Elizabeth Shaw was a researcher at Cambridge University. An expert in meteorites, with degrees in medicine, physics and "a dozen other subjects", as the Brigadier said, she was distinctly annoyed at being pulled away from her work to consult for UNIT. Liz's disgruntled attitude made her fast friends with the newly-regenerated Doctor, who was equally disgruntled at being trapped on Earth and kept away from his TARDIS by the Brigadier.
Despite her distant demeanor, Liz is generally a good-humored woman. She allows her annoyance to show through her impressive sarcastic wit. Liz is also quite bold - she speaks her mind, and feels confident enough in herself to do just as much explaining of the situation as the Doctor does. Both Liz and the Doctor see each other as more of equals, rather than having a student/teacher partnership. Due to her scientific background, she is able to discuss concepts with the Doctor and needs little explanation. Liz is, however, surprised by the Doctor's dismissal of the latest scientific tools as "primitive".
Although she sometimes ends up working as more of a lab assistant for the Doctor, when his researches get into areas that are unfamiliar to her, she does get the opportunity to use her medical training at times. Liz is proficient at administering injections, and she is also trained in forensics. What Liz does not appreciate is the Brigadier's occasional habit of treating her as an errand boy; she wants to be recognized and treated as the scientist that she is.
Liz is a tall woman with red hair, green eyes and often a bemused expression. At odds with her stern-scientist image, Liz enjoys wearing miniskirts underneath her outdoor wear or lab coat! She seems to be fond of the traditional 1970s colors, brown, orange and cream. Liz also likes high boots.
Following her time with the Doctor, Liz chose to return to Cambridge to continue her research. The events leading up to this were not explained, making Liz one of only two companions (the other being Ace) not to have an exit story.
