MD McGill 1990; PhD; FFOM.
After a degree in psychology at Bangor University, Cherry worked for the MRC researching occupations and health. This gave her the basis for her future work in epidemiology. In 1978 she was appointed lecturer at the Institute of Occupational Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. After this period, Cherry went to McGill University Canada becoming an associate professor. While still teaching and researching, Cherry undertook medical training at McGill Medical School. On completing this training, Cherry was appointed Professor of Epidemiology and Occupational Health at the University of Manchester, and Director of the Centre for Occupational Health. She was also president of the British Occupational Hygiene Society, and a member of the HSE Advisory Committee on Toxic Substances and the Executive Committee of the Scientific Committee on Epidemiology in Occupational Health.