I received a BA (Hons) in Fashion from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom (1996) which led me to working for various companies throughout the UK as a commercial Fashion Designer for ten years. I have been responsible for the product development of many collections, specialising in performance and outdoor wear. I have sound knowledge of textile technology/engineering and three-dimensional design. In 2007 I graduated with an MA in History of Textiles and Dress (with Distinction) followed by an MA in Textile Conservation (2009) from the Textile Conservation Centre, formerly of the University of Southampton, United Kingdom. In September 2009, I completed a Heritage Lottery Fund/Institute of Conservation (UK) internship and then took up a fixed term contract as Textile Conservator at the People's History Museum (PHM), Manchester, UK. I was responsible for the examination, documentation and full conservation treatment of painted textiles and other textiles belonging to the museum's collection and external clients. In January 2014, I became an Andrew W. Mellon Fellow in Textile Conservation at The Cleveland Museum of Art, Ohio, USA.