Asha Rao facts for kids

Asha Rao is a brilliant mathematician and a top expert in keeping computers and information safe. This field is called cybersecurity. She is a Professor and also leads the Department of Mathematical Sciences at RMIT University in Australia.

What Did Asha Rao Study and Where Does She Work?

Asha Rao earned her highest degree, a PhD, in a field called Algebra from the University of Pune. Algebra is a type of math that uses letters and symbols to solve problems.

She started teaching at RMIT University in 1992. By 2016, she became a full Professor. This means she is a very experienced and respected teacher and researcher.

Professor Rao teaches math and cybersecurity to university students. She also uses her math skills to solve real-world problems. For example, she has helped groups like the Department of Defence.

She is also the first leader of "Women In Mathematics." This group helps more women get involved in math and science. Her work to support women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) has won her an award called the RMIT STEM Athena Swan Award.

How Does Math Help with Cybersecurity?

A big part of her research looks at the math behind keeping information secret. This includes things like quantum cryptography and coding theory. These are ways to send messages so only the right person can read them.

She uses math to understand how to protect information. This also helps with risk management. For example, her work helps make sure rules are followed. This includes rules against money laundering and terrorism financing.

Professor Rao has written over 60 scientific papers. She has also written chapters for two important books.

Asha Rao in the Media

Asha Rao is known for her important work in cybersecurity. She also helps people understand why math is so important. She shares her knowledge on big media platforms. These include the Australian Financial Review and The Conversation.

In 2014, she wrote for The Conversation about signatures, PINs, and credit card fraud. She has also talked on many podcasts. On these shows, she discusses cybersecurity, math, and physics.

She has been interviewed by SAARI and Women’s Agenda. She also gave expert comments on cybercrime to ABC News.

In late 2020, she was the temporary Director at the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI). She did this while still working at RMIT. AMSI is a group of 14 Australian universities. It is the main organization that supports math in Australia.

Helping Girls and Women in STEM

Asha Rao works hard to help women and girls succeed in STEM jobs. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. As the first leader of "Women in Maths," she has started many programs. These programs aim to make things fairer for women in math in Australia.

She strongly encourages young women to study math. She talks about this important topic in the news and on social media.

Awards and Special Recognition

Asha Rao has received many awards for her amazing work:

• 2021 Australia India Science, Research & Development Award
• 2021 Victorian Honour Roll of Women Trailblazer
• 2019 Superstars of STEM, Science and Technology Australia
• 2016 RMIT Media Stars Award