I’m Nina — a linguist, researcher, and educator immersed in the world of Applied and Computational Linguistics as a PhD student at Georgetown University. I’m interested in how people learn languages, what makes input "click," and how different research tools (current pursuit: eye-tracking) and language modelling can help us understand second language processing better.

My research lives at the intersection of second language acquisition, cognitive science, and educational design. I spend a lot of time thinking about questions like: What captures a learner’s attention? How do we measure language learning in real time? What methods can we use to best capture learner uptake in research and beyond?

Alongside research, I’ve taught everything from advanced academic English for undergrads to exam prep for teenagers and English lessons for 5-year-olds who just really want to color! I’ve also managed instructors, designed curricula, edited book manuscripts, and helped run a journal — so it's safe to say I enjoy a good challenge. Or several. At the same time.

Originally from Serbia, I’ve worked and studied in multilingual, multicultural settings most of my life. Whether I’m coordinating a research project or designing promotional materials for a linguistics program, I’m drawn to work that requires translating complex linguistic ideas into something people can use, teach from, or get curious about — whether through writing, design, or research collaboration.

When I’m not doing research, you’ll find me glued to any form of fiction, traveling to see the people I miss, or gently reminding Word that we are, in fact, on the same team.