Leonora retired in 2009 from the position of Head of School of Social Sciences and Liberal Studies.

She is trained as a historian with a BA (Hons), MA (Hons) and PhD in History. Her major interests of nineteenth century history and history of childhood converged in the area of the history of attitudes towards and treatment of juvenile delinquency which formed the basis of an honours and a masters thesis. The PhD on Sir William and Lady Mary Windeyer also touched on this topic as well as covering a range of legal and social issues in nineteenth century NSW.

She also has a Dip.Ed and an enduring interest in pedagogy and assessment.  She on the Editorial Board for the Quartile 1 UK journal, Teaching in Higher Education.