Dr Sara Webb the Course Director for Swinburne Astronomy Online, Microgravity Program Lead, and Program Mission Director for SHINE and the Swinburne Space Innovation Challenge.

Her research integrates observational astronomy, artificial intelligence, and space science, with a particular focus on the application of machine learning techniques to large astronomical datasets. She specialises in the detection and classification of transient and variable astrophysical phenomena, using advanced data-driven approaches to explore the dynamic universe.

Beyond astronomy, Dr Webb applies her expertise in AI and anomaly detection to interdisciplinary domains including space situational awareness, human-machine teaming, biometric monitoring, and microgravity experimentation. She leads Swinburne's microgravity research portfolio, overseeing projects that deliver experimental payloads to the International Space Station, with students actively involved at every stage — from experiment design through to post-flight analysis.

As Mission Director of Swinburne’s SHINE and Space Innovation Challenge programs, Dr Webb mentors and guides student teams in the end-to-end development of spaceflight experiments — from concept design through to flight integration and post-flight analysis. These programs provide unique, real-world space research experiences for students across multiple disciplines.

In her role as Course Director of Swinburne Astronomy Online, Dr Webb provides academic leadership for one of the world’s oldest online postgraduate astronomy programs, supporting global cohorts of students and delivering curriculum in cutting-edge astrophysics and space science.

An active science communicator, Dr Webb regularly delivers invited talks and media commentary on astrophysics, AI, and the future of space exploration. She is also the author of The Little Book of Cosmic Catastrophes (That Could End the World), and has been recognised as a Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia honouree for her interdisciplinary contributions to astronomy and AI.