Background
Naanki is a public health professional and trained speech pathologist, with a Master of Public Health and an associate qualification in public speaking from Trinity College London. Naanki brings extensive experience in strategy development, implementation and evaluation, working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to drive process improvement and support Burnet’s leadership in delivering the Burnet 2030 strategy. Naanki brings a global perspective to her work, having contributed to programs in Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India and Malaysia, with a focus on strengthening systems and driving impact through inclusive, evidence-based approaches.
As the lead of Burnet’s Strategy and Engagement team, Naanki works closely with the Institute’s deputy directors, program directors and discipline heads to guide the development, implementation and evaluation of strategic initiatives, including Burnet’s internal seed funding grants.
Qualifications
- 2012: ATCL (Public Speaking), Trinity College of Music and Drama, London
- 2011: MPH (International Health), Monash University, Australia
- 2003: B. SpPath (Hons), La Trobe University, Australia
Awards
- 2024: Professional Services Fellowship
- 2009: Paul Harris Fellowship, Rotary Foundation of Rotary International
Positions
- 2024–present: Senior Manager, Strategy and Engagement, Burnet Institute
- 2019–2023: Program Engagement Manager, Burnet Institute
- June 2014 – May 2017: Research and QA Program Manager, Myanmar, Centre for International Health, Burnet Institute
- Nov 2010 – June 2014: International Programs Manager, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University
- Dec 2009 – Nov 2010: Grade 2 Speech Pathologist, Stream Leader in Neurosciences, Royal Melbourne Hospital
- July 2009 – Jan 2010: Clinical Education Supervisor and Lecturer, School of Human Communication Sciences, La Trobe University
- Dec 2007 – April 2009: Project Manager, Operational Cleft Australia Foundation
- Oct 2006 – Sept 2007: Speech and Language Therapy Course Coordinator, Australia Youth Ambassador for Development, Centre for Rehabilitation of the Paralysed, Bangladesh
- Feb 2004-Sept 2006: Speech Pathologist, Northern Health
Current projects
Ma Ma Oo: Maternal and Child Health Radio Series Myanmar
The media is especially critical in a society undergoing change and reform as it becomes increasingly accessible and responsive to its citizens.
Adolescent reproductive health in Myanmar
This project provide formative research to support the delivery of life-skills education and hygiene improvements through monastic schools in Magway, Myanmar.
Past projects
View 2 moreSocioeconomic impact of HIV at household level in Myanmar
This project sought to understand how in Myanmar HIV's most significant burden lies with the most at-risk populations.
CCCI: Collaborative Community Checklists for Immunisation
This study tests the feasibility and acceptability of Myanmar's Collaborative Community Checklist intervention for health care providers and communities.
MNCH support in Myanmar's Northern Shan State
The project adopts a continuum of care for reproductive health and child health through a range of service providers at the township level.
