Lis qualified as a scientist and continued in this role after moving to Cumbria in 1976, first at Farley Health Products in Kendal and then as Technical Director of Day Son & Hewitt in Lancaster.

She was a founder member of the Cumbria Bridleways Society and a member of the Ramblers' Association and has a particular interest in access to Rights of Way as well as researching historical routes. Chris Clark was her mentor in the latter role. She is Secretary of the Grange & District Natural History Society and has a particular interest in the flora of Cumbria.

She organised the survey of 2,700 (50% of the total) Rights of Way in Cumbria, outside the Lake District National Park. A summary of the data relating to use and condition is included in the Right of Way Improvement Plan. Questions were also asked about hedges and verges, signs of ancient use, the possibility for Right of Way Improvement and the potential for access by disabled people. 

Lis is married with one teenage son.