Dean Matthew Johnson-Roberson, Ph.D.
Matthew Johnson-Roberson, professor of computer science and electrical and computer engineering, serves as the inaugural Dean of Vanderbilt's College of Connected Computing. Dean Johnson-Roberson brings to Vanderbilt a remarkable track record as a pioneering researcher, entrepreneur, and academic leader in the field of robotics and computing.
Prior to joining Vanderbilt, Dean Johnson-Roberson directed Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute—one of the world's premier robotics research centers. His leadership has been characterized by a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and technological innovation that addresses real-world challenges.
A distinguished scholar with over 100 peer-reviewed publications, Johnson-Roberson's research spans underwater robotics, computer vision, and autonomous vehicles. His groundbreaking work has not only advanced academic knowledge but has also been translated into practical applications that impact society. As co-founder of Refraction AI, he developed autonomous delivery robots designed specifically for sustainable last-mile delivery in urban environments.
Dean Johnson-Roberson's vision for connected computing represents the future of how computation will transform society. Under his guidance, the college focuses on empowering students to harness computational thinking across disciplines and preparing them to address our most pressing challenges.
He earned his Ph.D. in robotics from the University of Sydney and held faculty positions at the University of Michigan, where he co-directed the UM Ford Center for Autonomous Vehicles.
The College of Connected Computing under Dean Johnson-Roberson emphasizes the transformative potential of computation when applied across fields from healthcare and education to sustainability and the arts. This approach views computation not just as coding, but as creative problem-solving and responsible innovation that improves human lives.
Watch a video welcome from Dean Johnson-Roberson.