Perth USAsia Centre appoints Kim Heriot-Darragh and Pia Dannhauer to its Research Team

The Perth USAsia Centre is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Kim Heriot-Darragh and Ms Pia Dannhauer to its research team. Kim joins the Centre as Research and Program Fellow (South Asia), following a 14-year career focused on defence. Pia, who recently submitted a PhD thesis on Indonesian foreign policy, will take up the role of Research and Program Associate (Southeast Asia).

Perth USAsia Centre Research Director, Dr Kate O’Shaughnessy, said “Kim and Pia bring impressive in-country experience and research credentials to their respective roles. Their expertise will be pivotal to the Centre’s ongoing efforts to help build understanding of the complex dynamics at play in our neighbourhood, the Indo-Pacific.”

Kim holds undergraduate degrees in International Relations and Asian Studies, as well as a Master of International Law. A former Indonesian linguist, he served with the Australian Government in Timor-Leste, Afghanistan and most recently India from 2019 to 2023. In 2021, he was the first Australian civilian to complete India’s year-long National Defence College course.

Pia holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies with a focus on South and Southeast Asia from Leiden University in the Netherlands, as well as a joint Masters’ in International Relations from three German universities. Her recently submitted PhD thesis, at Griffith University, examines Indonesia’s leadership in ASEAN. A German and Indonesian speaker, Pia previously worked for the Asia Pacific Research and Advice Network, an internal think tank supporting EU decision-makers. She will commence on 28 August.

“I am excited to join such a knowledgeable team and look forward to collaborating with the Perth USAsia Centre’s stakeholder community on the diverse challenges facing the Indo-Pacific,” Pia said.