About
Academic Profile & Research Identity
I am a transdisciplinary researcher bridging Philosophy of Language, Cognitive Science, and Computational AI for Education. My core expertise lies in modeling the dynamic interplay between language, thought, and technology. I am the founder of the Cognitive Trapeze Model, a computational and pedagogical framework that integrates AI as a mediating actor in learning environments. My research is deeply grounded in empirical field work within Priority Education Zones (ZEP) in Cameroon, where I develop and test offline, low-resource AI tools to support neurodiverse and multilingual learners.
Key Achievements
- Theoretical Innovation: Founder of the Cognitive Trapeze model — a computational framework formalizing language–thought co‑development into a predictive Bayesian network.
- Field Impact: Founder of IA_4_ZEP, a field initiative reaching 160 learners and 60 teachers across 4 Cameroonian ZEP schools.
- Empirical Breakthrough: First corpus-based evaluation of Whisper ASR models in real African ZEP classrooms (18 texts, 60+ learners, Apr–Jul 2026).
- Public Sector Innovation: Developer of SPS_DRES_AD, a public-sector educational data-management software deployed at MINESEC DRES Adamaoua.
- Policy Impact: Project Director of a GIZ-funded national project whose findings led the Cameroonian State to formalize volunteering activities.
Career Path Note
My unconventional trajectory reflects a deep commitment to field research. After completing my five-year multidisciplinary training at the École Normale Supérieure of Yaoundé (2008–2013), I signed a ten-year statutory service commitment to the Cameroonian State and was deployed to a remote Priority Education Zone (Adamaoua), where I served continuously. These years are not research gaps: they are the empirical foundation of my research. I defended my PhD on 27/07/2022 while teaching in this ZEP, and the Cognitive Trapeze model directly results from a decade of systematic classroom observation. Having completed my statutory service, I am now fully available for full-time research and European collaborations.
Education
- 27/07/2022 : PhD in Philosophy (Epistemology & Philosophy of Science) – University of Yaoundé I. Thesis: Langage et pensée : acquisition, troubles et enseignements (Grade: Très Honorable).
- 12/2013 : DIPES II (2nd-grade secondary teaching certification) – ENS Yaoundé.
- 07/2011 : Master II in Philosophy of Science and Language – University of Yaoundé I.
- 07/2011 & 07/2008 : BA in Modern French Letters & BA in Philosophy – University of Yaoundé I / ENS.
- 07/2011 : DIPES I (1st-grade secondary teaching certification) – ENS Yaoundé.
Selected Publications
- Ntsama, J. M., & Worsley, M. (2026). Evaluating Whisper ASR Engines in African Priority Education Zones. arXiv preprint (expected 09/2026).
- Ntsama, J. M. (2023). Web social, didactique et littératies numériques. Ifrikiya – Sciences du Langage (peer-reviewed).
- Ntsama, J. M. (2021). Étude des interrelations entre langage et pensée. Éditions Francophones Universitaires d’Afrique (EFUA).
- Ntsama, J. M. (2013). Problématique des troubles de langage et apport de la pédagogie curative. Éditions Universitaires Européennes (EUE).
- Ntsama, J. M. (2013). Origine du langage : de la phylogenèse à l’ontogenèse. Éditions Universitaires Européennes (EUE).
Technical & Methodological Skills
- Core: Python (data handling, scripting), ASR/LLM (Whisper, Qwen, quantization), Mixed-methods research, Field data collection protocols, Action-research.
- Developing (Fellowship plan): Bayesian modeling, Multilevel statistical analysis, Agent-based simulation (Mesa/NetLogo).
- Tools: Git/GitHub, Google Colab, R, NetLogo, AWS, Pydroid 3.
- Languages: French (Native), English (Professional C1), Fulfulde (Basic conversational).
- Soft Skills: Project management, Grant writing, Multicultural leadership, Stakeholder engagement (MINESEC, academic partners).
Supervision & Research Team
The “Cognitive Trapeze” project is guided by a strong international team:
- Primary Supervisor (Host Institution): Prof. Daniel Spikol (University of Copenhagen, Denmark).
- Co‑Supervisor (Secondment): Prof. Marcelo Worsley (Northwestern University, USA).
- Field Supervision: MINESEC Regional Delegation (Adamaoua) and its Regional Inspectors (ICR) for IT and Languages.
- Academic Advisor: Prof. Pius Ondoua (University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon).