Susan completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Agriculture) at Charles Sturt University and a PhD in sheep and wool production at the University of New South Wales. She spent five years as a livestock officer with the Victorian Department of Primary Industries at Walpeup, before returning to the family farm. Since joining Charles Sturt University in 2006, Susan has worked with teams researching sheep reproduction, particularly practical husbandry to increase both the number of lambs born and lamb survival. Other research includes sheep production systems and simulation modelling. Susan also lectures in sheep production at Charles Sturt, teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students.