Samuel Karumba
@samuelkarumba
I build secure AI and distributed systems for sensitive data, critical infrastructure, and enterprise adoption.
CanadaWhat I'm looking for
At GuardlyData, I build on-device sensitive-information and secret-detection models that protect data across browsers, copilots, IDEs, RAG systems, and agentic AI workflows. I translate AI security research into local-first detection, redaction, blocking, auditing, product architecture, and technical roadmaps.
Previously, I led cybersecurity threat modelling for smart inverters at CSIRO Data61 and co-architected blockchain systems at IBM Research Africa, including TradeLens, serving 100,000+ users across 600 ports. My work spans privacy-preserving computation, applied cryptography, blockchain interoperability, energy infrastructure, and secure data sharing, with peer-reviewed publications and granted patents.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Research Scientist
GuardlyData
Jan 2025 - Present (1 year 7 months)
Build and fine-tune NER models for sensitive-information and secret detection, optimized for on-device inference. Design local-first detection, redaction, blocking, and auditing of data exposure across browsers, copilots, IDEs, RAG, and agentic AI workflows.
Conducted applied cybersecurity research within the CAESER national program. Led threat modelling for smart inverters and distributed energy resources, producing taxonomies and risk-assessment frameworks.
Industry-embedded research on the Data Clearing House, a semantic building-data platform. Contributed to semantic modelling of heterogeneous time-series data using the Brick Schema and designed privacy-preserving data-sharing and access control.
Doctoral research on secure, privacy-preserving distributed systems and decentralized platforms. Designed frameworks for privacy-preserving aggregation and cross-system interoperability.
Research Software Engineer
IBM Research Africa
Sep 2014 - May 2019 (4 years 8 months)
Co-architected blockchain systems for IBM's research portfolio, including TradeLens. Led mobile and backend development integrating event frameworks, sensor analytics, and learning models.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
University of New South Wales
Doctor of Philosophy, Computer Science and Engineering
2019 - 2024
Activities and societies: UNSW Scientia Scholarship recipient.
Doctoral research on secure, privacy-preserving distributed systems and decentralized platforms. Designed frameworks for privacy-preserving aggregation and cross-system interoperability.
Strathmore University
Master of Science, Mobile Telecommunication Innovation and Development
2013 - 2017
Grade: 3.56 / 4.00
Activities and societies: Safaricom Academy Scholarship recipient.
Master's degree in Mobile Telecommunication Innovation and Development. Dissertation on smart education and cognitive blended learning.
Moi University
Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
2009 - 2012
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. Graduated with Second Class Honours (Upper Division).
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
CanadaAuthorized to work in
Job categories
Skills
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