About
AI Researcher with a PhD in Computer Science, working at the intersection of Explainable AI, natural language processing, and human-centred research design. Built AI-enabled systems for evidence retrieval, fact verification, and bilingual language learning, alongside qualitative and survey-based research evaluating how communities engage with AI tools in education, health, and culturally responsive contexts.
Doctoral research developed an explainable, context-aware retrieval framework for automated fact verification, combining NLP, thematic modelling, and interpretable machine learning. Experienced translating technical AI research into accessible findings for academic, government, and community stakeholders, with particular depth in AI applications supporting te reo Māori and Indigenous-led research.
Experience
Research Assistant – AI for Education and Community Innovation
Mar 2025 – Dec 2025
Auckland University of Technology
- Contributed to TechTahi, a research project exploring AI-enabled, low-barrier tools to strengthen digital capability and culturally responsive technology engagement within Māori and Pacific contexts.
- Worked across education, technology, and community perspectives to evaluate how AI tools are adopted and experienced by learners, informing inclusive research design.
- Contributed to research synthesis, technical reporting, and co-authored AI-focused publications arising from project activities.
Research Officer – AI-Driven Language Learning Technology
Sep 2021 – Dec 2024
Auckland University of Technology
- Co-developed Te Kōhanga o te Tūī, an AI-enabled bilingual learning platform combining speech recognition and language technology to support early childhood acquisition of te reo Māori and English.
- Supported applied NLP research, technical documentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration across language, education, and AI-focused work.
- Contributed to stakeholder engagement and funding initiatives supporting AI-driven innovation and project development.
Research Assistant – AI Modelling for Tinnitus Detection
Mar 2022 – Mar 2023
Auckland University of Technology
- Contributed to interdisciplinary research using EEG, clinical, and psychological datasets to examine factors influencing tinnitus detection and treatment outcomes.
- Supported data preparation, feature analysis, and model interpretation within a multidisciplinary research environment.
- Developed analytical models and a minimum viable prototype (MVP) demonstrating practical application of AI-driven research findings.
Business Analyst
Oct 2017 – Mar 2019
Tureya Limited
- Led requirements gathering and stakeholder communication for mobile applications including user needs documentation.
- Delivered UX wireframes, data flow diagrams, and test plans supporting MVP delivery.
Technical Editor – The AI Engineering Bible for Developers
Earlier Industry Experience
Software Quality Assurance Engineer
May 2012 – Feb 2014
TechWyse Internet Marketing
- Built data-driven tests and integrated bug tracking with Mantis and SQL-based verification routines.
Jr. Software Quality Assurance Engineer
Nov 2010 – Apr 2012
ART Technology & Software India Pvt. Ltd
- Performed SQL-based backend validation, test case documentation, and system testing of e-commerce platforms linked with Microsoft RMS.
Publications
Journal Articles
Exploring the Potential of Low-Barrier AI Tools for Culturally Responsive STEM Learning: Early Māori and Pacific Learner Insights from the TechTahi Platform
Education Sciences · May 2026
CARAG: A Context-Aware Retrieval Framework for Fact Verification, Integrating Local and Global Perspectives of Explainable AI
Applied Sciences · Feb 2025
Explainability of Automated Fact Verification Systems: A Comprehensive Review
Applied Sciences · Nov 2023
Conference Papers
Objective-Oriented Transformer for Abstractive Document Summarization
Jan 2025
Unsupervised Thematic Context Discovery for Explainable AI in Fact Verification: Advancing the CARAG Framework
Jan 2025
Explainable AI through Thematic Clustering and Contextual Visualization: Advancing Macro-Level Explainability in AFV Systems
Dec 2024
Books & Book Chapters
Whakamanawa te Mātauranga: Decolonising the STEM Space and (Re)imaging Curriculum and Practice through Māori and Pacific Knowledge in STEM Subjects and Disciplines to Empower Indigenous Students
Book · Jul 2024
The Potential of Voice Recognition Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Support the Acquisition of te reo Māori and Digital Literacy in Early Child Development – A Literature Review
Book · Sep 2022
Datasets & Technical Reports
'manjuvallayil/factver_master' (Hugging Face Dataset)
Dataset · Jan 2025
Data Analysis Report: Based on Whānau Responses to an Online Survey Designed to Gauge Perspectives on the Use of Assistive Technologies in te reo Māori Language Acquisition
Technical Report · Dec 2022
Full publication list with abstracts: researchgate.net/profile/Manju-Vallayil-2
Education
PhD in Computer Science
Explainable AI & NLP — context-aware retrieval for automated fact verification
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) · School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences
Mar 2020 – Aug 2025
Master of Information Technology
Eastern Institute of Technology
Mar 2016 – Apr 2019
Bachelor of Technology (BTech)
Computer Science & Engineering
Government Engineering College, Palakkad
Mar 2004 – Dec 2009
Skills
Explainable AI (XAI)
Natural Language Processing
Retrieval-Augmented Generation
Automated Fact Verification
Speech & Language Technology
AI for Indigenous Languages
Evidence Synthesis
Qualitative & Survey Research
Critical Thinking
Technical Writing
Stakeholder Communication
Research Ethics & Compliance
Python
LaTeX
Selected Methods
Context-Aware Retrieval (RAG)
Thematic Clustering & Embeddings
NLP Pipeline Development
Interpretable ML Modelling
Literature Review & Evidence Synthesis
Survey & Questionnaire Analysis
Awards & Certifications
Claude Code in Action — Anthropic (Certification)
AUT Doctoral Journal Writing Grant
2025
AUT DCT Faculty Postgraduate Summer Research Award ×2
2023, 2024
Futures Pacific (CIIRID: IDEA) – AUT-PUCV Chile Scholarship ×2
2021, 2023
AUT ECMS Research Scholarship
2022
PhD Full Tuition Fee Waiver
2021–2024