She is the Scientific Adviser to the Commander, Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, USA.

[1] Fender was awarded a BSc in physics and astronomy by the University of Oklahoma in 1973.

[2] She went on to gain a Masters and a PhD in optical sciences at the University of Arizona.

[2] Following graduation from Arizona, Fender joined the Air Force Weapons Laboratory at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.

[2] In 2004 she was appointed scientific adviser to the commander at Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.