Dr. Lloyd Munjanja is a chemist, leadership strategist, and nationally recognized advocate for inclusive excellence in research. With a career spanning both public and private R1 institutions, Dr. Munjanja brings extensive experience guiding scientists through the complexities of academic leadership, large-scale research development, and collaborative team science.
Currently serving as the Director of Research Development at Boston University, Dr. Munjanja leads efforts to support faculty in securing large, multidisciplinary research awards that align with institutional priorities and national funding trends. He oversees initiatives to streamline pre-award processes, foster strategic partnerships, and expand BU’s competitiveness for federal and foundation funding. Prior to BU, he served as Senior Community Engagement Officer in MIT’s Office of the Vice President for Research, where he supported major federal proposals and advised institutional leaders on equitable research policy and strategic engagement.
A trained organometallic chemist, Dr. Munjanja earned his Ph.D. from the University of Rochester and B.S. in Chemistry from the College of St. Scholastica. His scientific acumen is matched by a deep commitment to research culture and inclusive leadership. Dr. Munjanja is also a long-standing champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM. He has led DEI initiatives at a National Science Foundation research center and across multiple universities, receiving prestigious honors including the ACS Stanley C. Israel Award for Advancing Diversity in Chemical Sciences and the Ebony Excellence Award from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
He is an active member of several professional societies, including the American Chemical Society (ACS), NADOHE, NOBCChE, and SACNAS, and continues to advance a vision of research excellence grounded in collaboration, equity, and impact.