About Me

I am Dr. Japheth Mursi, Assistant Professor of Data Science at Daystar University, Co-Founder of IwazoLab, and founder of the Daystar Institute of Data Science, AI & Cybersecurity.

🏆 Winner of the Best Poster Dataset Award at Deep Learning Indaba 2025 (Rwanda).
🔍 Current projects: Scam Data Collection & Threat Intelligence, Finlingo Conversational AI, and Civic Tech Research at SIMElab Africa.

Hello, I am Dr. Japheth Mursi, an Assistant Professor of Data Science at Daystar University and Co-Founder of IwazoLab, a data innovation hub based in Nairobi. I hold a Ph.D. in Information Systems and Technology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, where I researched personality prediction on social media using fuzzy logic and machine learning classifiers. My work bridges the fields of natural language processing (NLP), computational social science, machine learning, and information systems, with a mission to design tools that address pressing societal challenges such as misinformation, civic engagement, and financial literacy.

Over the past six years, I’ve led impactful research projects in academic and industry-adjacent settings. As Research Lead at SIMElab Africa (2022–2024), I oversaw a 21-person team working on social media misinformation, digital well-being, and maternal health AI prototypes. I’m also the driving force behind Finlingo, a conversational AI platform focused on enhancing financial literacy in Africa, which has been presented at global conferences such as IEEE ICTMOD and ASAC.

In addition to teaching courses in business analytics, software engineering, and social media analytics, I’ve led the design of new data science curricula at both Daystar University and USIU-Africa, ensuring alignment with evolving industry and societal needs.

Beyond academia, I serve as a University Council Member at KAG East University, and I’m an active mentor and youth leader through programs like NiweBora and the International Christian Church (ICC) Kitengela, where I volunteer in media and youth ministry.

My goal is to bridge research and real-world impact—equipping students, SMEs, and communities with data-driven tools to thrive in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

🧠 Skills & Competencies

Over the years, I’ve developed a strong technical and academic foundation through my work in research, teaching, and innovation. Below are some of the core tools and skills I bring to the table:

👨‍💻 Programming & Statistical Tools
Python, R, STATA

🗃️ Databases & Query Languages
SQL

📊 Data Visualization Tools
Tableau, Power BI, Metabase

🎓 Learning Management Systems (LMS)
BlackBoard, Moodle, Canvas

These tools have enabled me to work effectively across research, analytics, teaching, and product development contexts.