Asha Rao

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

Rao completed her PhD in Algebra at the University of Pune. She started working at RMIT University as a lecturer in 1992, and became a Professor in 2016.[1]

Her higher education teaching and curriculum design in mathematics and cybersecurity, as well as her trans-disciplinary research expertise applying mathematics have been used to solve real world problems for a range of industry partners including the Department of Defence. Professor Rao is the Founding Chair of Women In Mathematics[2] and her leadership and advocacy for women in STEM has been recognised by the award of RMIT STEM Athena Swan Award.

One facet of her research focuses on the mathematical foundations of quantum cryptography, coding theory, and risk management. This involves utilizing algebraic methods in the realms of communication, coding, and information theory, as well as employing risk management strategies to ensure adherence to regulations, such as the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Act.[3]

Rao has authored more than 60 refereed scientific publications and contributed chapters to two scholarly books.[4][5][6]

Media

Highlights include influential academic contributions in the cyber security space[7][8][9] as well as science communication outreach advocating for the importance of mathematics in high profile media platforms such as the Australian Financial Review[10] and The Conversation.[11]

Rao has published on the use of signatures, PINs and credit card fraud in 2014, for The Conversation.[11] Rao has contributed to numerous podcasts, discussing cybersecurity, mathematics and physics.[12]

During the latter part of 2020, she undertook the position of Interim Director at the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) while concurrently holding the position of Associate Dean. AMSI serves as the collaborative effort of 14 Australian universities and serves as the leading organization advocating for mathematics in Australia.[13]

Gender

Rao has worked to address gender-related challenges that hinder the advancement of women and girls in STEM professions. In her role as the inaugural leader of Women in Maths, she has spearheaded various programs aimed at enhancing gender equality in the field of mathematical sciences in Australia. She remains an advocate for encouraging young women to pursue mathematics, actively engaging in discussions about this imperative through both conventional media and social platforms.[14]

Awards and recognition

Rao has been recognised by numerous awards including:

2021 Australia India Science, Research & Development Award, India and Australia Business and Community Alliance[15]

2021 Victorian Honour Roll of Women Trailblazer[16][17][18]

2019 Superstars of STEM, Science and Technology Australia[19]

2016 RMIT Media Stars Award

References
  1. "Professor Asha Rao". Science and Technology Australia. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  2. "WIMSIG NEWSLETTER — February 2014". Australian Mathematical Society. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
  3. "Asha Rao". The Conversation. 30 July 2014. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  4. "Asha Rao". scholar.google.com.au. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
  5. Algebraic design theory and Hadamard matrices : ADTHM, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, July 2014. C. J. Colbourn. Cham. 2015. ISBN 978-3-319-17729-8. OCLC 920465940.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) CS1 maint: others (link)
  6. Burry, Jane (2013). Designing the dynamic. Melbourne: Melbourne Books. ISBN 978-1-922129-13-0. OCLC 822348582.
  7. Tam, Tracy; Rao, Asha; Hall, Joanne (29 December 2021). "The Invisible COVID-19 Small Business Risks: Dealing with the Cyber-Security Aftermath". Digital Government: Research and Practice. 2 (2): 23:1–23:8. doi:10.1145/3436807. ISSN 2691-199X.
  8. Tam, Tracy; Rao, Asha; Hall, Joanne (2021). "The Good, The Bad and The Missing: A Narrative Review of Cyber-security Implications for Australian Small Businesses". Computers & Security. 109: 102385. arXiv:2109.00733. doi:10.1016/j.cose.2021.102385. S2CID 237386633.
  9. "Rapid Cybersecurity Assessment System for Small Business' COVID Move to Online" (PDF). Workshop on Secure IT Technologies Against COVID-19 (CoronaDef) 2021, NDSS Symposium. 2021.
  10. "Calculus ignored even though evidence is we rely on it". Australian Financial Review. 6 December 2020. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
  11. Rao, Asha (31 July 2014). "A forced PIN for all credit cards won't stop the biggest fraud". The Conversation. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
  12. "Asha Rao – Top podcast episodes". Listen Notes. 14 August 2023. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  13. "Professor Asha Rao". www.vic.gov.au. 13 November 2021. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  14. "Professor Asha Rao". www.vic.gov.au. 13 November 2021. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  15. "IABCA Alumni". iabca. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
  16. "Victorian Government Honour Roll of women inductees".
  17. "AMSI Congratulates Professor Asha Rao on Induction to Victorian Honour Roll of Women". AMSI. 18 November 2021. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
  18. "Indian-Australian Trailblazer Mathematician Prof. Asha Rao Inducted to Victorian Honour Roll of Women – Australia Today". 24 November 2021. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
  19. "Professor Asha Rao". Science and Technology Australia. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
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