Meet our graduates: Anntonette Dailey – reaching for the stars
Anntonette Dailey's interest in harnessing technology for global good inspired her studies at the Crawford School of Public Policy. Born in South Africa and raised in Sydney, she has always cared deeply about the planet, “whether it was space or sustainability”, she reflects. This passion has always been at the cornerstone of her professional life in the public service, where she has been “motivated about using technology to solve global problems” like climate change and disasters.
“I love looking at how space can solve everyday problems”, Anny says. “I am constantly amazed about the role space plays in civilian and defence worlds […] as technology develops, I am interested to see its interactions in society and how it can be used for the betterment of the world and improve lives. Space is a capability that is untapped and yet has enormous opportunity to change the way work, live and experience the world”.
Anny’s decision to study at the Crawford School was influenced by its stellar (pun intended) standing. “The Crawford School has a reputation for being the best in public policy”, she notes. Her career in the public service, spanning nearly two decades, exposed her to the multifaceted nature of national security, which intersects with various sectors including climate change, disaster management, Indigenous affairs, and engineering. “National security crops up everywhere, and not just where you expected it”, she says. This realization, together with her frequent exposure as a professional to the “always on point” policy papers from the Crawford School led her to seek out the Master of National Security Policy program at ANU's National Security College.
At the Crawford School, Anny says her academic journey has been marked by a deep engagement with her peers and professors. “I absolutely loved being at Crawford! The biggest issue was choosing which classes to take from the long list of fascinating topics”, she recalls. The flexibility of the program, with classes scheduled after hours and outside the normal semester, allowed her to balance her studies with her professional responsibilities, and being a mother of two young children. This environment enabled a rich exchange of ideas, where lecturers and students alike delight in the experience of sharing knowledge.
One of the highlights of Anny’s time at Crawford was her internship and companion mini-thesis on space technology. “I loved getting into a subject I was passionate about – space!” she exclaims. Her research not only deepened her understanding but also led to a published paper and presentations at conferences.
“I am constantly amazed about the role space plays in civilian and defence worlds”
For Anny, this experience underscored the importance of meaningful research and its potential to influence policy and practice. “Now”, she says, “I want to do more research on the topic of space and how it can help the Pacific Islands”. Anny’s work on space technology, particularly its applications in national security and disaster response, exemplifies how academic pursuits can translate into real-world impact.
As a freshly minted Master of National Security Policy graduate, Anny’s future is brimming with possibilities. She envisions a career that continues to intersect with national security and space. “I am leveraging my academic learning for new career pathways in national security and space”, she says. The prospect of turning her master’s thesis into a PhD is also on the horizon, reflecting her commitment to research and innovation.
For prospective students considering the Crawford School, Anny advises that “the opportunities and pathways are endless”. She recommends that new students just “sink into the study”. “Be a lot less concerned about scores and just thrive in the moment of learning”, she counsels.
The trajectory of Anny’s ANU experience shows the value of being present, of asking questions, and embracing the learning process. It’s a reminder that education is not just about acquiring knowledge, but about transforming perspectives and capabilities.