ACSS FOUNDING TEAM

TIM HOBBS

Director

Tim hails from Adelaide and studies a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of International Security Studies. He is currently working for a Senator in Parliament, at a Canberra-based law firm and has just completed an internship with the Australian Embassy in Sweden. Tim has leadership experience as President of a student society, Vice-President of his College residents’ association and as Director of a think-tank. His passion for Australia’s national security future inspired his founding of the ACSS.

ALEXANDRIA SMITH

Deputy Director

Alex grew up in the Blue Mountains and moved to Canberra to study a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of International Security Studies. She has travelled extensively throughout Southeast Asia, which has cultivated a passion for understanding geopolitical issues in the region. From her role as Secretary of the CAP Students Society, to coordinating her department at a local Canberra Hospital, Alex has invaluable experience at coordinating teams and logistics.

MATT ROBINSON

Chief Financial Officer

Matt studies a Bachelor of Engineering and a Bachelor of Commerce. Originally from Adelaide, he is an experienced financial operator, having served as Treasurer for the ANU Physics Society, Consulting Society and Swimming Club. He is also the Managing Director of Adept Canberra. Matt is committed to fostering a strong connection between STEM students and national security issues.

LAUREN ABRAHAMS

Head of Crisis Operations

Lauren, from Perth, studies a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Languages. Fluent in French and learning Japanese, she has extensive experience in managing teams and communicating with diverse cross-cultural groups through her role as Deputy Director of the Culture Bridge Institute. She has developed her professional experience as a paralegal with a Canberra criminal law firm. Her research work with ANU’s law academics and time spent in Geneva has furthered her interest in cyber security and international law.

GEMMA DABKOWSKI

HEAD OF EDUCATION

Gemma Dabkowski is a third-year student at the Australian National University studying a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of International Security Studies (minoring in Advanced French language). In her role as Mentors Liaison for the ACSS Gemma is responsible for onboarding and coordinating the academics and area experts who are involved in the Summit.

MAX CLAESSENS

Head of Delegate Experience

A local Canberran, Max studies a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of International Security Studies. He is currently working for a Canberra-based law firm and interning with a foreign ambassador. He has a wide range of experience participating in and facilitating academic and professional development conferences. Among others, he has been involved with the International Youth Leadership Conference, and the Harvard College Project for Asian and International Relations Conference. Max understands what is required when it comes to delegate experience and welfare. He is a proud Rotarian and is currently serving as an ANU Students’ Association College of Law Representative.

TILLY DWYER

Head of Marketing and Communications

Matilda is from Brisbane and is studying a Bachelor of International Relations and Bachelor of Laws. Her interest in international politics has seen her become Education Officer and an active member of the ANU International Relations Society. Matilda’s experience in the Queensland Crown Solicitor’s office, the office of an Australian Senator, as a Residential Advisor and as a tour guide at the Australian Institute of Sport demonstrates her enormous capacity for communicating with and reaching people across broad sectors of society. Matilda is passionate about Australia’s pivotal role in the region.

LUCY ROBERTS

HEAD OF RESEARCH

From Sydney, Lucy studies a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. She is a former Vice-President of the ANU PPE Society and is currently working for the Law Council of Australia. Over the summer she will be interning with the Department of Home Affairs. She has an extensive network within Canberra’s not-for-profit sector and is looking at expanding that network within the public service. Lucy is interested in Australia’s domestic national security law.

THE WIDER TEAM

We were also fortunate to work with:

Ruben Seaton, Ashleigh Doyle, Abbey Morris, James Palmer, Gabriel Watchman, Edwina Morton, Elizabeth Burrows, Georgia Lowe, Dhanya Maheswaran, Max Wiggins, Genevieve Thomson, Jacob Lemmey, Maddie Birdsey, Tanya Thongpanich, Oscar McLoughlin, Phoebe Humphreys, Connor Kneebone, Jack Williams, Matthew Williams, Cameron Jackson & Liam Fisher.