Speech Pitch ISCA-SAC

Matt Coler is an accomplished academic and a leading figure in the field of Voice Technology. He is an Associate Professor of Language and Technology at the University of Groningen, Campus Fryslân. Notably, Matt initiated and now leads the Master’s Program in Voice Technology at the university, a testament to his dedication and expertise in the field. In addition to his teaching and research responsibilities, Matt also leads a summer school in Speech Tech at the University of Groningen, providing students with an immersive learning experience and a deeper understanding of speech technology.

In this podcast episode, Matt shares his unique journey from studying Philosophy and Mandarin Chinese in the U.S. to becoming a professor in Groningen. His research interests are diverse, but a common thread is his focus on under-resourced languages. Matt believes that academia has a crucial role in supplementing industry by addressing problems that may not be as lucrative but are nonetheless important. He provides an overview of the Master’s Program for Voice Technology, emphasising its practical applications and collaboration with industry. The program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to make significant contributions to the field. Matt also discusses the Speech Tech Summer School, which explores a new topic each year, keeping the curriculum fresh and relevant. This approach reflects Matt’s commitment to staying at the forefront of advancements in speech technology.

Chapters:

00:00:00-Intro

00:00:20-Welcoming Matt Coler

00:00:52-Matt's background

00:02:10-Matt's research journey to in Groningen

00:07:00-Matt's research areas

00:12:18-Assessing speech

00:18:13-Matt's stance on industry and academia

00:20:50-MSc Voice/Speech Technology at University of Groningen in Campus Fryslân

00:44:34-Speech tech Summer School

00:52:41-Ethical aspects in his research

00:57:34-Matt's take on work-life balance

01:03:00-Fun questions

01:11:14-Outro

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