Computer scientist Imani Munyaka is one of three assistant professors in the University of California San Diego’s Jacobs School of Engineering to receive a 2025-26 Hellman Fellowship.
Munyaka, who joined the Department of Computer Science and Engineering in 2021, was recognized along with Vira Kravets from the Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering and Wanlu Li from the Aiiso Yufeng Li Family Department of Chemical and Nano Engineering. The three join an illustrious cohort of faculty members dating back to 1995.
Munyaka is a usable security and privacy researcher whose goal is to alleviate the security and privacy concerns of those most vulnerable. Her research tackles public policy, privacy education, security education for the general community, and the development of tools to support the security needs of often ignored communities. At UC San Diego, she leads the Ujima S&P Research Lab.
The Hellman Fellowship provides financial support and encouragement to young faculty in the core disciplines who show capacity for great distinction in their research and creative activities. The Society of Hellman Fellows was established at UC San Diego through the generosity of Chris Hellman and the late Warren Hellman.