The World's Most Advanced Reading Coach

Ello is your child’s read-along companion who listens, teaches, and transforms them into an enthusiastic reader. For Kindergarten to 3rd Grade.

TRY ELLO

14 day FREE trial

Meet Ello, your child’s reading buddy

Powered by Adaptive Learn™ technology

Meet Ello, your child’s reading buddy

Powered by Adaptive Learn™ technology

Try ello

Select From Monthly or Annual Plan

Monthly Plan

The Ello reading coach app
Exclusive, decodable e-books
Adaptive Learn™ system

14-day free trial, then $14.99/mo

Start trial

Annual Plan (Save 25%)

12-month subscription
Save 25% on annual
Build a year of learning

14-day free trial, then $139/yr

START TRIAL

Monthly Plan

The Ello reading coach app
Exclusive, decodable e-books
Adaptive Learn™ system

14-day free trial, then $14.99/mo

start trial

Annual Plan (Save 25%)

12-month subscription
Save 25% on annual plan
Build a year of learning

14-day free trial, then $139/yr

START TRIAL

Ello is powered by Adaptive Learn™, our proprietary AI engine that understands, adapts and responds to your child like a 1:1 instructor.

Learn more

world leading child speech recognition

proprietary AI that adapts to your child’s ability and interests

science of reading based responses

[Read full research\

Recommended by experts, loved by parents

Excellent

4.78 average

1,167 reviews

Read more reviews on REVIEWS.io

Claudia

Verified Customer

We’ve been using Ello with our kids, and overall it’s been a great experience. English is their second language, and the app has been especially amazing for my 9-year-old. It’s very engaging, and I’ve noticed a big improvement in her pronunciation and confidence while reading.

My youngest is 8, and although he hasn’t connected with it as quickly, he’s slowly getting the hang of it. One of the features they both enjoy the most is creating their own stories — they have so much fun with that.

The only challenge we’ve had is finding and adjusting the right reading level for each child. That part could be a bit easier for parents. Other than that, it’s been a wonderful tool for supporting reading and language development at home.

2 weeks ago

Mariia N

Verified Customer

My daughter has been doing much better with reading since the app is listening to her reading and correcting when it's needed!

2 months ago

Stacey A

Verified Customer

I love Ello the way my girls are getting more comfortable ready and sounding the words is amazing they love reading with Ello from all the other apps i feel Ello is the one they used every day

2 months ago

Mary K

Verified Customer

I love how much my kids loving reading with Ello. They’re six, and it’s so important to me that they begin with a love of reading, and Ello is creating that solid foundation for us!

2 months ago

Stephanie D

Verified Customer

Ello has become the new favorite reading tool for my three kiddos. All three children are at different reading levels and I find that two out of three have already shown improvement and excitement for practice reading. The interactive part is very helpful to the children as they can tap on the word they don't know, and Ello will help them sound it out. My third kiddo is behind in reading and doesn't understand the CVC concept of reading yet. The beginning books in Ello are difficult for him, but he is still excited to try. The beginning books have about 10 words on each page, and it does become stressful for him after a few pages. So we pause the book, and can get back to it after he gets up and walks around or does something else for a few minutes. I would love to see Ello work on letter recognition, and possibly CVC sight words with pictures. As a person that is not very tech savvy, this program was easy to install and easy to use.

2 months ago

Adriaan S

Verified Customer

Great implementation. Easy to use and helps my kid a lot

3 months ago

Gabrielle C

Verified Customer

My son enjoys the content and is excited to start his quests each day. He also likes dressing the elephant by going in the store. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is because the elephant often is in the way of the content on the screen and there’s nothing you can do to get him to move besides going out and coming back later.

3 months ago

Joni A

Verified Customer

I have two children using this app. My kindergartner and a 3rd grader and they love it. Within a months time their reading have gone up with consistency and books on the app that they love. They just found out they can make their own book and they love the app even more now. Totally recommend.

4 months ago

Harry

Verified Customer

We have a granddaughter in kindergarten who is behind on her reading skills. Ello presents sentences from a book and she reads them. She'll read a sentence and realizes she made a mistake and restarts midsentence. Ello is smart enough to know where she is restarting from. If she struggles with a word it will highlight it and if she still can't get it right, it helps her read that word. The key is that the instruction is coming not from a parent (or grandparent) but a neutral character (in this case a blue elephant). We've learned not to help her during the reading session but let Ello handle correcting mistakes. It is patient, doesn't expect perfection but is engaging enough to keep her attention. We read three books a night. In between books Ello presents a fun video which she likes (incentive to finish reading a book). Overall, Ello is performing above our expectations.

4 months ago

Meghan

My kid didn’t use this app much, and I tried to cancel after promotion but it never went through. Never got emails about continued fees and just now realized I paid 8 monthly payments without my kid ever using the app at all. Didn’t show up in Apple or other easy ways of following, so I didn’t even know this recurring fee was happening until i caught it on my credit card bill, which normally my husband pays. Beware the BS recurring subscirption that flies under the radar, wish i could get the $120 back.

4 months ago

Haley L

Verified Customer

My child has made faster reading progress using this app than any other we’ve tried, and we’ve tried a lot. As a teacher and a parent, I recommend this app. I do wish the voice sounded a little more human and a little less AI, but overall it’s an excellent option that really caters to your child’s needs.

4 months ago

Kara

Verified Customer

Is engaging for my child and loves the options of different books.

5 months ago

Nikita

Verified Customer

My child's reading improved within the first month of using this app.

5 months ago

Melissa H

Verified Customer

We have been following Ello and using it with our children over several years , I would say its safe to say that we started with Ello during its very early stages and have continued to use the platform over the year on and off as our kids reading abilities have aligned with the programs offerings. Our two oldest loved Ello and now we have started the program one more time with our youngest. We only have positive things to say about the company as a whole. Even though the program has evolved from its early days it has continued to help aid our children in their reading as well as several of our friends and families who we have recommended Ello to. It our go to for independent reading practice we can count on while as parents we are busy juggling all the things.

New Port Richey, United States, 5 months ago

Erica H

Verified Customer

This is an awesome app to help children learn how to read. I love that they can use it without me after the first couple of times so I can have them do this when I am busy and know they are learning!! And they love it!

5 months ago

Silvia M

Verified Customer

Best reading app. My daughter has grown so much on her reading it’s incredible. And she continues to progress in her reading.

5 months ago

Celia E

Verified Customer

great program but a little too pricey.

6 months ago

Gabe B

Verified Customer

I’ve only started using Ello just a few months with my daughter and she absolutely loves it. She’s always eager to learn things to her reading buddy. My daughter is in first grade and struggles reading, but I’ve already seen a huge difference. I highly recommend it.

6 months ago

Tabitha B

Verified Customer

Absolutely love Ello! This program has aided in the improvement our daughter’s literacy development! This has provided a different yet fun form of reading for our daughter she truly enjoys! I highly recommend Ello to anyone who wants to improve their child’s reading.

6 months ago

Kate

Verified Customer

Ello has made reading fun! My 7 year old was struggling with his sight words. Ello has made learning fun and motivating. He is now at age level.

6 months ago

Karina L

Verified Customer

School should recommend this App to the parents. My kiddos love this App. I'm so thankful I found this app.

6 months ago

Danielle C

Verified Customer

We did a free trial of Ello and were blown away! I’ve noticed so much improvement in my daughter’s reading fluency (in just a couple weeks!) - we are 100% keeping our subscription. 10/10 highly recommend!!

6 months ago

Jessica G

Verified Customer

My kids love Ello! They look forward to doing it every night. Getting them to read is no longer a chore!

7 months ago

Victoria

Verified Customer

Ello has been amazing! We've only been using it for a few weeks, but the kids are already reading faster. I can see their progress reports too which is nice, as well as what level they are currently reading at. As a homeschool mom, it's nice to be able to do language arts with one child while the other is reading with Ello. Then we switch. It listens to them as they read, then will pause after a page to sound out a few words they'd gotten wrong, then has them continue on. Both my kids read a touch faster now that they've been using Ello.

7 months ago

Nancy B

Verified Customer

Great app and great concept. The initial loading can sometimes have issues but closing and reopening will usually fix. Child’s favorite is making their own book because they didn’t love all the existing book options.

7 months ago

Brittany S

Verified Customer

We are loving Ello. We’ve only been doing for a few weeks now, and my kids have already improved their reading.

7 months ago

Almeter M

Verified Customer

My granddaughter didn’t enjoy reading in the beginning.i saw Ello & started reading to her as often as i could. Now she read Ello stories SHE chooses!

7 months ago

Karly R

Verified Customer

Ello has been a game changer for getting my son to read!!!! It keeps his attention, helps when he needs it, gives positive feedback, and rewards to work towards. It also helps my patience and support as he reads. Would highly recommend to anyone with young readers!

7 months ago

Jennifer

Verified Customer

I downloaded Ello because my son was struggling with reading. We encourage him to read 1 book each night because we want him to like reading and not find it as somehting we are forcing him to do. After the 1 book, he often asks to continue reading 1 or 2 more books!! He truly finds this app enjoyable and has not shown any push back.

7 months ago

Anthoneshia L

Verified Customer

My babies love this app Ello helps them with words they can not pronounce. I actually sit with them to see the difference in their reading habits since day one

7 months ago

Keshia

Verified Customer

Ello is a great app for my children! I love how it interacts and listens to them reading.

7 months ago

Linda

Verified Customer

My grandson continues to make excellent progress! He loves the videos that follow the books. Such an awesome program!

7 months ago

Tiffiany B

Verified Customer

It’s a good help for my son

8 months ago

Tara G

Verified Customer

In just a week my 6 year old has read over 20 books In the app. It has helped her love of reading and gave her so much more confidence. Love it.

8 months ago

Leslie B

Verified Customer

My daughter has increased her ability to read faster since we started this app. She loves earning points for Ellos outfits.

8 months ago

Allison M

Verified Customer

I am loving this app! I have the ability to go behind my son and check his progress. It tells me how many words per minute, how many books, and how long on each book! And that’s not all. This app is great! The only thing that I wish was different, is that we could use it on the android phone. The way it helps his with his tougher words is a great plus also!

8 months ago

Linda s

Verified Customer

This program is so awesome! My second grade grandson is a reluctant reader and below grade level. I told him this was a new program and that he would be one of the first to be involved with an AI reading tutor for kids. So he agreed to give it a try… And I am amazed at how much he likes the program and is reading better already, after only three weeks! The way the program corrects his reading is gentle and very encouraging. He really likes the rewards points and the videos that follow some of the books. I am thrilled with Ello!

He loves the rewards that he gets for reading books and the videos that are available after some of the books.

8 months ago

Elena A

Verified Customer

This is the best reading app for my little one! I have a child who finds reading difficult and boring but with Ello, from the first day I saw a better attitude, new confidence, and interest in the stories! It has only gotten better and better. I see growth and my little readier gaining new skills by the day!

8 months ago

Britney M

Verified Customer

It’s great for my son to practice reading when I can’t sit and listen, it catches most of his mistakes.

8 months ago

Melissa D

Verified Customer

My son has exceeded in reading with Ello. It is like having a tutor next to the child because it listens to them read and corrects them as they read. It has been amazing for my son.

8 months ago

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Link to all reviews

Not quite ready for Ello? Explore our library of decodable books

SEE THE BOOKS

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Books proven to build skills and a love of reading

Perfectly tailored to your child

Ello books are adapted to your child’s reading level and interests so that they learn more and love more.

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Rooted in the Science of Reading

Grounded in decades of research, this proven method helps kids connect letters and sounds—the building blocks of reading.

An Exclusive Decodable Library

Unlike most children’s books out there, Ello books are decodable—specially designed to match your child’s phonics level, so they truly learn to read.

try ello

Every child deserves to maximize their unique potential

Millions of children aren’t getting the individualized literacy support they need during the critical early elementary years to succeed as learners. Ello is here to help.

#ReadWithEllo

The love is real

Image gallery of children learning to read with Ello

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With Ello...

of 4th graders in the US are behind grade level in reading

of children read more than before

of children became more confident readers

of children improved their reading skills

As seen in

"Ello stands out for the design of its AI reading tutor, the selection of diverse and engaging books, and the positive ways the AI tutor motivates young, struggling readers."

- Common Sense Media

"Ello aims to eradicate childhood illiteracy"

- Techcrunch

"Ello can understand a child in a way technology has been unable to before."

- eSchool News

Awards

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Goodbye Reading Fights

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Remove the pressure of an adult watching over

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Ello is patiently there by their side, helping at their pace

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Step back and give your child the confidence to read

Frequently Asked Questions

Membership Gift Boxes Ello App Ello Books Privacy and Security

How much is Ello?

Ello with e-books is priced at $14.99 per month, or currently at $139 per year (23% off).

If you're looking to start reading today without the AI coaching experience, check out our free public library with 700+ decodable e-books!”

Discount access for EBT/SNAP participants?

Ello Access is our special discount program designed to support families who are part of government programs. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to become a confident reader, and Ello Access makes our digital reading experience more affordable.

Eligible customers will receive $14 off per month on the Ello Digital subscription, reducing the monthly cost from $14.99 to just $0.99

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HOW TO APPLY:

To apply for Ello Access, please follow these steps:

Fill out the Ello Access form: Ello Access Form
Upload proof of eligibility: You'll need to provide proof of your SNAP or EBT program participation (such as a photo of your EBT card).
Review period: We will review your submission within 1 business day.
Receive your discount: If approved, we'll email you a unique coupon code to get Ello at 99¢ per month (instead of the regular $14.99 per month)

You qualify if you have an EBT card, or are enrolled in programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SNAP, Medicaid, Direct Express Debit Card (DE), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), National School Lunch Program (NSLP), Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Women, Infants, and Children program (WIC), Tribal assistance eligibility letter (TTANF), or Puerto Rico's Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP).

What’s included in my membership?

Ello with E-books includes:

Full App access with digital coaching powered by Adaptive Learn Technology
Ello’s library of decodable books
Digital prizes for your child’s progress

How many children can I add to a subscription?

You can add up to 3 reader profiles.

What age range is Ello designed for?

Right now, Ello offers books on reading levels Kindergarten to 3rd grade. We are adding more books all the time so if your child is beyond this or a pre-reader, check back for more updates! Ello is not suited for pre-readers who are not yet decoding basic words.

Generally, Ello works best for children 4–8 years of age but it depends on their reading ability. If they can read the sentence “I am a cat,” they are ready for our earliest level of books!

How many books does my child get?

Your child will be guided through quests that each contain 4-6 books tailored to their reading level.

Each quest is like a classroom lesson: they give clear instructions, independent reading materials, and practice activities. With each quest, your child unlocks more engaging content to support their reading journey.

Does Ello have a referral program?

Yes! Ello subscribers have the opportunity to refer new customers to the app in exchange for rewards.

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Here’s how it works:

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Every customer receives a unique referral link when they sign up for Ello (it can be found in “My Account” on the Ello website or in the app)
Share that link with friends, family, teachers, or anyone else
When someone signs up using your unique link, you’ll be notified by email that someone has started a free trial with Ello
If that person finishes their free trial and becomes an Ello subscriber, they will get their first month free
Customers who signed up for Ello on our website and make a referral will receive one free month of Ello as a reward
- The credit for your free month will be applied to your next monthly payment. If you are on an annual plan, your next bill will be reduced by $14.99
- For every new customer you refer, you receive an additional free month. There is no limit to how many free months you can earn
Customers who signed up for Ello directly on the app will receive a free Ello plushie as a reward (limit one per person)

Other questions?

Email support@ello.com or text (855) 765-5536

What is the return policy for gift boxes?

Returns can be made within 60 days of purchase for a full refund; return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer. Please email support@ello.com for our shipping address.

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Return packages must include:

Return details: full name; email and shipping address on original order; reason for return

Items in original packaging and in original condition. Tracking must be provided for lost package claims.

When will my gift box ship?

At checkout, you’ll see an estimated shipping window. We offer free shipping for our gift boxes, with an option to upgrade to priority shipping if you prefer.

Will I get a tracking number for my gift box?

We will email you with your tracking number as soon as your gift box ships from our warehouse.

How are the gift box books selected?

Our team of literacy experts hand-selected a set of five classic, beloved books that include a range of reading levels in each grade bundle.

How will the Gift Card in the Ello gift box work with membership?

Each Gift Box will come with a physical gift card inside. Gift receivers will redeem their gift card via a special website (link to come) for three months off of an Ello with E-books monthly subscription. They will not only receive access to Ello’s coaching for the full library of over 800 decodable books, but also for the five physical books in their box!

Other questions?

Email support@ello.com or text (855) 765-5536

How does the Ello app work?

Ello helps early readers break down learning barriers by combining artificial intelligence and speech recognition technology to make Ello come to life. Ello is a revolutionary state-of-the-art interactive reading buddy who listens to your child read out loud. Ello provides support when your child needs help reading, gentle corrections when they make errors, and motivation to keep your child engaged. Appropriately leveled books will be automatically loaded into the app for you!

How does my child use Ello?

At the simplest level, Ello is just like a game they play on an iPad or other device. It’s designed to be easy for kids to use, and all they need to do is tap a book and start reading. When they get stuck on a word, they just tap it for help from Ello. As they complete quests, Ello will challenge them a little more each time, and they’ll unlock new, engaging content to keep them moving along their journey.

How does Ello keep my child engaged?

As your child reads, Ello brings the story to life, provides words of encouragement, and helps them if they get stuck so they don't get frustrated.

We use behavioral psychology and a growth mindset paradigm to keep your child encouraged, help their confidence soar, and build a love of reading.

Ello offers a reward system as well. In this system, children collect stars and badges, leading up to a completion prize that is either delivered digitally, included in the next box, or both!

My child is reading the words wrong but Ello isn’t correcting them. What’s going on?

Since children can get easily discouraged, Ello leans on the lenient side. We recommend sitting with your child when they read and helping with some of these corrections yourself.

Is Ello good for kids with dyslexia?

Ello’s instructional method was developed by reading specialists with backgrounds in dyslexia intervention and uses direct, explicit, and sequential phonics instruction. This is exactly what research shows works for helping children with dyslexia learn how to read. Ello is not a comprehensive curriculum or intervention model for dyslexia, it’s a great supplement and we have numerous children with dyslexia using Ello with great success.

What literacy strategies do you use to support my child?

Ello uses proven, phonics-based reading strategies to help your child decode words and develop fluency.

What device is required for Ello?

The Ello app works on iPhones and iPads running iOS 14 and newer. For a complete list, click here. Please note that Ello does not currently work on android, samsung tablets, kindle tablets, laptops or desktop computers.

Other questions?

Email support@ello.com or text (855) 765-5536

What kind of books are in the app?

Our digital library has different types of books that are based on the Science of Reading to support your child’s literacy development.

Decodable books. These are books designed to help phonetic skills, encouraging independent reading, reinforcing phonics rules, and building confidence.
Turn-taking books. These books turn reading into a partner activity, with Ello reading a piece then your child taking a turn. It creates a fun and interactive experience that boosts listening skills, comprehension, and vocabulary.
Storytime books. All about fun! Unleash your child’s creativity by crafting their own stories. Ello will read their creations aloud, giving your kid a chance to tackle challenging words and see their progress in action.

Where do your books come from?

Our e-books in the Ello app come from a special team of authors who specialize in reading education. They are created with the science of reading in mind.

How do you determine my child's reading level?

It’s easy! We’ll ask you a short series of questions after you sign up, and use the answers to estimate your child’s reading level. As they make their way through the program, Ello will automatically adjust to match their level.

If you ever feel the books are too easy or too hard, you can update your child's reading level here.

What does it mean that a book is ‘just right’ for my child? ‍

If a child is reading on the appropriate level, they should make 1-10 mistakes per book. Any more than this and we find they get frustrated and overwhelmed. Less mistakes and we find they get bored and aren’t engaged.

By answering a few short questions, we can help determine your child’s appropriate developmental reading level. We are also happy to set the reading level to whatever they are reading at school, as determined by their teacher.

The books are too hard or too easy. How do I change the reading level for my child?

No problem! We want each child to have the best experience possible. This means making sure they are reading at the right level for their abilities. You can change your child's reading level here. If you have any trouble, feel free to text Customer Support for assistance.

When I unlock new books, will we still be able to read the old ones?

Yes! The books will stay available in the app so you can enjoy them over and over again.

Where can I find the book by Josh Bell?

Click here to learn more about “What Color is the Sky?”, a new children's book by MLB Nationals player Josh Bell, now free in the Ello reading app.

Other questions?

Email support@ello.com or text (855) 765-5536

What data do you collect?

If you choose to allow it, we process the audio of your child reading so that Ello can provide real-time support and motivation, and so your child can access certain features of the app, such as listening to themselves read. Separately, you can opt-in to give us access to this data so that we can improve Ello.

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We also collect data of your child's progress to provide the service (for example the rewards).

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Finally, we collect anonymous and aggregated usage data. See our privacy policy for full details.

What do you do with the data you collect?

It is up to you on what data we collect - it is optional. You will be asked if you would like to opt-in to data collection after downloading the app.

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All data is anonymous and aggregated and used to improve the product.

Do you sell the data that you collect?

No. Never.

Do you have ads in the app?

No. Never.

How secure is the data you collect?

It's very secure. We use industry-leading encryption and security.

Other questions?

Email support@ello.com or text (855) 765-5536

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Designed by experts to maximize your child’s reading potential

We did all the research so you don’t have to. Ello is designed by a team of experts, academics, researchers, and child psychologists to make sure it is exactly what your child needs and loves.

Dr. Elizabeth Adams

Clinical Child Psychologist and expert in child behaviour

Dr. Elizabeth Adams

Co-Founder, CXO

Elizabeth is a clinical psychologist who specializes in child development, child behavior, and working with children and families in community settings, schools, clinics, and hospitals. She has worked with children and families for over 15 years. She provides training and education to students and professionals, has presented at national and international conferences, has published articles and book chapters on child development, and has been interviewed by magazines and radio programs on a variety of parent topics. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, two children, and labrador.

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Favorite Children’s Book: Where the Wild Things Are

Lauren Sittel

MS in Reading Education, 15-year educator, Orton-Gillingham trained

Lauren Sittel

Senior Curriculum Specialist

Lauren has been teaching and tutoring in the reading field since 2004, and has worked with students from preschool through college. She has a B.A. in English from California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, and her M.S. in Education with an emphasis in Reading Instruction from California State University, Fullerton. Lauren has training in the Orton-Gillingham method of instruction and is actively involved in the Science of Reading movement so that all children, including those of diverse backgrounds and neurologies, can become strong, motivated readers.

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She lives in Southern California surrounded by a large extended family, including 8 nieces and nephews under age 4. They are all budding bookworms, at least according to their doting aunt.

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Favorite Children’s Book: Charlotte’s Web

Nick Haber

Professor of Education and Computer Science @ Stanford

Nick Haber

Advisor

Nick Haber is an Assistant Professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, and by courtesy, Computer Science. After receiving his PhD in mathematics on Partial Differential Equation theory, he worked on Sension (with Tom and Catalin), an EdTech company. He then worked with Catalin on the Autism Glass Project at Stanford, a research effort that employs wearable technology and computer vision in a tool for children with autism. Aside from such work on learning and therapeutic tools, he and his research group develop artificial intelligence systems meant to mimic and model the ways people learn early in life, exploring their environments through play, social interaction, and curiosity.

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Favorite Children’s Book: Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran

Michael Auli

Lead speech scientist @ Meta

Michael Auli

Advisor

Michael Auli is an industry scientist based in Menlo Park, California. His work spans machine learning, speech, and NLP, and he helped create projects such as wav2vec/data2vec, the widely used fairseq toolkit, the first modern feed-forward seq2seq models outperforming RNNs for NLP, and several top-ranked submissions at the WMT news translation task in 2018 and 2019. Before that, Michael was at Microsoft Research, where he did early work on neural machine translation and using neural language models for conversational applications. During his PhD at the University of Edinburgh, he worked on natural language processing and parsing.

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Favorite Children’s Book: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Claudia

Verified Customer

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2 weeks ago