Suchir About
About
PhD Candidate in Computer Science, University of Cambridge.
Language models as learners
Contemporary language models are often treated as accomplished speakers. I am more interested in them as learners. In particular, I study small and deliberately constrained systems, not despite their limitations but because of them. Constraint renders learning visible. It makes errors interpretable and generalisation legible. What such systems cannot do is often as revealing as what they can.
Short Bio
I am a PhD Candidate in Computer Science at the University of Cambridge (Gonville & Caius College), researching Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing under Professor Paula Buttery.
I previously completed my Bachelor of Arts and Masters in Engineering in Computer Science and Linguistics at Gonville & Caius College, University of Cambridge, obtaining a Starred First (Class I with Distinction) and a Distinction respectively. My research focuses on Small-Scale Language Models to improve the interpretability of Foundation Models.
Outside of academia, I lead a publication called Per Capita Media, Cambridge University's newest independent publication. My journalistic work includes collaborations with The One Show and interactions with The Sunday Times and BBC Radio 5 Live.
I am also involved in student policy think tanks, as the Head of Policy at The Wilberforce Society, and organise speaker events throughout the University. A copy of my CV can be found on my Department Page (Computer Science & Technology).
Research Philosophy
I am a PhD candidate in Computer Science at the University of Cambridge, based at Gonville & Caius College. My research begins from a question that is often taken for granted: what does it mean to learn language at all? Not as a matter of fluency or scale, but as a problem of structure—how regularities are inferred from limited experience, how abstraction emerges, and where it fails.
Writing, Media & Public Thought
Alongside academic research, I am involved in long-form writing and editorial work. I am the Editor of Per Capita Media.
My journalistic work has included collaborations with The One Show, The Sunday Times, and BBC Radio 5 Live.
Travel
I travel a lot! Recently, I've spent time in China, San Diego, Vancouver, Vienna, Paris, and Germany – it's always a lot of fun meeting new researchers, trying new food, and exploring new cities.
Beyond Research
I enjoy film, music and reading, as a way to keep learning about new languages and culture. I've also had a long-standing interest in classical languages.
Somewhat related to my own interests in politics and journalism, I run a Media & Journalism Society in my college. I am also MCR Treasurer.
Get in touch
I welcome inquiries related to my research, and am happy to discuss projects with current or prospective students.