Julie Riddell graduated in 2005 with a MA (Hons) in Psychology from the University of Aberdeen and went on to do the MRes in Research Methods in Psychology at the University of Strathclyde, graduating in 2007.

On graduating Julie worked within Glasgow City Council's Education Services on a variety of research projects, ranging from school based evaluations to citywide initiatives.

Julie joined the University of St Andrews in July 2025 as a Research Fellow working on the 'Mainstreaming sustainable and effective support to people undertaking emotionally demanding research' grant. Previously Julie worked within the MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit (SPHSU) at the University of Glasgow. 

Joining SPHSU in March 2013 as a Research Assistant for the Sexual Health programme, Julie worked within the Social Relationships and Health Improvement programme until the units closure in June 2025. 

Julie has a particular interest in the practical application of research findings to shape and change policies and individual behaviours.  Julie has also been involved in developing guidelines to support researchers conducting emotionally demanding research and is one of the co-ordinators of the Scottish Emotionally Demanding Research Network. 

She has most recently been involved in the creating the UK's first research agenda for PMDD and has a particular interest in the impact of hormones and menstruation on health.

Particular interests include: 

Hormones and health, with a particular focus on PMDD and Mental health

Culture change to support those working within Emotionally Demanding work, in particular Emotionally Demanding Research

Sexual health and Reproductive health, including Sexual and Reproductive Justice

Practical application of research findings to shape and change policies and individual behaviours.  

Creative methods within research, including interdisciplinary approaches