Vice President of ECOPs - Allen Nanyonjo

Allen Nanyonjo is a STEAM and robotics education leader from Uganda serving as Head of STEM Curriculum and Innovations at the African School of Innovations Science and Technology (ASIST). She is also the Uganda Country Coordinator for the MATE ROV Competition and an Events Partner with the REC Foundation, supporting the growth of robotics and engineering education programs nationally. With over 10 years of experience in STEM education, she has led initiatives in robotics, coding, AI literacy, and project-based learning, mentoring students and educators through programs including VEX Robotics and MATE ROV. She has organized national robotics championships, teacher training programs, and innovation events that expand access to hands-on engineering education for young people, especially girls and learners with disabilities. She is passionate about increasing African participation in marine technology and ocean STEM pathways through mentorship, collaboration, and inclusive innovation programs. Her international engagement includes participation in the Tsinghua–Geneva Initiative on Sustainable Development Goals and STEM outreach initiatives supported by the U.S. Embassy. 

Indicate one or two key goals that you hope to accomplish in this position over the next 3 years: 
My first goal would be to expand opportunities for Early Career Ocean Professionals by increasing access to marine technology, robotics, and ocean STEM programs for students and educators from underrepresented regions, particularly across Africa. Secondly, I would work on strengthening collaboration and mentorship within the MTS community by promoting inclusive pathways into ocean engineering and marine technology through robotics competitions, educator training, and international partnerships.

Discuss the qualities and experience you possess that make you a strong candidate for the position for which you are running: 
I bring a combination of leadership experience, technical education expertise, and a strong commitment to expanding opportunities for young people in marine technology and robotics education. Over the past 10 years, I have led and supported STEM and robotics initiatives that focus on hands-on, project-based learning, teacher training, and student mentorship. As Head of STEM Curriculum and Innovations at the African School of Innovations Science and Technology (ASIST), I have developed and implemented robotics and innovation programs that prepare learners with future-ready skills in engineering, coding, and problem-solving. In my role as Uganda Country Coordinator for the MATE ROV Competition, I have worked closely with students, educators, and partners to promote marine robotics and increase participation in ocean technology education. I also serve as an Events Partner with the REC Foundation, supporting national robotics competitions and expanding access to VEX Robotics programs. Through these experiences, I have developed strong skills in collaboration, program coordination, mentorship, stakeholder engagement, and inclusive education. What makes me especially passionate about this position is my commitment to increasing representation and participation from underrepresented communities, particularly in Africa, as well as supporting girls and learners with disabilities in STEM and marine technology pathways. I believe my experience in youth engagement, international collaboration, and educational leadership would allow me to contribute meaningful perspectives and help strengthen the global MTS ECOP community.