What did you study at A-level (or equivalent) and why did you select those subjects?
I chose science-focused subjects, particularly biology, chemistry and physics, because I was genuinely curious about how living systems work. I have always felt a deep connection to animals and plants, and I wanted to understand what was happening beneath the surface of the living world around me. I was drawn to subjects that allowed me to ask questions, think deeply, and explore how nature is organised.
What degree and PhD did you study?
I completed my undergraduate studies in Spain, where I studied both Biochemistry and Biology because I was equally excited by both. Studying them felt enriching and made me feel intellectually alive.
I then completed a Master’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in Madrid before moving to Switzerland for a PhD in Cell and Developmental Biology, where I focused on how cells sense their own fitness and influence their survival within living tissues.
What inspired you to choose and study your degree subject?
I was driven by a desire to understand how life works, particularly how complex biological systems organise themselves. I found it fascinating that processes at the level of individual cells can influence the development and health of entire organisms. That connection is what drew me deeper into this area of research.
What key skills did you learn at university?
At university, I learned how to think critically, design experiments and how to handle uncertainty. Research rarely gives quick answers, so patience, resilience and hard work became essential.
I also learned how to explore the scientific literature deeply and use it to shape my own research. Over time, I realised how important collaboration and clear communication are, and that science moves forward through collaboration and teamwork, not just individual brilliance.
What jobs have you had during your career?
I began my research career as a PhD student, followed by postdoctoral research in Switzerland, where I further developed my work on cell competition, cell death and tissue growth. I am now a Lecturer and Research Group Leader at the University of Liverpool, where I lead a research group.
What is your current job and what do you enjoy about it?
I am currently a Lecturer and Research Group Leader at the University of Liverpool. I find great energy in the scientific freedom to pursue questions that interest me most and to shape the direction of our research. I very much enjoy taking full responsibility for my role.
In all my roles, I aim to create a positive impact and provide real value, whether through the science we produce, the environment we build, or by encouraging and supporting the people I mentor. Developing a lab environment that combines openness with high standards and contributing to teaching are parts of the role that I find especially rewarding.
Do you have an area of research?
Our research focuses on cell death, cell fitness and morphogen signalling, and how these processes interact to shape tissue development, ageing and cancer. We are particularly interested in how cells use these processes to make decisions about growth, survival and elimination in different biological systems, including humans.
Using interdisciplinary and quantitative approaches, we aim to understand how tissues maintain their organisation and function, and what happens when this is disrupted.
What has been your most exciting project or career role?
One of the most exciting moments in my career has been building my own research group. Creating a shared scientific vision, bringing together talented people, and shaping a supportive and open-minded culture in the lab has been both exciting and deeply meaningful.
Another particularly exciting step is leading collaborations with clinical academics to explore how our research can help us better understand human disease. Seeing fundamental biological questions connect to clinical contexts is incredibly motivating, especially within the unique multidisciplinary setting of the Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine at the University of Liverpool.
What are your top tips for working in your sector?
Stay curious and motivated, and don’t lose sight of why you entered the field in the first place. Science can be demanding and complex at many levels, so resilience and hard work are important, but so are support and collaboration.
Choose environments and mentors carefully, and don’t underestimate the value of a healthy and supportive research culture. For me, taking responsibility, finding joy in the process, and focusing on growth have been essential. Be patient with the long-term nature of scientific progress.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
One of the most valuable pieces of advice I received was to trust my own judgement and take responsibility for shaping my career direction.
Any advice you’d like to share?
I would encourage people to stay true to their principles, particularly when addressing inequalities.
Why are you passionate about your career?
I am passionate about my work because it allows me to explore how life works at a fundamental level while contributing to long-term improvements in human health. It is exciting to see how research at the cellular level can shape how we understand development, ageing and disease.
I find real joy in giving my best each day, both in the science we do and in the way we teach and mentor the next generation. I deeply care about creating spaces where high standards and support coexist, and where people can grow while pursuing ambitious questions.
More resources:
Article: Springboard success for Liverpool’s biomedical scientists
Keep up to date with Marisa on her University of Liverpool staff profile, Orcid, Google Scholar, ResearchGate and LinkedIn profile.