
Aubrey Fudge, a mechatronics and robotics major at Oklahoma State University, is gaining attention for her innovative approach to language learning. According to a recent Oklahoma State University post, Fudge has been developing Lingua, a technology designed to change how students learn new languages. While living in Germany during high school, she recognized the value of immersion in language learning, a method often missing in traditional U.S. education systems.
Fudge aims to use artificial intelligence and virtual reality to create a hands-on environment that simulates real-world scenarios for language practice. Her system is designed to improve language learning and address the unequal access to quality language resources, providing affordable or subsidized versions for underserved communities.
The platform moves beyond traditional memorization techniques by using AI-driven non-playable characters that adjust to the user's skill level, creating an engaging, game-like environment. "After living overseas, I realized that immersion was the most effective way to truly learn a language — something I hadn’t experienced through traditional methods like high school education or language apps," Fudge said in a statement obtained by the Oklahoma State University. The platform is expected to improve retention by up to 60%.
Fudge is working on Lingua alongside finance and accounting major Harrison Confer and is actively involved in the university's innovation community. She won first place in the High Tech category at the Riata Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship's Pitch and Poster Competition and became a finalist in the 2025 Business Proposal Competition. Fudge plans to continue her academic and industry pursuits after graduating in spring 2027. She also participates in research projects, such as the BB-8 interactive tour droid project.
Fudge is open to expanding her team and invites students and professors to contact her through her university email for collaboration opportunities on Lingua or other projects.