With a background in Fine Art, Merlyn gained a BA in History of Art and subsequent MA in Stained Glass Conservation and Heritage Management from the University of York. In the year prior to her MA, Merlyn trained as a Heritage Lottery Fund intern at York Glaziers Trust (YGT), focusing on the conservation of the Great East Window of York Minster. Her practical training at YGT continued on a part time basis throughout her MA and she became a full time member of the team after completing her degree.
Whilst at YGT Merlyn has worked on a wide range of prestigious windows, including those in York Minster, the University of Oxford, and The Stained Glass Museum at Ely. She has given a number of papers and assisted in the running of the Stained Glass Centre in York for a number of years, overseeing events and exhibitions.