Alireza Mahmoudi Kamelabad

I am currently working on the Digital Futures Demonstrator Project, together with Gabriel Skantze and Ali Reza Majlesi. Set to run between April 1, 2024, and April 1, 2026, this project aims to develop a conversational AI prototype for teaching Swedish to migrants, fostering cultural integration. We plan to use Large Language Models (LLMs), Furhat robot, and a specialized mobile application in both SFI centers and homes. My research focus for this project includes:

• Investigating the feasibility of such applications for LLMs
• Comparing the impacts of a robot and a virtual voice assistant
• Discovering the most effective approach to language teaching using LLMs
• Conducting longitudinal studies in Robot Assisted Language Learning (RALL)

My research interests span across language acquisition, social robotics, human-computer interaction (HCI), language technology (including Natural Language Processing (NLP), Computational Linguistics (CL), Machine Learning (ML), and Large Language Models (LLMs)), cognitive science, and psycholinguistics.

Prior to the current Project, I was as an Early Stage Researcher in the Early Language Development in the Digital Age (e-LADDA) Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks project (grant agreement number: 857897), commencing in April 2021 and running until February 2024. This project centered on the potential impacts of digital technologies. My involvement in e-LADDA included studying the potential role of Social robots on second language learning, particularly the environmental factors, robot's personality and appearance, and their influence on learning outcomes and student compliance with robots. The research also involved assessing the role of Large Language Models (LLMs) in language learning via chatbots.

My academic journey includes a M.Sc. in Cognitive Science from Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento and a B.Sc. in Computer Science from Yazd and Shahid Beheshti Universities.

For more detailed information, feel free to visit my Personal Website.

Master Thesis/Degree Project Supervision

I am open to supervise master's degree projects/theses.

My Master Students

• 2024
  • Elin Inoue (KTH)
  • Elin Saks (KTH)
  • Nada Boukhriss (KTH)
• 2023
  • Beatrice Turano (University of Trento): Learning Language with Chatbots in the Era of Large Language Models: A Pilot Study
  • Mikael Törnwall (KTH): Contextual short-term memory for LLM-based chatbot
• 2022
  • Mattias Lundin (KTH): Use of LLMs in Language Learning

Prospective Master Students

If you would like to do your master's thesis/degree project with me, read the following information.

Currently I am working on the Empowering Cultural Integration and Language Learning through Conversational AI. Degree project within this topic will be suitable for you if:

1. You are interested in doing your project about:
   • HCI
   • Language Learning/Acquisition
   • Language Models (including LLMs) — NLP/NLG
   • Speech Technology (ASR, TTS)
   • Conversational AI/Systems
2. Have/Want to learn these skills:
   • Interaction Design
   • Participatory/User-centered Design
   • iOS/Android Development
   • Interaction Design on Furhat
   • Database

Please fill out the the supervision request form before contacting me.

Master students of other universities within the EU can also fill out the form if they can move to KTH in Sweden within an exchange program (e.g., Erasmus+) from their home institution.

Note.Neurodivergent students, members of minorities, and students who would like to continue in academia are specifically welcome and encouraged to contact me regarding their master's thesis.