After graduating from Durham University with BSc (hons) Biological Sciences. Ruth went on to complete a MSc at Manchester University in Pollution and Environmental Control. Ruth completed her dissertation in conjunction with the University of Thessaloniki looking at water quality in the Aliakmon river. After a couple of years travelling Ruth completed an MPhil at the University of Cranfield researching nitrate leaching and slurry applications to biomass crops, while working part time at Moulton College in Northamptonshire. Ruth joined the University of Northampton in 2003.