Dr. McKendry completed a BSc in Biochemistry at the University of St. Andrews, and a PhD at the Institute of Cancer Research in London. During post-doctoral research at the University of California she studied the patterning events during early vertebrate development. During her years conducting lab research, she sought out opportunities to teach eventually realising that she found teaching more rewarding. She now focuses solely on teaching, combining a part-time teaching role at Birkbeck College, with a part-time teaching role at Harris Westminster. In her spare time she pursues her long-standing passion for rock-climbing and mountaineering, activities that have taken her around the world. She recently took a personal interest in sport performance to a new level by completing an MSc in Sport Science.