Dr Susan Griffiths

Biography

My background involves both applied cognitive psychology (specifically eyewitness testimony) and clinical psychology. My PhD (University of Aberdeen) explored the effects of post-event information on eyewitness testimony and was supervised by Professor Amina Memon and Dr Kathryn Mearns. I undertook the final study of my PhD at Flinders University, Adelaide, following an award from the British Psychological Society Postgraduate Visits Scheme. Upon completion of my PhD, I worked with Grampian Police (now Police Scotland) for a year in research and intelligence analysis, which related to service development and planning.

I undertook my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Glasgow. My final year included specialist placements in neuropsychology, and my research project explored sleep problems in rehabilitation inpatients after stroke. I was also very interested in child development and early intervention for mental health during my training. Therefore, post-qualification, I worked as a Clinical Psychologist for the NHS, providing specialist assessment and therapy for complex mental health, behavioural and cognitive difficulties experienced by children and families. I also later worked as a research contractor, based at the University of Aberdeen, on a project relating to Alzheimer’s Disease.

It has been very valuable to be able to draw upon my broad range of applied experience since returning to academia, in terms of both teaching and research. I started as a Lecturer in Psychology at Robert Gordon University in 2017, then joined the University of Aberdeen in 2025.   

I am happy to be contacted about potential research collaborations.

Research Overview

I am involved in applied research within the context of the criminal justice system, which involves consultation with professionals in this field (e.g. police, forensic scientists) to support practice. I am keen to combine my experience of applied cognitive psychology and clinical psychology where possible (e.g. I am interested in rapport building and wellbeing during investigative interviews from the perspective of both the police and witnesses). I am also interested in the use and comprehension of evidence presented in court. Drawing specifically upon my clinical background, I am interested in the practical implementation of strategies to help maintain positive wellbeing (e.g. in children, education, and the workplace).