[2] Elizabeth was fascinated by science and the scientific approach from an early age, leading her to study zoology at the University of Michigan, from which she graduated in 1933.

[3] Russell did multiple works in her time on the research into hereditary anemias of laboratory mice.

[5] Russell went on to genetically characterize many laboratory animals for phenotypes such as physical attributes and disease susceptibilities, completing a monumental histological study on the effect that the major coat color mutations of the mouse have on the physical attributes and distribution of pigment granules in the hair.

This analysis is the first attempt to define each phenotype of the mouse in terms of genetic factors, setting the stage for virtually all coat-color studies.

[7] In 1978 she was appointed by the secretary of health, education, and welfare to co-chair a committee assessing the future need for biomedical researchers.

She was the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1958; and in 1983 was named one of Ten Outstanding Women of Northern and Eastern Maine.