[4] Spence undertook an MSc degree in Microbiology from Birkbeck College,[3] which she states 'turned out to be the best decision I made at the start of my career.

'[4] Spence then obtained a PhD degree in Plant Virology from the University of Birmingham;[3] her thesis was entitled The identification, distribution and ecology of bean common mosaic virus in Africa.

Her research into viral diseases of crops in Africa has included investigations into the pathogenicity of bean common mosaic virus[7] and its occurrence in legumes in Uganda.

[19] In this role, Spence promoted connections between academics and local businesses, managing events such as Venturefest.

[29][30] In 2018, she was a guest and speaker at summit examining the risks posed by Xylella to the horticulture industry hosted by Prince Charles.

[31] In May 2018, Spence gave evidence to the EU Select Committee on Brexit and the potential implications for plant health.

[34] Spence was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2022 New Year Honours for services to plant health.

[3] Spence is chair of the management board of the CONNECTED project that aims to tackle vector borne plant diseases in Africa.