She graduated from the University of Auburn, USA, with a Ph.D in medicinal chemistry. Her research involved chromatographic and spectroscopic methods to identify side-chain regioisomers of ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxyphenethylamines). In addition, she has been member and project coordinator in various EU-funded projects aiming towards harmonised methods for profiling of amphetamines and MDMA.

She has worked in National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Finland, over 29 years. First as forensic scientist in Drug unit and last 15 years holding different managerial posts in NBI. Last two years she has been R&D-director of Forensic laboratory in NBI. She is also a member of ENFSI R&D standing committee.