Staff
Amplify GenAI Innovation Center
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Allen Karns
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Maximillian Moundas
Generative AI Research Engineer
Max Moundas is a Generative AI Research Engineer at Vanderbilt University, where he builds applications that enable users across campus to leverage generative AI. He conducts research into the capabilities and vulnerabilities of these models, developing systems to use and protect them, and collaborates with teams across the university to advance AI adoption and understanding.
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Karely Rodriguez
Gen AI Engineer
Karely Rodriguez is a DACA recipient and Generative AI Engineer at Vanderbilt University, where she earned her Master's in Computer Science. She contributes to development efforts on Amplify, the university's generative AI platform.
- 2532499015
- 1400 18th Ave South
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Tina Sevier
Gen AI Engineer
Tina Sevier is a Generative AI Engineer at Vanderbilt University's Amplify GenAI Innovation (AGI) Center, where she builds AI tools to advance innovation across the university and beyond. She brings over 20 years of experience at Vanderbilt University, having served as Principal Application Architect for the YES suite of applications used to support university operations. Outside of work, she can be found on hiking trails, attempting yoga poses, and creating watercolors that may or may not resemble their intended subjects.
- 1400 18th Ave South
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Gina Tamburro
Director of Operations
Gina Tamburro serves as the Director of Operations in the Amplify GenAI Innovation (AGI) Center in Vanderbilt University’s College of Connected Computing. In this role, Gina provides high-level administrative management and strategic support to senior leaders growing the Center's reach and service delivery. She provides support for stakeholder engagement, event planning, communications, budget management, and program operations while demonstrating creativity in leveraging generative AI tools to improve processes. Gina holds an MA in Higher Education Administration from The University of Akron and a BA in Religious Studies from Anderson University. Prior to joining Vanderbilt, she spent nine years at Virginia Tech in both Advancement and Student Affairs. She resides in Nashville with her husband Bob and sits on the YP Board for The Store.
- 330-418-2897
- Sony Building- A5008
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Jagadeesh Vanga
Generative AI research Engineer
As a member of the Amplify team, I design and test advanced generative AI workflows and agents. Our work addresses critical challenges across diverse sectors, including healthcare, scientific research, and campus operations.
- 9016863675
- A4014, Sony Building
Computer Science Department
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Julia Buffolino
Lab manager for HLAB
Julia is the Lab Manager for the Human Language Analysis Beings Lab (HLAB), directed by Andrew Schwartz and Oscar Kjell, at Vanderbilt University's College of Connected Computing. She brings nearly four years of experience spanning industry and academic research. Prior to her current role, she worked as a Quantitative Market Research Analyst and Project Director at a New York–based market research firm. She also served as a Research Coordinator at the Research Foundation for SUNY (RF SUNY). Julia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Stony Brook University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design from Queens College. She plans to pursue graduate study to further advance her work in academic research.
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Phi Long Bui
Applications Developer for HLAB
Tony Bui is an NLP software engineer at HLAB focuses on turning language into reliable measures of emotion and behavior. He builds applications and data pipelines for mental-health and well-being research.
Tony works at the intersection of psychological science and NLP, developing language-based methods to study affect, cognition, and everyday behavior- 6177748278
- 1400 18th Ave South, A5006
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Gretchen Burnett
Senior Administrative Officer
Gretchen Burnett is an operations and research administration leader with 15+ years of progressive experience in higher education. She has expertise in staff structuring for established and newly formed departments, as well as in pre- and post-award administration, federal compliance, financial oversight, complex budget development, strategic planning, and team leadership. Prior to joining Vanderbilt University, she was at Northwestern University as the Business Administrator for the Computer Science department within the McCormick School of Engineering.Before her higher education experience, she was an international purser for American Airlines, traveling mostly to Europe and South America, followed by a brief stint as a litigation paralegal. She is an equestrian and engages in a variety of crafts, including knitting, jewelry design, and other artistic endeavors.
- 1 (615) 343-4943
- 1400 18th Ave. S., A4032
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Carter Connolley
Administrative Coordinator
Carter Connolley is the Administrative Coordinator for the Department of Computer Science. He has been with Vanderbilt University for 3 years, previously serving as the Undergraduate Program Coordinator. Some of his hobbies outside of work include exercise, camping, and photography.
- 615.343.4917
- 1400 18th Ave South A 4004
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Richard H. Do
Pre-Award Grant Manager
Born and raised in Vietnam, Richard migrated to US when he was in high school. Richard graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelor degree in Business Management. He has 17 years of experience in banking and 5 years in grants management. Richard is married and a father of two. He loves fishing, watching soccer games, and playing with his kids on his free time.
- 615-710-5778
- 1400 18th Avenue South, Suite A3013
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Melissa Harrell
Graduate Program Coordinator (PhD cohort)
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Jay Hass
Administrative Manager
I started in Computer Science in 2021. I have a B.S. in Business with an emphasis in Organizational Communication. I am in my last year of receiving my degree in Architectural Engineering and Interior Design. Before returning to Vanderbilt, I ran my own company for 25 plus years. I am married and have two adult children. I love to read, paint, draw, and knit. Love all things creative and love working in Computer Science.
- 615.322.1702
- A4032
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Jen Huber
Post-Award Grant Manager
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Oscar Kjell
Research Scientist
Oscar is Co-Director of the Human Language Analysis Beings (HLAB) at the College of Connected Computing (www.humanlanguage.org), where they develop human-centered NLP and machine-learning methods to advance AI language understanding and enable more accurate, data-driven assessment of mental health.
He works at the intersection of psychology and computer science to develop and validate methods for assessing psychological constructs and understanding psychological processes. In his research, he combines psychological theory, psychometrics, and artificial intelligence, including natural language processing and machine learning. A central aim of his work is to develop language-based methods that are useful and trustworthy in real-world settings. This involves careful validation (e.g., the Sequential Evaluation and Model Pre-registration approach) and transparent reporting (e.g., the LEADING reporting guideline; www.leading-guideline.org).
He develops and maintain the R Language Analysis Suite—including text (www.r-text.org), topics (www.r-topics.org), and talk (www.r-talk.org)—along with the Language-Based Assessment Models (L-BAM) Library to help researchers analyze natural language data and test hypotheses in the social and behavioral sciences. -
Sara Raiszadeh
Graduate Program Coordinator (MS cohort)
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Chad Smith
Undergraduate Program Coordinator
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Kristine Yancey
Sr. Administrative Specialist
Data Science
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Chayan Chatterjee
Postdoctoral Fellow
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Umang Chaudhry
Senior Data Scientist
Umang Chaudhry is a Senior Data Scientist in Vanderbilt University’s Data Science Institute. He came to Vanderbilt in 2015 as an undergraduate student, earning B.A. degrees in Earth and Environmental Sciences (Honors) and Communication of Science and Technology, followed by an M.S. in Data Science. Since joining DSI, he has focused on advancing AI-driven and interdisciplinary research initiatives across the university. He collaborates with faculty, researchers, and students from diverse disciplines to design and implement data science solutions to complex challenges.
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Amber Douglass
Senior Program Manager
- 615-343-5716
- 1400 18th Ave South, B2002E
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John Ellis
Program Coordinator
- +1 615-343-9454
- 17th & Horton
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Max Hackenbrack
Program Manager, Undergraduate Data Science Minor
Max Hackenbrack is Program Manager for the Undergraduate Data Science Minor at Vanderbilt University’s College of Connected Computing, where he oversees a program serving over seven hundred students, or 10% of the university’s undergraduate population. In this role, he manages course registration, faculty affairs, curriculum development, and strategic planning, collaborating closely with academic leadership and university departments. Max brings a data-driven approach to higher education administration, focusing on connecting strategic vision to tactical execution to support program excellence and student success.Max holds an MBA in Operations & Analytics and Strategy from Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management. At Owen, he was President of the Student Government Association and recipient of the H. Igor Ansoff Award for original and creative contributions to the school. Max also holds a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Prior to joining Vanderbilt, he spent six years as a Naval Architect and Lead Engineer at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Committed to impactful leadership, he is also a member of the Technology Committee of Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.
- (615) 343-2574
- A2102
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Amber Miller
Assistant Director of Data Science Institute
Amber Miller is the Assistant Director of the Vanderbilt Data Science Institute within the College of Connected Computing, where she oversees operations including budgeting, procurement, HR, and strategic coordination. She holds a Master of Liberal Arts and Science from Vanderbilt University and brings over 20 years of combined experience at Vanderbilt and VUMC.
- 615-875-7897
- 1400 18th Ave South B2002E
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Miguel Nunez
Marketing and Event Coordinator
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Abbie Petulante
Postdoctoral Fellow
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Myranda Shirk
Senior Data Scientist
Office of the Dean
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Robert Amponsah
Assistant Dean - Special Projects
Robert Amponsah is the Assistant Dean of Special Projects focused on Marketing & Communications, Student Success, and Corporate Affairs. He received his Doctorate in Education focused on Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University. He also has his B.E. in Electrical Engineering from Vanderbilt, MS in Electrical Engineering from University of Rochester, and MBA from Texas A&M University.
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Natalie Arana
Assistant Director of Marketing
Natalie is a marketing and communications professional with over a decade of experience across higher education, nonprofit, media, and startup spaces. Currently serving as Assistant Director of Marketing, with a focus on external audiences—including donors, alumni, parents, and corporate partners—she collaborates on creative and strategic marketing, branding, and public relations initiatives that elevate the College’s profile and inspire engagement. She is dedicated to building purpose-driven brands, content and communities that drive innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration—and is inspired by the CCC’s commitment to computing that is accessible and beneficial to all.Before joining Vanderbilt, Natalie led marketing and brand awareness fundraising efforts at United Way Miami to local audiences in English and Spanish, and was a founding team member of RETHINK Retail, a B2B multimedia company covering global trends, innovations, and executive thought leadership in commerce.Natalie has a Master of Science in Marketing from Florida International University and a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations from the University of Central Florida.
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Sarah Beck
Associate Project Manager
Sarah is a proud Double ‘Dore (B.S. 2018, M.Ed 2020) with a background in education, psychology, and counseling. Sarah began her career as a professional school counselor in Metro Nashville Public Schools, where she earned a national award for her work implementing a school-wide framework that helped improve students’ academic performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. She then transitioned to higher education, returning to Vanderbilt as a program manager for an equity-focused NIH grant before joining the CCC in April 2025. Sarah is passionate about equitable access to higher education, and is excited to contribute to the CCC’s mission: Computing for All.
- (615) 343-3532
- Sony B4018
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Chris Hilario
Senior Director, Strategic Enrollment Management
Chris Hilario is the Senior Director of Strategic Enrollment Management at Vanderbilt University's College of Connected Computing, where he oversees graduate admissions and enrollment strategy for programs within the CCC. Before joining Vanderbilt, he served as Executive MBA Program Director at Georgia State University's Robinson College of Business, where he managed a broad range of program operations spanning marketing, recruitment, student experience, and alumni engagement. Earlier in his career, he oversaw admissions for Georgia Tech's Evening MBA program. He holds an MBA from Texas Christian University and a bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University.
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Hanna Hoover
Senior Associate Business Officer
As Senior Associate Business Officer for the CCC, I bring 10 years of experience at Vanderbilt, leading financial planning and operations. I enjoy partnering with faculty and staff to navigate complex challenges and build processes that enable innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. I received my Bachelor of Business Administration from Mississippi State University and my MBA from Lipscomb University.
- 6153433195
- 1400 18th Ave. S., B4016
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Lori Houjack, CRA
Senior Grants Manager
Lori Houjak is a Certified Research Administrator with over 15 years of experience in sponsored research administration. She serves as Senior Grants Manager in the College of Connected Computing at Vanderbilt University, where she provides strategic oversight across the full lifecycle of grant management and supports faculty in the development and administration of complex sponsored projects. Her expertise spans pre- and post-award administration, compliance oversight, and financial stewardship.
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Marlene Hunt
Administrative Manager for Faculty and Postdoctoral Affairs
Marlene has worked in higher education for 30+ years as an administrator in academics, faculty affairs, human resources, and advancement. She came to us from the University of Washington in 2025, and prior to that, worked for The University of Oregon, The Ohio State University, Ohio University, and The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She currently lives in Franklin with her dog Keegan, where they hike and explore, and is thoroughly enjoying her return to the familiar beauty of the Tennessee landscape.
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Lindsay Meyers
Assistant Dean - Special Projects
Lindsay Meyers serves as Assistant Dean for Talent and Operations at Vanderbilt University's College of Connected Computing, where she helps lead strategic hiring, operational infrastructure, and internal institutional partnerships. She brings nearly two decades of experience at Vanderbilt, most recently as Assistant Dean for Operations and Administration in the School of Medicine's Office for Biomedical Research Education and Training, where she helped support the biomedical research education enterprise serving 1,100 predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees in over 300 faculty members' labs. Lindsay holds a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt University and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Davidson College.
- (615) 322-3770
- 1400 18th Ave. S., B4006
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Caitlin Moak
Assistant Director of Marketing
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Jared Mott
Building and Facilities Manager
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Beth Porter
Executive Assistant
As the Executive Assistant to the Dean, Beth provides high-level administrative support including managing the Dean’s calendar, coordinating faculty actions, and helping oversee the daily operations of the Dean’s Office. Beth has been at Vanderbilt since 2013. She has held multiple roles including positions in Development and Alumni Relations and the Office of the Vice Provost for Arts, Libraries, and Global Engagement.Beth grew up in Georgetown, TX and first came to Nashville to attend Vanderbilt University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts. In her free time, Beth enjoys cheering on the Commodores and exploring Nashville with her husband and two boys.
- 615-343-5562
- 1400 18th Ave South
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Don Snyder
Associate Dean for Development
Don Snyder has twenty years' experience in higher education advancement and has been with Vanderbilt since 2023. He brings a passion for the CCC's mission and enjoys tinkering with AI-first solutions when he's not working.
- 719.679.2266
- Loews
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Corey Turner
Chief of Staff