Dr Merryn McKinnon's original degree was in marine science where, after the novelty of moving intertidal snails with a paint scraper wore off, she discovered that talking about her research to other people brought her far closer to her conservation goals than her actual project ever could.

This led her to the field of science communication where she has stayed ever since, working in a range of roles and countries. Merryn enjoys the diverse issues science communication allows her to explore, and the creativity and problem solving it requires.

Merryn has worked and conducted qualitative and quantitative research nationally and internationally, in both non-academic and academic roles. She worked as a science communicator for a decade before entering academia, and uses her professional knowledge combined with her theoretical expertise to inform her own teaching and practice in the media and in developing and delivering communication workshops to researchers and policy makers.

Merryn's research contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between science, media and publics. She also explores the influence of equity, inclusion and intersectionality in STEM, especially STEM communication.