Elizabeth completed her undergraduate and doctoral studies in chemistry at Durham University, then later as a part-time student a bachelors degree in Life Sciences from the Open University. She spent several years working in the nuclear industry as a research scientist and manager, and later as a personal development consultant.

Elizabeth has held numerous roles within the University supporting staff research and doctoral students, and as Director of Research & Innovation continues to have wide-ranging responsibilities for policy developments in Research & Knowledge Exchange. Other responsibilities include research governance, preparation for the Research Excellence Framework and the Concordat to support the career development of researchers. Elizabeth is also a member of the Athena Swan Working Group.