work spans formal linguistics, Persian NLP, heritage language pedagogy, and multilingual social media analytics. I’ve contributed to research on narrative analysis, risk detection, and cross-cultural communication, with outputs that have been cited, awarded, and transitioned into applied systems and technology licenses.
Leadership in NLP
As Principal AI Engineer at MITRE, I led large-scale R&D in multilingual NLP, system evaluation, and social media analytics. This included successful technology transitions to organizations such as the U.S. federal judiciary and the Veterans Administration. This work shaped my focus on connecting linguistic theory with real-world AI systems.
Research & Advocacy
Through the Zoorna Institute, I lead initiatives that develop tools and resources for underrepresented languages and advance linguistically grounded approaches to AI. My work emphasizes not only technical development, but also visibility, access, and inclusion in how language technologies are built.
Education
I have taught interdisciplinary courses in computational linguistics, social media analytics, and heritage language pedagogy at Georgetown University, UC San Diego, the American University of Armenia, and in government training programs.
I design and lead AI literacy and training programs for non-technical audiences, helping organizations develop a grounded understanding of how AI systems work with language.
I also founded AI4Her, an initiative focused on expanding access to AI literacy and generative AI education for women.
Community Engagement
I speak on topics including women in AI, multilingual AI, and responsible AI, and contribute to the research community through conference committees, journal reviews, and grant evaluation.
Humane & Ecological Work
I lead Artemis House, an animal rescue initiative focused on the rehabilitation of abandoned and feral cats. This work reflects my broader commitment to humane education and the interconnectedness of social, technological, and ecological systems.