SANNIA ABDULLAH CLOSE (Ph.D.)
Welcome! You’ve just stepped into a space shaped by curiosity, storytelling, and a deep appreciation for the human experience.
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I’m Sannia Abdullah Close (pronounced SAAN-EEA), a writer who moves fluidly between nonfiction, fiction, and children’s literature, always guided by a desire to understand, to imagine, and to connect. Whether I’m crafting stories for young minds, exploring real-world ideas, or working on my latest fiction project, writing for me is both a creative outlet and a way of making sense of life.
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Beyond the page, my role continuously shape my voice and perspective. I believe in stories don’t just entertain; they invite reflection, spark dialogue, and help us grow.
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If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s this: I love road trips. Truly. If there were a road to the moon, I wouldn’t hesitate, I’d drive it. There’s something about the journey, the unfolding scenery, and the quiet moments of thought that fuels both my creativity and my spirit.
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At heart, I’m endlessly curious. I’m always learning, always exploring, and always open to new challenges. Growth, to me, isn’t a destination, it’s a lifelong commitment.
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Along the way, life has taught me a few truths that I carry into everything I do:
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Life is the law of exchange we receive what we give.
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What we resist, persists.
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Faith isn’t about everything turning out perfectly; it’s about finding peace regardless of how things unfold.
This space is a reflection of those beliefs, a place where ideas, stories, and experiences meet. I’m glad you’re here.
Academic Profile
Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family' —Kofi Annan
I bring over twelve years of professional experience in the study of military strategy, armed conflict, and crisis behavior, with a focused interest in how states can avoid military confrontation. My current book manuscript examines pathways to prevent nuclear escalation, contributing to ongoing scholarly and policy debates on global security and nuclear risk reduction.
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I began my academic career in January 2011 as a faculty member in the Department of Defense and Strategic Studies at Quaid-i-Azam University in Pakistan. In this role, I taught undergraduate and graduate courses, mentored students, and contributed to shaping future leaders in the field of strategic studies. My teaching experience has been central to my professional identity, allowing me to engage critically with complex global issues while fostering analytical thinking among students.
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Following my relocation to the United States, I expanded my research through a series of prestigious fellowships. I have served as a Visiting Fellow at the Cooperative Monitoring Center at Sandia National Laboratories (2016–2017, 2018–2019), a Nonproliferation Fellow at the Center for Nonproliferation Studies in Monterey, California, and a Stanton Nuclear Postdoctoral Fellow at the Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC) at Stanford University. These experiences have strengthened my expertise in nuclear security and nonproliferation, while allowing me to collaborate with leading scholars and practitioners in the field.
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My research has been published in peer-reviewed academic journals and has reached diverse audiences, including academic institutions and high-level government organizations such as the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) and the Pentagon. I have also actively participated in Track-II dialogues and war-gaming exercises, where I gained practical experience in crisis decision-making, escalation dynamics, and conflict management.
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In addition to my academic and policy work, I have a strong background in media and public engagement. I have hosted a television program on a local network in Pakistan and led discussions on current affairs for Radio Pakistan, experiences that strengthened my ability to communicate complex issues to broader audiences.
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I also host the podcast Women with Ambition, where I interview accomplished women from diverse fields, sharing their journeys and insights. The podcast is available on major platforms including Apple, Google, and Spotify, and reflects my commitment to amplifying voices and stories that inspire growth, leadership, and resilience.