Monica Garcia Solache, M.D., Ph.D.

Senior Scientist - Infectious Diseases

Passionate About Advancing Research to Combat Global Health Threats, with a Focus on Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

monica.garciasolache@cantab.net

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Professional Summary

Experienced researcher and project leader with over 10 years of expertise in infectious diseases, bacteriology and antibiotic resistance (AMR). Proven success in driving large-scale, multi-partner research projects, securing funding, and fostering collaborations to advance public health. Skilled in identifying and capitalizing on emerging trends in biomedical research, with a particular focus on discovery and development of potential drug targets for infectious diseases. Fluent in English and Spanish, and basic French.

Professional Experience

Distinguished Professor (Hybrid)

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid - Department of Biomedicine

2023 - Present
  • Awarded the prestigious Maria Zambrano Talent Attraction Fellowship, recognizing excellence in scientific research and leadership (2023-2024)
  • Leading innovative epidemiological studies on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), leveraging real-world data to inform global health interventions and policy strategies
  • Identifying cutting-edge scientific developments and fostering collaborations with international stakeholders to advance infectious disease research, particularly in the context of AMR and infectious disease prevention
  • ERA4TB (European Regimen Accelerator for Tuberculosis) (started April 2025). Consortium researcher. Experimental design of preclinical trials, both in vitro and in vivo, preclinical studies and dose escalation in humans. Informed predictions of expected drug behavior at clinical level. Specifically, providing advice on aspects related to dosage rationalization and efficacy prediction. Providing advice on the processes and methods for conducting R&D for new drugs. Providing expert advice regarding the therapeutic area of ​​infectious diseases as a whole and the development of antibacterial agents in particular, with special attention to resistant microorganisms and tuberculosis

Assistant Professor of Medicine

Brown University Alpert Medical School - Rhode Island Hospital

2017 - Present
  • Spearheaded interdisciplinary research initiatives focused on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among gram-positive pathogens (e.g., enterococci, pneumococci), aligning with the need for new immune-based prophylactic and therapeutic approaches
  • Secured funding through impactful grant proposals aimed at advancing research in infectious diseases
  • Led cross-functional teams to design and implement large-scale research studies, contributing to actionable insights in the field of AMR
  • Conduct preclinical studies and collaborate with international teams to develop new antibacterial candidates, focusing on resistance mechanisms and rationalizing dosing strategies for human trials
  • Conduct in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies
  • Published six influential papers, contributing to the global understanding of antimicrobial resistance and advancing the development of new interventions in infectious disease treatment

Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Bacteriology

Brown University Alpert Medical School

2013 - 2017
  • Developed and validated next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays to explore molecular mechanisms of AMR, in collaboration with epidemiologists and bioinformaticians
  • Played a key role in the design and execution of studies that contributed to global efforts in combating AMR, with a strong focus on data-driven, translational science

Education

Doctor of Philosophy in Genetics

Darwin College, University of Cambridge, UK

Advisor: Michel Akam FRS

Medical Doctor

School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Grade: 8.96/10 (A)

Enrolled in the High-Performance Program | General Practitioner, Mexican Board Registration: 3568393 | Spanish Board Certification: 0741180/2009/H17124

Master in Biological Sciences - Immunology

School of Sciences, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Grade: 9.56/10 (A+) - Summa cum laude

Core Competencies

Research & Laboratory

  • Bacteriology & Immunology
  • Infectious Disease Research
  • Antibacterial Drug Research
  • Microbial Resistance Studies
  • Drug Interaction Studies
  • Translational Science

Leadership & Management

  • Research Leadership & Project Management
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Grant & Portfolio Management
  • Regulatory Compliance & Best Practice Application

Key Achievements

  • Co-lead a retrospective study on antibiotic-resistant infections, providing actionable insights for public health interventions that will inform the development of new antibacterial therapies
  • Managed an observational study assessing vaccine perceptions across diverse socio-cultural groups, informing healthcare equity initiatives
  • Published 15 peer-reviewed articles in top-tier scientific journals, with over 1,000 citations (h-index 13), demonstrating thought leadership in infectious disease research
  • Represented research initiatives at international conferences, serving as a scientific advisor to global health agencies and funding bodies

Publications and Affiliations

  • 15 Peer-Reviewed Publications, One Book Chapter, One Review Article, and Published Works Cited over 1,000 times (h-index of 13)
  • American Society for Microbiology (2010-Current)
  • Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution (2012-Current)

Relevant Project Experience

  • Retrospective Study on AMR: Leading a large-scale epidemiological study on antibiotic resistance trends, developing targeted population cohorts and advancing the scientific understanding of AMR dynamics to inform the development of new antibacterial therapies
  • Experience in in vitro pharmacodynamic models using humanized dosing simulations
  • Observational Study on Vaccine Perceptions: Managed the design and statistical analysis of a study assessing vaccine perceptions across different socio-cultural groups, informing healthcare equity initiatives

Teaching Experience

  • 2005-2007. Evolution and Behaviour. 5 hours per year
  • 2008-2009. Bacteriology. 6 hours per year
  • 2009. Histopathology. 6 hours per year
  • 2005-2009. Biology of Cells IA. 40 hours per year

Mentorship:

  • Scientific Mentor, serving as a mentor to two postdoctoral scientists. Brown University Medical School. 2019-2024, 2024-Present
  • Mentor to one medical student, Summer Research Program. Brown University Medical School. 2019
  • Mentor to one undergraduate student, Summer Research Program. Brown University Medical School. 2019
  • Undergraduate Research Project Supervisor, end of grade project for an undergraduate student. Universidad Autónoma de Morelos, Mex. 2004