A love of mystery novels and investigative television series led Charis Griffith into the world of forensic science and today the forensic chemist serves as the Deputy Director of the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory.
Her journey was chronicled on the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Facebook page which stated that as a child growing up on Hadfield Street, Lodge, she had never heard of any forensic scientists in Guyana and initially the idea of pursuing a career in that field felt like venturing into uncharted territory.
“I didn’t even know if my dreams were a possibility,” she recalled in the statement
However, she was fuelled by determination and curiosity and dared to step into the unknown. It was stated that after completing her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the University of Guyana, she made the bold decision to travel to the United Kingdom alone to chase her dream.
Moving to the UK to study at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge was both exciting and terrifying. “I had many doubts,” she admitted. “I wondered if I’d made the right decision, if I was smart enough, strong enough. But I realised that growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones,” she said in the Facebook post.
She persevered and earned a Master of Science in Forensic Science with distinction.
According to the post, Griffith’s career at the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory is marked by her commitment to excellence. Starting as a Science Officer and Head of the Chemis-try Department, she worked her way up to Senior Science Officer and now serves as the Deputy Director. Throughout her journey, the post said Griffith faced her fair share of challenges, including navigating the complexities of forensic science in a developing country. Yet, she sees these challenges as opportunities to grow and improve systems that can help solve crimes and ensure justice for all.
“I believe in the power of science to bring clarity in moments of uncertainty,” she shared. “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.”
The post shared that Griffith’s role goes far beyond administrative responsibilities as she is deeply involved in improving analytical techniques, creating policies, supporting staff development, and fostering regional and international collaborations with forensic laboratories. It was added that her meticulous attention to detail and drive for continuous improvement have helped to advance the lab’s work, making an impactful contribution to forensic science in Guyana. Under her leadership, the lab has been able to refine its methods and improve its efficiency, benefiting both the scientific community and the legal system.
And Griffith’s contributions, the post said, extend beyond the laboratory as she is a passionate volunteer and believes in putting service above self. She has served as a past president of the Rotaract Club of the University of Guyana, a leader at the local Duke of Edinburgh Award Programme (President’s Youth Award—Republic of Guyana [PYARG]), and continues to volunteer with the Guyana Red Cross Society and the Civil Defence Commission.
“I’ve always felt that giving back is just as important as pursuing your own goals,” she reflected. “Service is an essential part of being a leader. Whether it’s mentoring young people or helping during a crisis, it’s about making a positive impact wherever you can,” she said in the post.
Griffith’s story was chronicled as Guyana joined with the world yesterday for the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS).
