Heather studied Biology and Chemistry at Goldsmith’s College, University of London, graduating in 1987. She then studied the effects of industrial exposure to lead in the Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester and was awarded a PhD in 1991. Heather worked as a post-doctoral research scientist within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Manchester from 1991-1999 with a specific interest in cell adhesion and the role of extracellular matrix in human implantation. In 1999 she took up the position of Clinical Biochemist in the Willink Metabolic Unit, now part of the Genomic Diagnostic Laboratory.

Areas of interest include the diagnosis and management of patients with inborn errors of metabolism, with specialised experience in lysosomal storage disorders. Heather was appointed Principal Clinical Scientist in 2008 and is jointly responsible for the management of the lysosomal storage disorder diagnostic and treatment monitoring service within Genomic Medicine.