Professor Asha Rao is a Professor of Mathematics and Cybersecurity at RMIT University. Her research ranges from designing better codes for communication, to detecting money laundering and describing human interactions in the physical and cyber spaces. Her research has led to traditional outputs such as grants and publications, and non-traditional outputs such as an art installation, invitations to closed and open meetings on cybersecurity such as to the United Nations Intergovernmental Meetings on cybercrime (2027 – 2020). In 2025, she was invited to the closed 2^nd ASEAN Thinktank Summit (2025) on Building Digital Trust and Resilience for an inclusive digital economy.

Professor Rao was Associate Dean of Mathematical Sciences at RMIT from 2017 – 2023.  In 2020, she simultaneously became the first female Director (Interim) of the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI), a joint venture of 14 Australian universities, and the peak body advocating for mathematics in Australia. She is currently staff representative on RMIT Council, the governing body of the University.

She is often on live television speaking on cybersecurity issues and actively participates in community activities to promote cyber safety. She has been recognised within RMIT and nationally for her work in mathematics, cybersecurity and gender equity. She is a 2019-2020 Science & Technology Australia Superstar of STEM, a 2021 Inductee into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in the Trail Blazer category, and winner of the 2021 India Australia Science and Technology Development award. Her cybersecurity teaching team has won awards at School, College, University and Industry level.

Professor Asha Rao is a Superstar of STEM.