Samantha graduated in 2015 with a BSc (Honours) in Psychology from the University of Glasgow, completing her final year dissertation project on legal highs. Before joining SDF in September 2019, she worked with families and volunteers throughout Glasgow and also participated in a research project in partnership with the Scottish Parliament and Young Women’s Movement (YWCA) charity.

Since starting with SDF, Samantha has worked on several research and evaluation projects across Scotland, on topics including Optimal Dosing of Opiate Replacement Therapy (ORT), Stimulant Use, Staff Burnout, Impact of Covid-19 on Services & Service Users and Decriminalisation. She supports the Research & Peer Engagement Officers to co-ordinate projects and provide support to our peer research volunteers who have living/lived experience of substance use. Samantha also works closely with commissioners and partners in several areas across the country to plan and complete the research/evaluation projects.