Dr. Monika Akbar is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at The University of Texas at El Paso. Dr. Akbar's research interests include information retrieval and integration aspects of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), specifically for enhancing our understanding of emerging threats, including but not limited to cyber vulnerabilities, malware, and disease outbreaks. A critical aspect of her work involves navigating the complexities of integrating multiple data sources for AI-driven modeling in solving downstream tasks, such as the detection and forecast of threats and analysis of associated risks. Dr. Akbar collaborates with CyManII, a multi-institution organization focusing on cybersecurity in manufacturing.