Glasp Talk How to Build Duolingo’s Learning Engine with Science and AI | Bozena Pajak | Glasp Talk #50
May 19, 2025
Bozena Pajak, VP of Learning at Duolingo and a Ph.D. in linguistics, discusses her inspiring journey from Poland to transforming language education. She reveals how AI personalizes learning and the surprising findings on learner motivation that challenge traditional assumptions. Bozena emphasizes the importance of consistency over perfection in language acquisition and reflects on Duolingo's mascot Duo’s role in engaging learners. Her passion for accessible education shines through as she shares her aspirations to make learning equitable for all.
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Academic to Duolingo Journey
- Bozena Pajak moved from academia to Duolingo for a faster impact and to apply her expertise.
- She got hired quickly after applying and had no regrets about the transition.
First Impressions at Duolingo
- Bozena loved Duolingo’s friendly, creative culture and daily communal lunches from the start.
- She valued the smart, fast-moving team eager to solve problems efficiently.
Adapting Research for Apps
- Applying research in language learning apps requires creativity due to different settings from traditional studies.
- Duolingo combines research with user data and experimentation to optimize learning exercises.