Asha Rao
Mathematician, cybersecurity expert and advocate for gender equality
Asha Rao is a mathematician and expert in cyber security. She is the Associate Dean, or Head of Department, of Mathematical Sciences and Professor at RMIT University.
Education and Career
Asha Rao completed her PhD in Algebra at the University of Pune before joining RMIT University as a lecturer in 1992. She was appointed Professor in 2016 and subsequently became Associate Dean — effectively Head of Department — of Mathematical Sciences at RMIT.
Her academic work spans higher education teaching, curriculum design in mathematics and cybersecurity, and trans-disciplinary research that applies mathematical methods to real-world problems. Industry partners she has worked with include the Australian Department of Defence. In the latter part of 2020, she served concurrently as Interim Director of the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) while continuing in her Associate Dean role. AMSI is a collaborative body representing 14 Australian universities and functions as the leading organization advocating for mathematics in Australia.
Research
Rao's research focuses on the mathematical foundations of quantum cryptography, coding theory, and risk management. Her work employs algebraic methods in communication, coding, and information theory, and applies risk management strategies to regulatory compliance contexts, including those governed by the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Act.
She has authored more than 60 refereed scientific publications and contributed chapters to two scholarly books.
Science Communication and Media
Rao has been active in public science communication, contributing to high-profile media platforms including the Australian Financial Review and The Conversation. In 2014 she published an article for The Conversation examining the use of signatures, PINs, and credit card fraud. She has participated in numerous podcasts covering cybersecurity, mathematics, and physics, and has provided expert commentary on cybercrime for ABC News. She has also been interviewed by SAARI for National Science Week, Women's Agenda, and ACEMS.
Advocacy for Women in STEM
Rao is the Founding Chair of Women in Mathematics, a role in which she has led programs aimed at improving gender equality in mathematical sciences in Australia. Her leadership and advocacy for women in STEM were recognized with the RMIT STEM Athena Swan Award. She continues to engage through conventional media and social platforms to encourage young women to pursue careers in mathematics.
Awards and Recognition
Rao has received a number of awards recognizing her contributions to research, science communication, and advocacy:
- 2021 Australia India Science, Research & Development Award, India and Australia Business and Community Alliance
- 2021 Victorian Honour Roll of Women Trailblazer
- 2019 Superstars of STEM, Science and Technology Australia
- 2016 RMIT Media Stars Award
