Helen completed her MSc in Forensic Science at the University of Teesside in 2005. Her research project focused on changes to the firearm laws following high profile mass shootings in both the United Kingdom and the United States of America with an assessment of the ability of the public to identify genuine and replica firearms. In addition, she holds a BSc (Hons) in Applied Science and Forensic Measurement, completed at the University of Teesside in 2002, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from Northumbria University, completed in 2010.