Irena Popova

Irena Popova

FullStack Developer & Linguist

CV

Curriculum Vitae

Irena Popova

Independent Researcher | Applied Linguist | Full-Stack Developer | Educator

My work brings together language, learning, and computational systems through an interdisciplinary lens. I am interested in how multilingual AI, knowledge organisation, and digital education can support more transparent and human-centred technology. Across research and development, I focus on connecting analytical depth with practical digital design.

Research & Academic Work
Website Portfolio
Tech Blog
GitHub @irenapopova
Email irenejpopova6@gmail.com

Academic Profile

Interdisciplinary Research Profile

Independent researcher with an interdisciplinary background in applied linguistics, multilingual education, software engineering, and digital learning. My work examines how language, cognition, data, and computational systems shape the construction, organisation, and communication of knowledge in increasingly technology-mediated environments.

My research interests include natural language processing, human-centred and explainable artificial intelligence, knowledge representation, data integration, computational thinking, and educational technology. I am particularly interested in the development of multilingual intelligent systems that remain interpretable, context-sensitive, and responsive to human learning and decision-making.

Drawing on experience in linguistic analysis, academic writing, programming, and education, I connect theoretical perspectives from applied linguistics and cognitive learning with practical methods from software development and data-oriented research. This interdisciplinary approach supports the design and critical evaluation of digital systems that combine technical capability with semantic clarity, methodological transparency, and social responsibility.

My Workflow

My work connects language, cognition, digital education, knowledge representation, and intelligent systems design. I am especially interested in how multilingual and explainable AI can support interpretation, learning, and responsible decision-making.

Research Background

Interdisciplinary researcher with a background in applied linguistics, multilingual education, software engineering, and digital learning.

I focus on multilingual natural language processing, data integration, knowledge extraction, explainable AI, educational technology, and intelligent information systems.

Research Interests

Human-centred AI Explainable AI Natural language processing Multilingual language technologies Knowledge representation Knowledge extraction Information organisation Data integration Data quality Intelligent information systems Language and cognition Conceptual development Computational thinking Programming education Grammar awareness Digital learning Responsible AI Blockchain systems Emerging digital infrastructures

Education

Sept 2017 - 2021

Software Engineering, SoftUni - Bulgaria

Focus: Fullstack Web Development

  • Programming Basics with Java
  • Programming with JavaScript
  • JavaScript for Front-End - October 2017
  • Core Module - JS Essentials, JS Advanced, JS Apps (2018)
  • Web Module - NodeJS, React
  • Front-End Module - HTML & CSS, CSS Advanced (2018)
  • React Web Applications Masterclass - October 2019

Oct 1993 - July 1998

Master Degree in Applied Linguistics

Institution: South-West University - Neophit Rilski, Bulgaria

  • English and German
  • Sociolinguistics and History
  • Computational Linguistics
  • British, American, and European Literature

Work Experience

May 2021 - April 2021

Web Developer Trainee, JavaScript Teaching Assistant & Ambassador

Digital Career Institute, Berlin, Germany

  • Developed workshops and projects using JavaScript and React.
  • Organized coding workshops and presented for DCI students.
  • Prepared presentations, exercises, and workshop lectures.
  • Supported new clients in German and English through coding workshops.
  • Helped explain the web development program and answer participant questions.

Sept 2017 - Aug 2019

English & Informatik Teacher

Internationaler Bund, Neuenhagen bei Berlin, Germany

  • Created a UI application for library management.
  • Brought design concepts to life with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
  • Implemented responsive design and tested usability.
  • Balanced functional and aesthetic design decisions.
  • Founded a Coding Club for teens to increase engagement in learning.
  • Attended GitHub Constellation and Jenkins events.

2011

TEFL Teacher

Darbi College, Sofia, Bulgaria

  • Taught English as a Foreign Language to adults.
  • Prepared learners for Cambridge exams including IELTS, CPE, CAE, and FCE.
  • Prepared learners for TOEFL.

Fall 2010

Research Assistant

English Literature

  • Supported academic research and writing.
  • Worked on thesis-related research tasks.

Skills

JavaScript TypeScript React Vue Nuxt Node.js Python HTML & CSS MongoDB Blockchain Applied Linguistics NLP Computational Thinking Digital Education

Technical Skills

Programming

Python JavaScript TypeScript HTML5 CSS3 SQL Basic Java

Frameworks and Libraries

Vue 3 Nuxt React Node.js Express Vite Vue Router

Databases and Data Technologies

PostgreSQL Supabase MongoDB Relational data modelling API-based data integration

Selected Research and Development Projects

Astra Knowledge Lab

Founder, Independent Researcher, and Developer

Development of an early-stage multilingual knowledge and media platform connecting artificial intelligence, education, research communication, technology, and lifelong learning.

  • Multilingual knowledge organisation
  • AI-supported information systems
  • Educational content architecture
  • Research communication
  • Full-stack platform development
  • Data management and digital publishing

Educational Web and Coding Projects

  • Development of educational applications using Vue, Nuxt, JavaScript, Python, and SQL.
  • Design of project-based programming activities for secondary-school learners.
  • Development of digital publishing and school-media prototypes.
  • Implementation of applications using PostgreSQL and Supabase.
  • Creation of learning materials for HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and computational thinking.

Mentoring & Volunteering Missions

Jan 2021

Tech Writer & Ambassador

Women Tech Makers, Berlin, Germany

  • Wrote beginner-friendly content on JavaScript, CSS, and Python.
  • Organized events and coding workshops in JavaScript fundamentals.
  • Helped organize Hack with Peers Nights focused on JavaScript, CSS, and React.

Volunteer Role

JavaScript / React Mentor - FrontEnd Cycle

ReDi School for Digital Integration

Supported learners with frontend development concepts, mentoring, and guided practice.

Publications

Talks

Open Source Contributions

Planned Contribution Focus

I am currently reviewing open-source contribution opportunities in AI tooling, documentation, and learning resources, with particular interest in NVIDIA- and OpenAI-related ecosystems.

  • Developer tools and educational resources for AI learning
  • Documentation, examples, and contribution pathways
  • Applied AI, multilingual systems, and human-centred technology

Teaching

Volunteering

Tech Organizations

  • OpenTechSchool Berlin, Germany
  • Women Tech Makers Berlin
  • Google Developer Group Berlin

Writers / Language Associations

  • ELTAB
  • IATEFL