Rabbia Saleem

Dr. Saleem is a Lecturer at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Canberra Space, Australian Defence Force Academy. In this capacity, she leads projects at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning and space technology, driving initiatives that aim to develop secure and sustainable structures for the Australian and global space sectors. The work focuses on intelligent space systems for cyber resilience and space domain awareness (SDA), where she plays a pivotal leadership role in project management, overseeing cross-disciplinary teams, ensuring the alignment of research objectives with strategic goals, and contributing to Australia's growing reputation in international SDA and space cyber security. In recognition of her contributions, she was named a finalist for the ACT Government’s Cyber Catalyst Award, 2025. Dr. Saleem was a Doctoral Researcher at the Australian National University (ANU), specializing in machine learning for radio resource management, physical layer security, IoT, intelligent reflecting surfaces, and 6G communication. She holds a B.Sc. (Honours) and M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, and is an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, with over a decade of experience in lecturing and student supervision. Dr. Saleem has also served as a Lecturer at the University of The Punjab and University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore. As a passionate advocate for STEM education, Dr. Saleem leads initiatives in several professional organizations, including IEEE, Women in Engineering, Women in Space, Women in Cyber, and Women in AI. She was the Advisor for Women in Engineering at IEEE Punjab University Student Branch, receiving a Gold Pin for organizing the IEEE ComSoc Summer School in 2016. Recognized for her early-career contributions, Dr. Saleem won the Best Early Career Presentation Award at the Australian Space Research Conference in 2022. She was also a guest speaker at the 3rd Annual ANU Women in STEM Leadership Conference in 2023 and actively mentors young women in the YoWIE program at UNSW Canberra. machine learning, artificial intelligence, Space Situational Awareness, cyber security, wireless communication, Machine learning, Artificial intelligence, Space sciences, Cybersecurity and privacy