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Nikita Suthar

@nikitasuthar

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Postdoctoral researcher specializing in computational socio-phonetics.

India

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What I'm looking for

I seek a collaborative environment that values linguistic diversity and innovation in AI.

I am a postdoctoral researcher and computational socio-phonetics specialist with a PhD in Linguistics from the University of York, UK. My work sits at the intersection of phonetics, AI, and social science, focusing on forensic speech science and linguistic diversity. I bring both academic rigor and applied experience, having led AI-driven research at a London-based startup and taught across linguistic subfields in UK and Indian institutions.

My research interests include forensic phonetics, AI interpretability, and the socio-phonetics of caste and gender. I have developed speaker verification algorithms and conducted fieldwork in Rajasthan, investigating caste-specific phonetic variation. I am passionate about human-AI collaboration in linguistic research and strive to contribute to advancements in voice technology.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Lecturer

York St John University

Feb 2024 - Present (1 year 6 months)

Taught workshops on Descriptive Grammar of English. Provided instruction and guidance to students.

Teaching English Language Curriculum Development

AI Tutor

Mindrift

Jan 2024 - Present (1 year 7 months)

Designed linguistically diverse prompts for AI training in cross-cultural tasks. Developed curriculum on cross-cultural communication and linguistic diversity, and trained AI models.

AI Training Linguistic Diversity Cross Cultural Communication Curriculum Design Prompt Engineering

Research Scientist

Avkalan.ai

Jan 2023 - Present (2 years 7 months)

Developed speaker verification algorithms for banking applications, improving accuracy up to 97% using machine learning techniques. Collaborated with cross-functional teams of engineers and UX designers.

Speaker Verification Machine Learning Algorithm Development Banking Applications Cross Functional Collaboration

Graduate Teaching Assistant

University of York

Jan 2022 - Present (3 years 7 months)

Led seminars, conducted office hours, and managed assessments for 'Introduction to Sociolinguistics'. Supported student learning and engagement in the course.

Assessments Academic Support Office Hours Management

Phonetics Transcriber

University of York

Jan 2022 - Present (3 years 7 months)

Transcribed phonetic data for research purposes. Ensured accuracy and consistency in linguistic transcription.

Phonetics Transcription Data Entry Linguistics

Journal Editor

University of York Linguistics Journal

Jan 2021 - Present (4 years 7 months)

Evaluated submissions on sociolinguistics and ethnicity research, collaborating with an international editorial board. Implemented inclusive peer review practices.

Peer Review Editorial Management

PhD Researcher

University of York

Jan 2019 - Present (6 years 7 months)

Led an interdisciplinary research project combining socio-phonetics and AI, developing a semi-automatic speaker verification system. Conducted fieldwork in Rajasthan and investigated caste-specific phonetic variation.

Socio Phonetics AI Research Speaker Verification Python R Fieldwork

Teaching Assistant

Jawaharlal Nehru University

Jul 2017 - Present (8 years 1 month)

Delivered lectures and seminars, conducted office hours, and performed assessments across various linguistic subjects. Supported students in Phonetics & Phonology, Language Teaching Methods, and Introduction to Language Learning.

Phonetics Language Teaching Lecture Delivery Assessments

Guest Lecturer

NICFS

Jul 2017 - Present (8 years 1 month)

Delivered lectures and seminars on Forensic Speaker Identification. Conducted office hours and assessments for students.

Forensic Speaker Identification Seminare Public Speaking

Lab Intern

Central Forensic Science Laboratory

Jan 2016 - Present (9 years 7 months)

Gained practical experience in forensic science methodologies. Assisted with laboratory procedures and data analysis.

Forensics Data Analysis Research Assistance Scientific Method

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of York

Ph.D. in Linguistics, Linguistics

2019 - 2024

Activities and societies: Journal Editor, University of York Linguistics Journal (2021–2025); Phonetics Transcriber, University of York (2022–2023)

Completed a doctoral dissertation on “Within-formant spectral feature analysis for forensic speaker discrimination casework: A study of 45 Marwari monolinguals from Bikaner, India.” Focused on the intersection of phonetics, AI, and social science, with a strong emphasis on forensic speech science and linguistic diversity.

Jawaharlal Nehru University

M.Phil. in Linguistics, Linguistics

2015 - 2018

Activities and societies: Teaching Assistant (Jul 2017–Jun 2019) for Phonetics & Phonology, Language Teaching Methods, and Introduction to Language Learning.

Conducted research for the thesis “Role of the formants F1 and F2 in speaker characterisation: A study of Marwari monolinguals in Bikaner.” Gained expertise in forensic phonetics and speaker recognition.

Jawaharlal Nehru University

M.A. in Linguistics, Linguistics

2013 - 2015

Activities and societies: Organiser of “English for Academic Writing Conference” (2016) and “Language Empowerment Mind Mapping Conference” (2016). Volunteer for “Sign Language Education Conference” (2015).

Completed a master's thesis on “Phonetics & Phonology of Tinkarlo.” Developed a strong foundation in linguistic subfields.