Meet Monash University’s latest Women in STEMM Student Leaders – Myfanwy Graham
Postgraduate – Monash Addiction Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Research focus: Pharmacovigilance and public health policy related to medicinal cannabis and psychedelics
Myfanwy Graham is a recipient of a 2025 Women in STEMM Student Leader Award, which aims to recognise, celebrate and support women students at Monash University who are contributing to innovation in healthcare and medical technologies. MIME spoke to Myfanwy upon accepting this award.
What is your chosen degree and what inspired you to pursue this path?
I am in the final year of my PhD in the field of medicine with a specialisation in health policy and pharmacovigilance. My PhD is based at the Monash Addiction Research Centre and is supported by an NHMRC Postgraduate Scholarship and a Monash Graduate Research Excellence scholarship. I am a Fulbright Scholar alumna in public health policy and a pharmacist. I am passionate about medical education and the optimisation of medicines research and healthcare practice. My research examines the impact of medicinal cannabis and psychedelics policy on public health outcomes, the translation of research findings into guidance and clinical practice settings and evidence-informed public health policy.
What is your favourite aspect about this STEMM field?
The combination of global relevance and substantial public health impact are two of my favourite aspects of health policy research. I really enjoy working with an expansive network of Australian and International collaborators on innovative health policy research projects. It is great to see tangible impacts of my research with the translation into clinical guidance, clinical practice settings and in informing public health policy.
Can you elaborate on your contribution to innovation in healthcare and medical technologies?
I have completed consultancy work for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) contributing to the World Drug Report, World Health Organization (WHO) on novel psychoactive substances (2023), Australian Department of Health, Disability & Aged Care (DoH) on medicinal cannabis (2024) and contributed to a U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) report on the public health consequences of changes in the cannabis policy landscape (2024).
I am currently leading innovative healthcare and public health policy research projects in Australia, the U.S., Canada, Europe and New Zealand. These include five multi-country and multidisciplinary projects on medicinal cannabis and psychedelics policy, clinical practice and public health outcomes that are targeted towards improving patient health outcomes and public health.
Can you tell us a little of your leadership experience?
My leadership experience is diverse, spanning education, a Fulbright Scholar ambassadorial role, a state government-funded statewide advisory service, research and clinical healthcare settings. I have mentored and/or trained thousands of researchers, medical doctors, pharmacists, nurses and midwives.
The MIME Women in STEMM Student Leader Award recognises student leadership. What does receiving this award mean to you?
There has been so much dedicated work contributed by women in the STEMM fields. It is a privilege to receive such recognition and use it to inspire the next generation of women to pursue careers in or excel in STEMM fields.
What will the $1,000 cash prize to support your studies go towards?
The prize will go towards research project and dissemination costs.
What are you most looking forward to in regard to the MIME networking opportunities afforded to you due to receiving this award?
I welcome the opportunity to build genuine relationships and gain new perspectives during MIME networking opportunities. These collaborative interdisciplinary networks are key to generating innovative solutions in health policy.
Why do you think awards like this are important for Women in STEMM?
Recognition of the contributions of women to the field is important for visibility and representation. As a mum of two young girls and mentor in the STEMM field, I understand the importance of instilling confidence and supporting the next generation of women in STEMM.
What is your advice for women in STEMM or those thinking about a career in STEMM?
My advice would always be to go for it and to break down preconceived notions and barriers. During your STEMM career, mentors will be one of your greatest assets to guide you along the way. Be open to creating or taking on opportunities, leadership roles, working through ‘impossible’ tasks and achieving great things.