While completing her Ph.D. at the University of Washington, Elaine Eldridge worked at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, where she collaborated on writing grant proposals and scientific articles. She freelanced in the Scientific Journals Department at the national headquarters of the American Heart Association in Dallas, Texas, for six years.

Dr. Eldridge is an adjunct professor in the Department of English, Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan. She lives in East Grand Rapids, Michigan.