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Knowledge:
Basic understanding of computer programming (JavaScript/TypeScript, Python, or similar).
Familiarity with Large Language Models (LLMs) and conversational AI concepts.
Awareness of language learning principles or interest in children’s education.

Skills:
Ability to integrate and test APIs (speech recognition, text-to-speech, LLMs).
Strong problem-solving and debugging skills in a coding environment.
Clear written and verbal communication for reporting and documentation.
Time management and self-motivation to work independently in a remote setting.

Abilities:
Collaborate effectively with a supervisor and adapt to feedback.
Translate educational needs into technical solutions (e.g., adapting AI to textbook content).
Learn quickly and experiment with new AI tools/APIs (e.g., HeyGen interactive avatars).
Balance technical implementation with a focus on child-centered user experience.

IvyRead is developing an AI-powered English learning and practice app for children (ages 5–10). The app integrates speech recognition (ASR), conversational AI (LLM), and text-to-speech (TTS) to create a fun and interactive environment for language learning. We are seeking a motivated intern to help us build and scale this application, with opportunities to explore LLM fine-tuning with curriculum data and integration with interactive avatar APIs (e.g., HeyGen).

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and test the real-time speech interaction pipeline (microphone → ASR → LLM → TTS).

Build interactive learning scenarios (dialogues, role-play, listening & speaking tasks) aligned with children’s textbooks and phonics materials.

Assist with AI customization, including preparing training datasets and experimenting with LLM fine-tuning / RAG (retrieval-augmented generation) to adapt the model to our teaching materials.

Explore the use of avatar APIs (HeyGen, Synthesia, or Alibaba Cloud digital humans) to add real-time visual interaction.

Contribute to gamification features (rewards, stickers, parent reports) to enhance learner engagement.

Document processes, write simple guides, and participate in weekly check-ins with the supervisor.

Work is performed remotely on a computer; requires extended periods of sitting and screen time.

Ability to operate a keyboard, mouse, and standard computer equipment.

Occasional online meetings via Zoom may require clear verbal communication.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

UW-Madison is an Equal Employment, Equal Access Employer committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce.

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background-people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: diversity.wisc.edu

Accommodation Statement:

If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website:https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/