Dedicated Mentor, Cybersecurity Expert, Traveler
Gabriela’s career is a shining example of what it means to lead with both brilliance and humility. As the technical lead at CyManII, she’s at the forefront of developing and deploying technologies that protect U.S. manufacturers and government agencies from cybersecurity threats. Her work directly supports national security—and she approaches it with an unmatched combination of expertise and dedication.
With an M.S. and Ph.D. in Computer Science from Columbia University, and a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Bucharest, Gabriela brings world-class academic credentials to every project she touches. Her leadership isn't just technical—it's strategic. She manages complex collaborations between academia, industry, and national labs to deliver real-world cybersecurity solutions for advanced manufacturing.
Gabriela is also a nationally recognized expert, awarded the Bronze Stevie® for Woman of the Year in Government or Non-Profit, and honored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Computer Society for her contributions to security and privacy. Despite these accolades, she’s known for always putting the mission before herself.
Her impact extends beyond her technical role. Gabriela mentors master’s and doctoral students, helping to shape the next generation of cybersecurity leaders. She’s deeply respected by her peers and admired by those she leads. Through her work, Gabriela not only secures critical infrastructure but also inspires others to do the same with excellence, professionalism, and heart. Gabriela is a wonderful example of a Modern Maker.
Q&A with Gabriela
How did you find your way to working in advanced manufacturing?
For the past 15 years, I have been focusing on research on cybersecurity for cyber-physical systems, starting with the Internet of Things (IoT), industrial IoT (IIoT), power systems, and then advanced manufacturing. I find cyber-physical systems particularly interesting in the context of cybersecurity because we have to explore both cyber and physical ramifications of the systems' behavior. My work gave me the opportunity to use both my undergraduate studies in computer engineering and control systems, and my graduate studies in computer science.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Making technology that will be adopted at large scale is the most challenging part and the most rewarding part of my job.
What is the best part of your job?
Working with some of the smartest and nicest people I’ve ever met.
What would people be surprised to learn about manufacturing or your role in manufacturing?
Manufacturing is fun at every age; my 8-year-old daughter is having fun with 3D printers and robots.
What advice do you have for someone new to the industry or considering manufacturing as a career?
There is a misconception about manufacturing not being a glamorous industry, but I believe that manufacturing and automation have so much potential for innovation because they encompass a lot of different disciplines such as mechanical engineering, computer engineering, programming, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and more importantly the ability to make a difference in industrial progress.
What makes you excited to go to work on Mondays?
The work itself, together with our CyManII team.
What are the three most important skills for your job?
Building collaborative teams and making sure everyone is appreciated and empowered in their work; having patience especially with research results; staying up-to-date with progress in both research and industry advancement.
If you didn’t have to work, how would you spend your day?
I cannot imagine my life without working; however, I value my vacations and I need them to recharge.
What activity gives you the most energy?
Spending time, traveling, and eating healthy and delicious food with family and friends.
What hobbies make you better at your career?
Exercising helps with persevering even when things are not as expected.
How does the work you do impact the world?
My work has the opportunity to significantly improve the security posture of manufacturing systems across the US, leading to increased productivity and assurance.
