Ulrike Pado

Prof. Dr. Ulrike Pado is a Professor of Computer Science at Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences (HFT Stuttgart) since 2012, holding a PhD in Computational Linguistics from Saarland University. She serves as Speaker of the Research Centre ZedFLoW (Centre for Digital Transformation in Research, Education and Business) since 2019 and Vertrauensdozentin for the German Academic Scholarship Foundation since November 2024, specializing in AI for university education and natural language processing.

Research Interests

Her work centers on applying Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning to educational contexts, including automated spoken language assessment, LLM-powered tutoring systems, and adaptive testing frameworks. Current projects involve TransferBot (research-access chatbot), IMPETUS (bwDigiFellowship-funded LLM tutors), and KNIGHT (AI-driven adaptive teaching tools), all developed through HFT Stuttgart's Laboratory for Natural Language Processing which she directs.

Scientific Awards

• Fellow for Innovation in Digital Teaching at Universities (2024-2025) by Stifterverband and MWK Baden-Württemberg

Advising and Grants

As Vertrauensdozentin, she provides dedicated mentoring for Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes scholarship recipients. Her research receives funding through bwDigiFellowship 24/25 (IMPETUS project) and institutional HFT Stuttgart support for KNIGHT, focusing on scalable AI solutions for educational transformation.

Laboratory

She leads the Laboratory for Natural Language Processing at HFT Stuttgart, which develops NLP methodologies specifically for educational applications including language skill assessment and intelligent tutoring systems.