Brady received her PhD at the University of Alabama at Birmingham working on pneumococcal capsular diversity and its effects on pneumococcal evasion of innate and vaccine-induced immunity. She performed her post-doctoral training at the University of Colorado-Anschutz studying group B streptococcal factors that facilitate colonization of pregnant people, transmission to the neonate, and penetration of the blood-brain barrier during neonatal meningitis. Brady started her lab at UVA in Fall 2024 centered on the molecular mechanisms underlying the type VII secretion system in GBS and the impact of secreted bacterial effectors on host barriers, the microbiota and mucosal immune responses during GBS colonization and systemic infection.

Caitlin grew up in Accra, Ghana, and earned her PhD in Microbiology from the University of Maine, where she worked in the Neely lab studying the influence of prophages on Group B Streptococcus. She joined the Spencer lab in the fall of 2024 to explore type VII secretion systems and their role in interbacterial competition.

Jess graduated in 2023 with her B.S. in Neuroscience from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she worked as an undergraduate in the lab of Matthew Cooper, studying the neural mechanisms by which dominance status alters social stress vulnerability. Prior to coming to UVA, she spent a two-year postbac at the NIH under Susan Wray, studying the development and regulation of GnRH-releasing neurons, which secrete a neurohormone central to the control of the reproductive axis. As a graduate student joining the Spencer lab in Spring of 2026, Jess is excited to delve into the field of host-pathogen interactions, bringing a different perspective to the group with her neuroscience background. During her time in the lab, Jess will explore the neuroimmunological response to GBS in neonatal meningitis and mechanisms underlying neurological sequelae in survivors of this disease. 

If, on the rare occasion, you see Jess outside the lab, she will either be out on the trail with her greyhound, Swanky, or curled up with a good novel and cup of hot coffee!

Deanna graduated in 2021 with her B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Spanish from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. During her undergraduate career, she worked in a microbiology lab investigating the intracellular trafficking pathway of novel obligate intranuclear bacteria Candidatus Berkiella species infecting amoeba. After graduation, she began working at Vanderbilt University Medical Center using a murine model to study the effects of pharmacological compounds on the ductus arteriosus of neonates. In this lab, she specialized in the ex vivo pressurized myography of blood vessels from term and preterm mouse pups, investigating compounds that are suspected to lead to patency or closure of the ductus arteriosus during the perinatal period.

As a grad student in the Spencer lab, Deanna will be working on developing the lab’s neonatal model of intestinal GBS colonization, investigating the impact of secreted effectors from the Group B Streptococcal type VII secretion system on the disruption of intestinal barriers and immune suppression. Outside the lab, she is happiest at home with her embroidery projects or stacks of books sitting by her husband, each cuddled up with a cat.

Glenda was born and raised in southern Brazil, where her love for animals and nature inspired her to pursue a career in biology. She earned her master’s degree in pathophysiology and her PhD in microbiology at the University of Rio de Janeiro and the University of Colorado. During her doctoral studies, she had the opportunity to work with Dr. Brady Spencer for the first time, marking the beginning of her research on Group B Streptococcus (GBS). Glenda continues to study GBS at Spencer’s Lab, focusing on understanding the molecular mechanisms that contribute to its pathogenesis. A true Sagittarius, she embraces her adventurous spirit by exploring new places, enjoying outdoor activities, and never missing the chance to savor a good cup of coffee.

Abby graduated in 2024 from the University of Mary Washington with her BS and BA in Biomedical Sciences and Anthropology. During undergrad, she conducted an independent research project on Triple Negative Breast Cancer focusing on cell culture techniques where she determined methionine restriction sensitizes cells to Cisplatin chemotherapy and increases proliferation inhibition. She is excited to now work with the Spencer Lab as a Lab Specialist as she works on applications to grad school. Abby plans to pursue a doctorate in the biomedical field and looks forward to working with UVA and Dr Spencer in preparation.

Audrey graduated from Oberlin College in 2024 with a B.A. in Biology and Psychology. Following graduation, she completed a year-long postbac at Oberlin. During this time, she investigated extracellular and intracellular pH dynamics in Escherichia coli under different nutrient conditions. Her work also explored biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance. Audrey is excited to learn more about host-pathogen interactions in the Spencer Lab and looks forward to using her time as a Lab Specialist to further shape her future in graduate studies.

Will is a pre-medical student at the University of Virginia majoring in Cognitive Science with a concentration in Psychology. With a strong foundation in behavioral neuroscience and clinical experience across various healthcare settings, Will is deeply committed to pursuing a career in anesthesiology. His passion for pain management stems from firsthand experiences shadowing physicians and witnessing the transformative relief anesthesia can bring to patients in distress. Through research, teaching assistantships, and community service, Will blends scientific curiosity with compassionate care, aiming to advance patient-centered solutions in pain medicine.

Leen is an undergraduate student at the University of Virginia majoring in Biology on the pre-medical track. She has a strong interest in immunology, virology, and women’s health, particularly in how biological research can inform and improve healthcare outcomes for underserved communities. Passionate about advocating for equitable access to healthcare, Leen hopes to combine clinical practice with research to advance women’s health on a broader scale. She looks forward to contributing to the Spencer Lab’s mission while expanding her knowledge in reproductive and immune health. As an aspiring physician, Leen is committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care to all patients.

Britt is an undergraduate student at the University of Virginia majoring in Neuroscience and pursuing a pre-medical track. She has a strong interest in the intersection between brain function and human development. She is excited for the opportunity to learn from the Spencer lab’s ongoing work and contribute in any way she can. Britt looks forward to applying these experiences to both her future clinical training and academic growth.

Cordelia (Coco) Meserve is a pre-medical undergraduate at the University of Virginia pursuing an interdisciplinary Echols major in Biology, Medical Anthropology, and Public Health. She is passionate about understanding how biological systems, social context, and clinical practice intersect to shape women’s health outcomes, particularly in areas that have been historically under-researched and under-taught. Coco is especially interested in maternal and reproductive health, immune-microbial interactions, and how early-life environments influence long-term health. Through research, she hopes to build strong experimental and analytical skills while developing a deeper conceptual foundation in microbiology and human health. She is excited for the opportunity to learn from the Spencer Lab’s research environment and is happy to contribute in any way she can while applying these experiences to her academic growth and future training in healthcare and public health.