Riley Griffin
su-vpse@qmul.ac.uk
Tell us a bit about yourself, your role and your time at Queen Mary
Hi everyone, I’m Riley and I’m thrilled to be your Vice President for Science and Engineering! I’ve been at Queen Mary for 4 years, completing both my undergraduate and master’s degrees in chemical engineering.
At first I wasn’t sure what was possible at QM or within the student's union but throughout my time I found societies and more opportunities related to the SU. I was lucky enough to become president of the Pokémon society in my second year; I really enjoyed being able to connect to both the QM community and the larger London area through this position and when I began my master’s degree I restarted the Chemical Engineering Society as the events manager. That doesn’t mean I was only in these societies, I was in a lot more and there’s so many that you can try out!
I also became a course representative in my third year as I started to care more about the student experience and voices that weren’t always heard, providing the opportunity for them to be acted on. This led me to continue this role into my masters, where I also became the student co-chair.
I really want to work towards three main projects this year:
- Improving institutional AI policies
- Helping provide additional societies support
- Bringing change to the timetable and providing advocacy for commuter students
If you want to get involved in any of these projects, please feel free to reach out!
I’m really excited to meet everyone, whether you’re a new student or a familiar face, feel free to message or stop by the SU office!
Favourite spot on any of our campuses?
My favourite spot is probably the library. It might seem unconventional, but I’ve spent so much time inside that I just can’t get rid of the feeling of familiarity. It’s such an easy place to work but to also meet with friends. Ground café is pretty great as well!
If you could recommend one thing the Students’ Union has on offer for students to get involved in, what would it be?
Really, it would be everything the SU has to offer! I mean, the students’ union offers so many different opportunities from sports to volunteering, it’s almost harder finding a way not to get involved. But to give just one, my favourite thing to get involved with is the wide range of societies on offer. You could decide to relax and play Pokémon or learn about global/current affairs; there’s a society for everything and if you don’t think there is, then make it!
Top study tip?
Stay on top of your work, it makes everything much more manageable. It’s also important to find something that you love, this could be a sport, hobby or joining a society. This also provides a great way to relax and destress from uni work.
Tell us about a hobby you do and why you love it
It might seem strange for an engineer, but I really love playing grand-strategy historical games, like Europa Universalis 4, and reading about history. I think it’s important to learn and understand history, because it helps make sense of the world today and learn from experiences that have already happened. By learning from the past, it’s possible to move forward with stronger values, make better choices, and a hold a more hopeful outlook for the future. I also love listening to music, especially indie music like Foster The People, Djo or Tame Impala. You’ll probably spot me with my headphones on but don’t feel bad to interrupt!
What’s one thing at Queen Mary that you couldn’t live without?
I know I said my favourite place is the library but I don’t think I could live without Ground Café. The difference is Ground Café has great coffee, which is much needed when working hard, and great music! Nothing makes me happier than hearing some of my favourite songs/artists randomly playing when I least expect!
What’s your ideal day out in London?
I really like to walk around the city, especially places that you can easily go with friends. This can sometimes be as simple as walking around the London parks, which you should definitely walk around if haven’t or wouldn’t usually, or to go to one of the many museums/art galleries. I always enjoy the time to contemplate and reflect on what’s happening and sometimes you find something really funny. I’d obviously have to end the day with food but it’s hard to pick just one spot! The variety of food in London is exhaustive and you can find great food in every corner of London (But if you want suggestion feel free to message me)!
What’s a piece of advice you’d give to students?
Don’t be afraid to try. This could be something really small like asking a question in your class or a bit bigger and joining a completely new society! You really have to launch yourself into everything and then you can find out what you really like, and what you maybe really don’t like. But unless you try, you’ll never know! So, make sure you’re not afraid and try as much as possible; if you want to do something, you should do it!
If you could have one superhero power, what would it be?
If I could, I would stop time. That way I can work on all the “boring” things so that when time starts again I could spend more time having fun and being with my friends.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
Working with students and helping them see change. I really want to work collaboratively with students so that they can have the student experience that they want so that they feel seen and heard.
View my manifesto