Her initial degree was in Human Biology obtained from Oxford Polytechnic. She then obtained a masters degree in Biological Electron Microscopy (UCW: Aberystwyth) and PhD in Biological Sciences (Neuroscience) from the University of Birmingham. She was subsequently employed in a number of research positions (Fellowship, Associate/Senior Associate) investigating spinal cord ageing, structure and function within the Department of Physiology, University of Birmingham (1993-1998) and the School of Biosciences at Cardiff University (1999-2005). In 2007 she joined Northumbria as a lecturer and progressed to senior lecturer in 2008.

Since being at Northumbria Dr Ranson has continued studies on aged spinal cord whilst expanding research interests to include studies of ageing on other CNS structures and peripheral neurons within terminal bowel regions. The overall focus of this research is to elucidate mechanisms that underpin age-related incontinence.

Dr Ranson contributes research-led teaching across a broad range of Biological/Biomedical modules and, in particular, specialises in molecular neuroscience and physiology/pathophysiology.