Meet Robert Fuhst Jr., Deployment Engineer
About Robert: Rob has been an integral part of the NGN project since early 2021. With a robust background that includes 30 years with Verizon as a Fiber Splicer and Hi-Tech Field Technician, Rob brings extensive experience and expertise to the engineering team. His career highlights include working on a pioneering video conferencing project between Columbia University and various New York City public schools and playing key roles in restoring connections and communications in the aftermath of major events such as the first World Trade Center bombing and 9/11. Additionally, Rob was the main technician at Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant for fiber-related issues for 14 years.
Robert’s NGN Journey: As the deployment lead for Team Bravo, Rob’s primary responsibilities include overseeing the deployment of NGN equipment, ensuring closet readiness for wired migrations, and leading onsite efforts for Public Safety and Facilities migrations. His role as “boots on the ground” for Team Bravo means he is deeply involved in making sure NGN projects run smoothly. Rob excels in working with campus community members to ensure their transitions are as seamless as possible.
The Team: Rob finds working with a talented and driven team at Yale to be one of the most rewarding aspects of his job. He is particularly excited about the opportunity to learn new things and grow with each building migration. The diverse and challenging nature of the work keeps him motivated and enthusiastic about coming to work each day.
Innovations and Achievements: For Rob, the most exciting aspect of the NGN project is seeing the process from start to finish. He finds immense satisfaction in witnessing the complete cycle, from unpacking a new switch to connecting the final cable during a migration. One of his proudest moments was completing The Anlyan Center (TAC), which boosted his confidence and solidified his belief that he could handle any challenge the project presented.
Valuable Lessons: Rob believes that teamwork is the key to success and believes the mantra, “Teamwork makes the dream work,” encapsulates the collaborative spirit of the NGN team. He advises staying adaptable and keeping your goals in sight, as obstacles are merely distractions that appear when you lose focus on your goals.
Beyond the Office: Rob’s passions outside of work revolve around his family: his wife, Pam, daughter, Kayla, and boxer-lab mix, Bella. His wife and daughter inspire him daily with their hard work and determination. Kayla, who performs under the name Bennie Rose, has an impressive resume that includes singing at the Vatican, performing in Las Vegas, and starting her own music teaching business. Rob enjoys collecting sports cards, participating in fantasy football, fishing, swimming, and grilling out and smoking BBQ.
Favorites and Fun Facts: A devoted fan of UCONN Women’s Basketball and the New York Mets, Rob also loves attending Broadway shows and enjoying Italian food, shellfish, and BBQ. His musical tastes range from Broadway hits to the classics of the ’70s and, of course, the music of Bennie Rose. An interesting fact about Rob is that he played at Yankee Stadium in the NYC Catholic High School City Championships in 1984 and was one game away from making the Little League World Series in 1980.
Favorite Campus Spot: Rob enjoys being anywhere near the water and has a soft spot for Pepe’s pizza.
