PhD student Mubarak Raji has been selected as an IAPP Westin Scholar Award honoree for the 2025-2026 academic year. The annual awards were created by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) to support students who are identified as future leaders in the field of privacy and data protection. Honorees receive a $1,000 cash award; two years of membership with the IAPP; three complimentary exams for IAPP certifications (CIPP, CIPM, CIPT); and unlimited access to online training for the recipient's selected IAPP certification exams.
Raji's research involves an interdisciplinary perspective that bridges law, technology, and ethics in the digital age. His research interests explore the governance of Agentic AI and AI agents, and their unique privacy-related characteristics. Raji is also exploring the dynamic intersection of data privacy, AI governance, and ethics within the Global Majority, especially highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities in Africa.
"I am delighted to see Mubarak Raji recognized with the IAPP Westin Scholar Award, marking the second time a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign student has received this distinction," said Associate Professor Masooda Bashir, who helped bring the award program to Illinois. "This honor from the leading global organization for privacy professionals recognizes both Mubarak's exceptional work in privacy and data protection and the growing momentum of our university in this area. It underscores the role our students are playing in advancing responsible, ethical, and forward-looking data practices."
"This distinguished scholarship will provide me with the opportunity to engage in comprehensive privacy training, particularly from an industry perspective, and to undertake the internationally recognized IAPP examinations that I have anticipated for several years," said Raji. "I plan to utilize the knowledge gained to enhance research on the governance of Agentic AI, prioritize privacy considerations, and contribute to the advancement of privacy-related courses at the University of Illinois. Furthermore, this experience will enable me to expand my professional network and adequately prepare for future career opportunities. I extend my gratitude to the IAPP for establishing this scholarship in honor of the esteemed privacy scholar, Dr. Alan Westin."