Dr. Margarida Spencer

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Margarida Castro Gomes Spencer is an Assistant Professor at the University of Warwick's School of Life Sciences. Her research focuses on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) driven microorganisms and evolving mechanisms by which bacteria resist antibiotics, which pose significant challenges to modern medicine. Her goal is to enhance the natural infection-fighting abilities of innate immune cells, which are critical for treating infections without over-reliance on antibiotics. Spencer utilizes zebrafish larvae as a model to study host-pathogen interactions and the immune response, particularly how bacterial infections can be managed through innovative strategies to combat AMR. With a background that spans postdoctoral research at notable institutions, her work aims to explore methods to train innate immune cells to improve infection control and offer potential therapeutic strategies for combating infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant pathogens.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

2025-01-01 — Present

University of Warwick, School of Life Sciences • Warwick, England

Teaching and research related to microbiology and immunology.

Postdoc

2024-09-01 — 2025-04-30

Heap Lab, University of Nottingham • Nottingham, England

Research on antimicrobial resistance.

Postdoc

2018-08-01 — 2024-09-30

Mostowy Lab, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine • London, England

Investigated mechanisms of microbial resistance.

Postdoc

2018-02-01 — 2018-07-31

Filloux/Mostowy Labs, Imperial College London • London, England

Worked on innovative strategies for infection control.

Requirements for University of Warwick

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:2.1
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:21
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:23
Total
Required:92
PTE
Listening
Required:59
Reading
Required:59
Writing
Required:59
Speaking
Required:59
Overall
Required:62
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:120
Overall
Required:120
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree in Engineering or a related STEM discipline
Application Checklist
  • Online application form
  • Official transcripts
  • Degree certificate
  • Personal statement
  • One academic reference
  • CV/Resume
  • English language proficiency evidence
Specialization Notes

Includes General, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Biomedical, and Manufacturing Engineering. Most programs fall under English Band A.