Since a child, Underwood has been inspired by plants - especially flowers, leaves, nuts, seeds and berries. 

Underwood completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Botany, Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Tasmania. She then went on to achieve First Class Honours with her thesis Synecology and Conservation Status of Vegetation on Aeolian Calcarenite, Flinders Island, eastern Bass Strait, Tasmania. Her research helped create permanent reserves for nature.