Speech Technology, Speech Synthesis, Machine learning, Deep Learning

 Profile

I have been working in the field of Speech Synthesis since 2013, and currently hold a MSc. in Computer Engineering, which I completed Cum Laude at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa, in 2015, titled “Hidden Markov Model (HMM) Adaptation for fluent child speech synthesis.”

Specialising in speech synthesis for my post graduate degree motivated me to undertake further studies in the subject. Learning about the positive impact Text-to-Speech (TTS) has on the lives of people who suffer from speech disabilities has made me become passionate about the field. This is of course apart from the fact that speech technology enriches people by allowing them to overcome language barriers. As an emerging researcher I have only scratched the surface of this interesting field and there is still much for me to learn. Being part of the ENRICH Training Network allows me to make my own contribution to the field.

I am currently a PhD student at the Centre for Speech Technology Research (CSTR) at the University of Edinburgh. My project is titled "Synthetic speech optimised for low cognitive load". In my studies, I hope to investigate the cognitive load of synthetic speech. The goal is to provide better evaluation methods that will aid in advancing the state-of-the-art TTS systems. (More detail on my topic can be found here).

I am a self motivated and high achieving individual, with a passion for research and development. My character traits, which I believe will benefit me in an R & D world, are my hunger to be challenged and my willingness to learn.

I enjoy working in a team, but at the same time, more than capable of working on my own. As a researcher, I enjoy interacting with other researchers in the field, I enjoy attending conferences both locally and internationally and most importantly I believe that every contribution no matter how small it is, is one step closer to achieving our end goals.

The ENRICH ETN enables me to learn and grow to the best of my abilities, with like-minded individuals. It extremely rewarding to work in an environment, where the work I do makes a difference in the world, and betters the lives of others. I am also an adventurous individual who loves to travel, and with this opportunity, I am able to travel whilst working towards something I am passionate about. I am driven by my passion to work towards the goal of improving the quality of life through the use of speech technology.

I am confident that I will grow and add value to this position, especially since I perceive this opportunity as a significant advancement in my career.