Harriet Elizabeth Marks studied science at The University of Queensland while living at the Women's College, where in later years she was resident tutor. From 1923 to 1944 she taught mathematics and physics to schools and colleges in various locations throughout Queensland. Marks was made principal of the Domestic Science High School, Brisbane, in 1951 and later travelled to remote areas of Queensland teaching domestic science and supervising domestic science cars. In 1960 Marks founded the Home Economics Association of Queensland and in 1966 was made the first female president of the State's Institute of Inspectors of Schools. In 1989 Marks was made founding fellow of the Women's College and left a legacy to The University of Queensland that set up the Harriet Marks scholarship.