Research & academia, policy, leadership, community

Gatambia Irungu is a Computer Science PhD researcher at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), the only public university in the nation's capital, where his academic work focuses on emerging technologies in AI and Information Security. He also teaches information security certification courses at UDC Community College in Washington, D.C., contributing to the development of the region's next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

Beyond his academic work, Gatambia's interests extend to leadership and governance. As a committed student leader, Gatambia served two terms as President of the Graduate Student Government Association (GSGA), where he championed the academic, professional, and social interests of graduate students. His leadership strengthened student representation and advanced initiatives that improved the graduate experience at UDC.

Gatambia's public service experience includes work with the Government of the District of Columbia. He served as a Graduate Research Assistant with The Lab @ DC, an applied research and design team composed of civic designers, social scientists, and data scientists who support evidence-based decision-making in government. He later worked as a Data Analyst with the D.C. Government's Human Resources Compliance Unit, contributing to data-driven oversight and organizational accountability.

Beyond academia and public service, Gatambia is an active voice in Kenyan governance and public policy. As a community leader in the Kenyan diaspora, he engages on issues affecting Kenya, particularly matters impacting young people. His perspectives on governance, youth empowerment, and national development have been featured in Kenyan newspapers and through his participation in civic and political dialogues.

Gatambia holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and a Master of Science in Computer Science from the University of the District of Columbia. He earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of Nairobi.

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