Meredyth Griffin Email & Phone Number

Edinburgh

Soft tissue sarcoma: development of pre-clinical models and identification of therapeutic targets (DOI: 10.1242/dmm.038612)

Biomedical Sciences Research Complex

For the summer of 2015, I was awarded the The Rectors’ Fund bursary to join Prof Garry Taylor's lab group in the Biomedical Sciences Research Complex (BSRC). My work focussed on the structural and functional characterisation of the trans-sialidase lectin-like domain of Trypanosoma cruzi, a novel carbohydrate-binding module. I thoroughly enjoyed this project and was permitted to continue this research as part of my final year thesis.

Founded a one-to-one support service to university students and facilitating student self-help networks with the aim of developing a greater sense of community and belonging at the University of St Andrews. Having trained in Scottish Mental Health First Aid (smhfa.com), active listening skills and suicide prevention, I developed a Peer Support Programme to recruit and educate 20 volunteers who provide peer support and mentorship to students concerned about their mental health. For example: self-harm, suicidal thoughts, depression/anxiety, neurodiversity, identity, education, trauma, and bereavement. The programme was eventually integrated into Student Services, and is ongoing to this day.

Reception-based role at the university Sports Centre. Experienced in public communication, sports facility management & booking software, money handling, and training new employees. First Aid responder for large sporting events.

Chief First Aider for a nationwide registered charity. Accomplishments include coordinating medical protection for large scale international events, year-round team management, organising training events, maintaining the First Aid Kit and Log Book, and introducing a 'buddy system' for newly qualified volunteers on duty.

Bangor, Gwynedd

Responsible for monitoring the reptile and marine buildings, maintaining the correct environments for each species. Enjoyed shadowing and conducting my own bimolecular research within Environment Centre Wales. Remained on for an extended period to prepare the Department of Biology for it's annual open day, and furthermore to organise a more efficient logging system of hazardous chemicals in the Plant and Soil Laboratory.

Wales, London, Sierra Leone

Co-founded a group designed to promote the peer education of HIV/AIDS. Achievements include constructing workshops (to be delivered at youth groups, teachers training days, political gatherings, etc), writing a petition that was successfully delivered in person to the Prime Minister in 2007 on the matter, and working abroad with community groups and teachers in Sierra Leone on raising awareness of the correct education required to prevent the spread of disease.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Molecular And Clinical Medicine

Activities and Societies: Equality, Diversity, Inclusivity and Athena Swan Committee (EDIAS)

Bachelor’S Degree, Molecular Biology, 2.I

Activities and Societies: Women's Rugby Club - Vice President. Peer Support Councillor with Student Minds and later Peer Support.