After growing up in Bracknell, Tammy went to Portsmouth University to study Applied Chemistry with a sandwich year placement. On completion she went to UMIST, Manchester, to study both a Masters in Corrosion Science and Engineering and a PhD in Corrosion Science. Tammy has written scientific papers and attended international conferences, winning awards for her research. After graduation she worked in process chemistry and in oil and gas consultancy on corrosion issues.

After a maternity break, Tammy changed direction and did a post-16 teaching degree at Bolton University and has taught in both the FE and HE sector.