-advancing International Day of Women and Girls in Science

FOR Charis Griffith, the path to forensic science was paved with curiosity, determination, and an unwavering passion for solving mysteries. Today, she serves as the Deputy Director of the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory, but her journey began with the pages of crime-solving tales and the captivating world of detective fiction.

Growing up in Hadfield Street, Lodge, Charis was fascinated by the thrilling narratives of James Patterson, the Hardy Boys, and Nancy Drew. TV series like NCIS and Murder She Wrote only deepened her love for crime-solving, igniting endless questions: “How? When? Why? Where? Who?” However, pursuing a career in forensic science in Guyana felt like stepping into the unknown. “I didn’t even know if my dreams were a possibility,” she recalls. Yet, that uncertainty did not deter her. Fueled by ambition and curiosity, she set out to make the impossible a reality.

After earning her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the University of Guyana, Charis took a bold leap—moving to the United Kingdom alone to pursue her dream. Enrolling at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, she faced self-doubt and culture shock but persevered, earning her Master of Science in Forensic Science

with distinction. “I had many doubts,” she admits. “I wondered if I was smart enough, strong enough. But I realized that growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones.”
Returning to Guyana, Charis began her career at the Forensic Science Laboratory as a Science Officer and Head of the Chemistry Department. Her relentless pursuit of excellence saw her rise to Senior Science Officer and now Deputy Director. In a developing country where forensic science is still evolving, she faced

significant challenges. Yet, she saw them as opportunities to innovate, improve forensic methodologies, and ensure justice through science.

“I believe in the power of science to bring clarity in moments of uncertainty,” Charis shares. “Every case is a puzzle, and the answer lies in the details. That’s what drives me every day—to find those answers and make a real difference.”
Beyond administrative duties, Charis is deeply involved in refining analytical techniques, developing policies, mentoring staff, and fostering collaborations with regional and international forensic institutions. Under her leadership, the laboratory has enhanced its efficiency and precision, strengthening the justice system in Guyana.

However, her contributions extend far beyond the lab. Charis has a deep-rooted passion for service. She has led as a past president of the Rotaract Club of the University of Guyana, a mentor for the President’s Youth Award—Republic of Guyana (PYARG), and continues to volunteer with the Guyana Red Cross Society and

the Civil Defence Commission. Whether leading community initiatives or aiding in disaster relief efforts, Charis believes in using her skills to uplift others. “Giving back is just as important as pursuing your own goals,” she says. “Service is an essential part of being a leader. Whether mentoring young people or helping during a crisis, it’s about making a positive impact wherever you can.”

As the world marks the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS), Charis Griffith stands as a beacon of inspiration. Her story is a testament to resilience, passion, and the boundless possibilities that come with perseverance. To young women dreaming of careers in science, she is a living example that with curiosity, dedication, and a heart for service, the impossible can become reality.

Through her groundbreaking work in forensic science and her unwavering commitment to community service, Charis is not just shaping the present—she is inspiring the future of young women in STEM, proving that the pursuit of knowledge and service go hand in hand.