Author: Mythili Menon

The Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Wichita State University is excited to host their first North American Computational Linguistics Olympiad (NACLO) Competition for high school students 9 a.m.-noon today, Jan.27 at the Rhatigan Student Center (Lucas Room).

The NACLO is a contest where high-school students solve linguistic puzzles. In solving the problems, students learn about the diversity and consistency of language, while exercising logical skills. No prior knowledge of linguistics or second languages is necessary for the students to compete.

During the event, professionals in linguistics, computational linguistics and language technologies use dozens of the world’s languages to create engaging problems that represent cutting-edge issues in their fields. The competition has attracted top students to study and work in those same fields.

After the open round Jan. 27, qualifying students will be selected to participate in the invitational round Thursday, March 17 at WSU. The winners of the second round will be eligible to represent North America at the International Linguistic Olympiad.

For more information, contact Jill Fisher, director and WSU Science, Technology, Engineering and Math outreach coordinator, at jill.fisher@wichita.edu.

The Center for Educational Technologies to Assist Refugee Learner’s Project Education for All (CETARL) won $25,000 at the United Way of the Plains Impact on the Plains Social Innovation Competition on National Philanthropy Day, Nov. 15. This was the United Way’s first ever shark-tank style social innovation competition.

Dr. Mythili Menon is the director of CETARL and assistant professor of Linguistics. Dr. Karissa Marble-Flint is the co-director of CETARL and assistant Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders. They both represented CETARL at the competition.

During the competition, Menon and  Marble-Flint made a pitch for Project Education for All in the live competition. The $25,000 award will be used to support Wichita-area refugee families, children and USD 259 classroom teachers who will beta-test the prototype of the platform.