In October 2010, Laura Toogood submitted her PhD thesis to University College Dublin. After graduating with a First Class Honours Degree in Information Studies and Classics, Laura won a postgraduate scholarship for finishing top of her class. She was also nominated for selection onto the elite Ad Astra scholarship scheme and consequently invited to submit a PhD proposal.

The research proposal was successful and she was awarded funding for a study which focused on social and community informatics. Laura completed a PhD under the guidance of the School of Information Studies. Her academic interests principally concern the impact of technology on social interaction, information distribution and community participation.

An accomplished horse rider, Laura has competed for Great Britain in Three Day Eventing at several International competitions, including the Junior European Championships and World Cup Qualifying Series. She has also represented England at Under 25 level in Dressage. Whilst studying in Dublin, Laura chose to represent Ireland and was selected for the Senior Dressage Home International Championships. 

An experienced fashion model, Laura is represented by Target International Model Management in London and Ireland's leading  agency, Assets Models. She has modelled in numerous catwalk shows and photoshoots since 2002. Her client list includes Armani, Debenhams and Marks and Spencer, to name a few. 

Laura's passion is communicating. An experienced journalist, she is a former winner of the National Student Media Sports Writer of the Year Award.  

In December 2009, Laura started the popular fashion and lifestyle blog, Tales of the Pink Bike. A year later she launched Purple Pidgin Social Media and in 2011 created 'The Sloaney', which is a luxury lifestyle magazine.