Diane has a degree in chemistry from Sheffield University.  She worked for over 12 years in quality assurance within the food industry, for manufacturers including Kelloggs and Spillers, firstly as an analytical chemist and then as laboratory manager before taking a career break to raise her family.  Diane then worked part-time as science technician for Cambridge Regional College before taking up the role of research assistant at the Institute carrying out chemical analysis, primarily using LCMS, to identify and quantify biological compounds involved in metabolic and signalling pathways.