Ann Capling was born and educated in Canada and completed her PhD at the University of Toronto in 1991. She joined the University of Melbourne in 1993. She has served in a number of leadership roles in the Melbourne Arts Faculty including Associate Dean, Academic Programs (2001-03); Head of Department of Political Science (2005-06); Director, Centre for Public Policy (2007); and Associate Dean, Graduate Studies (2008-2009 ). She is currently Director of the Master of International Relations.