Former Scholars Deepening Partnerships: William T. Tarimo

William T. Tarimo (Tanzania, Waterford Kamhlaba UWC of Southern Africa, Connecticut College ’12) grew up in Moshi, near Mount Kilimanjaro. After graduating from Waterford Kamhlaba UWC of Southern Africa in Eswatini, he matriculated to Connecticut College as a Davis UWC Scholar, earning bachelor’s degrees in computer science and mathematics. His undergraduate experience was defined by early and sustained engagement in research, particularly in applied robotics, including publishing papers and presenting at conferences—opportunities that proved formative for his academic path. Reflecting on his decision to attend Connecticut College, William notes that he found “a welcoming sense of belonging among the international student community, academic opportunities and rigor, and institutional support,” along with influential early research opportunities within the computer science department.

Following graduation, William entered a Ph.D. program in computer science at Brandeis University, earning his master’s and doctoral degrees in 2014 and 2016. His doctoral research focused on educational technology and pedagogy design, resulting in the development of the Computer-Supported Agile Teaching (CSAT) framework, which explores how technology can support more transparent, adaptive, and learner-centered teaching and learning. Central to this work is the Discovery Teaching platform, a tool he continues to develop and use in both his research and classroom practice. His scholarly interests also include wearable technologies that provide insight into learning processes, alongside secondary research in robotics, computer vision, and artificial intelligence.

In 2017, William returned to Connecticut College as an assistant professor of computer science. “Connecticut College has long been a home and a special place to me,” he reflects, noting that his experience as an international student continues to shape his approach to teaching, mentoring, and service. Beyond the classroom, he collaborates with the Walter Commons for Global Study and Engagement and supports initiatives such as Education & I, a resource hub for international students navigating higher education in the United States.

William remains deeply grateful to the Davis UWC Scholars Program for opening doors that would otherwise have been inaccessible. He credits the program with shaping his commitment to access, global engagement, and service—values he continues to live out through his teaching, research, and mentorship.

This profile is part of the “Forner Scholars Deepening Partnership” series from the 2026 Annual Report