Barbara worked in Africa as a wildlife veterinarian on conservation projects and currently focuses on ensuring the health and welfare of the animals at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo, where she works as a veterinarian and ECZM (ZHM) resident. She is also a veterinarian for IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group, and for the Wildlife Conservation Services in Africa.

She has completed several master's degrees and postgraduate qualifications, including an MSc in Conservation Medicine from the University of Edinburgh, an MSc in Wild Animal Health from the Zoological Society of London and the Royal Veterinary College, and the GP Cert FelP, among others.

She currently serves as Veterinary Advisor for Pallas's cats and Snow Leopards and takes every opportunity to travel in support of wildlife conservation initiatives. She is passionate about strengthening the link between in-situ and ex-situ conservation of threatened species, with a particular focus on wild felids.

Her interest in wild felids and rhinoceroses has led to an active role in numerous conservation and veterinary training projects across Africa.