From Syntax to AI: Designing Ethical Language Technologies
Linguist • AI Strategist • NLP Researcher
I'm a linguist, computational linguist and founder of Zoorna. My work combines formal linguistic research in syntax and semantics with advanced Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Processing strategy. I specialize in multilingual and low-resource language technologies, designing ethical, inclusive solutions that amplify underrepresented voices.
About
I’m a linguist and AI strategist with over 20 years of experience advancing language technologies for complex applications—from legal tech and social media analytics to multilingual and low-resource NLP. Holding a PhD in Linguistics from USC and having served as Principal AI Engineer at MITRE, I bring together deep academic expertise with real-world leadership in AI research and development.
As founder and CEO of Zoorna, I lead a research and consulting lab dedicated to developing ethical, linguistically grounded AI systems. Our work focuses on multilingual natural language processing and low-resource language technologies, particularly in Middle Eastern and Caucasus languages such as Persian, Kurdish, and Armenian.
My research bridges formal linguistics and computational modeling, with expertise in syntax, the syntax–semantics interface, and event structure. I study how linguistic theory can inform computational models of meaning, narrative, and information extraction, helping build AI systems that better reflect the richness of human language.
Through Zoorna, I work with nonprofits, researchers, and global organizations to design inclusive AI solutions and provide strategic consulting. Beyond research and consulting, I’m committed to advancing AI literacy and empowering underrepresented communities in technology, fostering a future where AI truly serves a multilingual world.
Interests
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Formal Linguistics: Syntax-Semantics Interface, Complex Predicates
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Multilingual NLP
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Low-Resource Language Technologies
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Computational Social Science
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AI and Education
- Ethics, Bias and Responsible AI
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Heritage Language Analysis
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Pedagogical Linguistics
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AI Literacy
Degrees & Certificates
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PhD in Linguistics, University of Southern California (2002)
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Chief Technology Officer Certification, Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania (in progress)
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Chief AI Officer Certification, World AI X University (2025)
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Graduate Certificate in Computational Social Science, George Mason University (2017)
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Masters in Linguistics, USC (1995)
(Secondary specialization in Neural Computation) -
Bachelor of Science in Physics, USC (1991)
(Secondary specialization in French)
What I Do
I research, write, and speak on the intersection of linguistics and AI, with a focus on multilingual NLP and low-resource language technologies. My work explores how deep linguistic insights—from syntax to semantics—can guide responsible AI design.
Through Zoorna, I collaborate with nonprofits, researchers, and global organizations to translate this research into strategy, ethical AI frameworks, and inclusive NLP solutions.
Selected Talks
AI-enabled narrative analytics for Persian and Kurdish.
4th North American Conference on Iranian Linguistics (NACIL4), University of Toronto Mississauga. May 2025
Presented novel methods for extracting narrative structures from multilingual texts, showcasing advances in NLP for Persian and Kurdish low-resource languages. [read more]
My journey in AI: A perspective on the role of women in Artificial Intelligence.
Women's History Month program, Miami-Dade College. March 2025.
Shared a personal journey through computational linguistics and AI research, highlighting the obstacles women face in the field, from microaggressions to systemic pressures that push many to leave, and inspiring new pathways for women to lead and thrive in AI.
AI for good: Balancing innovation, ethics, and responsibility.
Changemaker Week, Miami-Dade College. September 2024.
Discussed the dual nature of AI as a transformative tool and societal disruptor, examining its applications in healthcare, education, and environmental science. Emphasized the need for ethical frameworks to guide AI innovation responsibly. [more]
Women who break boundaries.
Women's History Month panel of speakers, Miami-Dade College. March 2024.
Joined a panel of leaders discussing the challenges and triumphs of women in STEM and strategies for fostering diversity in tech. [more]
Research Highlights
CONTACT
I collaborate with research teams, academic institutions, and mission-driven organizations on linguistic research and to develop AI systems that integrate linguistic knowledge, multilingual insights, and applied innovation.
LET'S CONNECT!
Karine Megerdoomian
Based in Miami, Florida, USA