Riley Griffin: Candidate for VP Science and Engineering

By Julie Capkova

As the whole campus prepares to vote in the upcoming student elections, The Print has interviewed a number of candidates standing for representative and executive positions. All candidates were invited to participate. Those who did not respond are not included. Other candidates are available and students can see all of them on qmsu.org/elections. Anything mentioned in the text reflects the candidates’ opinions, not The Print’s. The length of the interviews does not imply preferences for a candidate, but instead ensures that we are factually reporting on their interviews. 

Riley Griffin, a candidate for VP Science and Engineering, says that he is the best choice for this role, because he ‘cares.’ When asked whether the others don’t, he replied: ‘They do care, but I care the most.’ Riley then continues by reflecting on his experience with the SU and societies over the years. ‘The more I’ve found myself in the SU, the more I understand the way SU works, what people want, the problems people are actually facing, and what’s best to address.’ 

In his manifesto, Riley addresses five key points. Those include improving the timetables, clearer feedback, more support for academic societies, securing next steps for students after finishing their studies, and building an ethical QMUL. 

If elected he would like to focus on improving the commuters’ university experience first. Especially when it comes to barriers these students face, such as the cost of travelling to campus. ‘I feel that commuters are very overlooked and we do not always hear their voices,’ he says, reflecting on his experience with commuting as well. Specifically he would like to focus on the ‘removal of 9 am lectures if it is the only class on that day,’ as it would help avoid peak prices. Riley further proposes ‘setting up a scheme that would potentially let you pay for your normal off-peak price,’ as this could help reduce the barrier of getting in on early mornings. 

When it comes to making QMUL more ethical, Riley raises two concerns - the use of AI and the sales of arms. As students generally tend to be against wars and conflicts, he believes that the promotion of weapons companies on campus is a problem. ‘In my position I would not like to see weapons companies on our campuses,’ he says and continues by adding: ‘If we see that students don't want to see these companies in the first place then why are we letting them come here?’ 

In regards to AI, Riley says that it is ‘definitely one of the biggest issues.' He elaborates this by adding: 'Not in the fact that it exists, it existing is fine. But it is about the way we use AI and how we can teach people to use it ethically.’ 

He believes that while its usage can be useful, students should be given more support when it comes to navigating it. He further advocates for the evaluation of the way professors and lecturers use AI and deciding on ‘what is fair to use.’ He says: ‘the ways in which we use AI need to be really well defined and transparent, so students and staff are aware of how to use it properly and effectively.’ 

Riley says that one of the biggest issues students face today are anxieties around ‘securing next steps’ after finishing university, reflecting on the bleak state of the job market. He believes that while there are many opportunities at QMUL, ‘they are not necessarily showcased.’ He wishes to work closely with the university to promote these events, but admits that communication is not always easy. ‘I was part of an academic society, so I already know the struggles between the way the SU runs and the way the schools work,’ he says. ‘Communication is the biggest strategy and the biggest problem.’ He however believes that this could be improved through using social media or newsletters more. Furthermore, Riley plans on getting himself seen and working closely with other student groups and societies. He also wants to provide ‘more opportunities to get society members together.’ 

When it comes to representing the whole student body, Riley says that it is ‘important to listen to everyone’s voice equally although we will obviously disagree at certain points.’ He then continues: ‘It is important to take note of these voices because these voices are still important and they are valid.’ Taking them on board is also important when it comes to assessing the general view. 

Success for Riley after the end of his term would mean having carried out all of his manifesto points. He also wants to be ‘aware of changes, feedback from societies, and ensure that we are checking in with all these different groups, letting them know there is support.’ He concludes by saying: ‘I want to do it with the students. I want them to feel seen and I want to be there when they succeed.’ 

Voting runs from 23 to 26 March 2026.