Robert Amponsah, Ed.D., is the Assistant Dean for Strategic Programs in the College of Connected Computing at Vanderbilt University. His work focuses on shaping student experiences beyond the classroom by designing co-curricular programs that connect computing, leadership, and interdisciplinary career pathways.
In his role, Amponsah oversees marketing and communications for the CCC, helping define its mission and articulate its value to students, faculty, and industry partners. He also leads initiatives related to student programs and experiential learning, supporting students from their first year to career readiness.
Amponsah earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Vanderbilt University. While initially trained as an engineer, he has since pursued systems engineering, interdisciplinary research, and applied work that connects engineering with music and acoustics. His professional experience includes work in musical acoustics and industry applications such as noise-reduction technologies.
In a conversation with Vanderbilt Data Science Minor Communications Intern Avery Tong (’27), he discussed the role of co-curricular learning, interdisciplinary pathways, and career preparation in computing education.
What role does co-curricular learning play in computing education?
“Co-curricular programs create opportunities to build skills that traditional coursework alone often cannot—things like leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation. While students gain technical knowledge in the classroom, co-curricular experiences allow them to apply that knowledge in real-world contexts.
“Whether it’s through mentorship, site visits, hackathons, or industry exposure, students can start to see how concepts like generative AI or data science apply across different fields such as manufacturing, retail, or healthcare. These experiences help students build perspective and confidence as they prepare for the workplace.”
What are some of the most exciting programs you are developing for students?
“One program we’ve launched is called Plot Twist, a speaker series that brings alumni back to campus to talk about the unexpected paths they took in their careers. The goal is to show students that success doesn’t always follow a straight line.
“You might hear from someone who studied history but went on to start an AI company. By hearing about those twists and turns, students can better understand how interdisciplinary experiences shape careers.
“We’re also exploring programs that broaden how students think about careers in computing. Being a computer science or data science student doesn’t mean you have to become a software engineer. There are opportunities in product management, healthcare, the arts, psychology, and social good—and we want students to see those possibilities.”
How do interdisciplinary experiences shape student identity and career paths?
“Personally, I started in electrical engineering, but my career evolved into systems engineering and eventually into musical acoustics. That intersection between engineering and music led me to work on noise-reduction headphones at Bose.
“Exposure to interdisciplinary spaces is critical. When students see how biology connects to computing or how the arts intersect with technology, they can discover paths that align with both their interests and competencies.
“Our goal is to create environments where students can explore these connections and develop an identity that makes sense based on their experiences—not just because someone told them what they should do.”
How do you envision co-curricular initiatives connecting with the classroom?
“Experiential learning is becoming increasingly important. There are opportunities for co-curricular programs to complement classroom instruction through guest speakers, leadership certificates, and career-focused experiences.
“Ideally, what happens outside the classroom reinforces what students are learning inside it. That kind of integration can help students better understand how their education connects to real-world applications.”
What advice do you have for students hoping to get the most out of Vanderbilt’s co-curricular ecosystem?
“Put yourself in spaces where you might feel a little uncomfortable. Those moments often drive innovation and personal growth.
“Don’t be afraid to try new things—or to fail. Failure is part of learning. When students push themselves beyond what feels familiar, they expand what they’re capable of achieving.”