Christopher Elko
Havre de Grace
Summary
Linguist with a strong background in linguistic annotation, machine learning, and AI prompting. Experienced in collaborating with cross-functional teams and adapting to shifting project needs. Recognized for analytical precision and clear communication that supports team goals and project delivery.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Machine Learning Data Linguist
Amazon Web Services
Seattle, WA
07.2024 - Current
- Drove generation and annotation of high quality language data, creating and optimizing guidelines to avoid ambiguities and inconsistencies, ensuring implementation of Responsible AI principles.
- Conducted in‑depth qualitative and quantitative error trend analysis, developing action plans to enhance data quality for Amazon Q.
- Managed a team of 20 to create a targeted dataset of over 1000 business-oriented prompts, supporting the training of Amazon Quick Suite's document generation capabilities.
- Delivered actionable feedback and led calibration sessions with external vendors to standardize annotation practices, achieving 90%+ inter-annotator agreement.
- Performed comprehensive audits of linguistic datasets in French and German to facilitate Amazon Quick's expansion into different locales.
- Collaborated closely with engineers, scientists, and ops managers to refine annotation guidelines, incorporate vendor feedback, and enhance LLM training workflows.
French Teacher
William Penn High School
New Castle, DE
08.2023 - 06.2024
- Managed the progress of 150+ students as the department's only French instructor, partnering with staff to align the curriculum with other language courses.
- Facilitated the transition to a new digital curriculum, integrating modern learning tools while ensuring all lessons met state and national standards.
Research Assistant
Treatment Efficacy & Language Learning Lab
Newark, DE
06.2019 - 06.2020
- Conducted detailed transcription and annotation of child speech to support linguistic research initiatives.
- Monitored and upheld data entry protocols to support accurate research analytics.
Translator FR>EN
International Society for Technology in Education
London, UK
09.2018 - 02.2019
- Translated French scientific and technical texts into English, ensuring precision and clarity for publication.
- Integrated bilingual feedback in French and English to enhance technical accuracy.
Translator DE>EN
The Language Doctors, INC.
Washington, D.C.
01.2018 - 06.2018
- Translated 100+ German clinical reports to support Tricare insurance documentation and claims processing.
- Maintained accuracy in specialized medical terminology while translating complex reports.
Education
Master of Arts - Linguistics & Cognitive Science
University of Delaware
Newark, Delaware01-2024
Bachelor of Arts, cum laude - Linguistics And Foreign Languages
University of Delaware
Newark, Delaware01-2020
Exchange student - Philosophy
Lycée Blaise-Cendrars
La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland01-2016
Skills
- Proficiency in Python
- Cross-cultural communication
- Semantic interpretation
- Artificial intelligence adoption
Languages
English (native)
Spanish (intermediate)
German (fluent)
Russian (intermediate)
French (fluent)
Timeline
Machine Learning Data Linguist
Amazon Web Services
07.2024 - Current
French Teacher
William Penn High School
08.2023 - 06.2024
Research Assistant
Treatment Efficacy & Language Learning Lab
06.2019 - 06.2020
Translator FR>EN
International Society for Technology in Education
09.2018 - 02.2019
Translator DE>EN
The Language Doctors, INC.
01.2018 - 06.2018
Master of Arts - Linguistics & Cognitive Science
University of Delaware
Bachelor of Arts, cum laude - Linguistics And Foreign Languages
University of Delaware
Exchange student - Philosophy
Lycée Blaise-Cendrars