About me

Enthusiastic molecular biologist with interests in:​

• making discoveries and supporting scientists in translating innovative research to impactful narratives and solutions in human health;

• bringing scientists together and building enriching research environments;

• connecting with people and creating dynamic exchanges.

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I love puzzles growing up, and I still do! Just like a jigsaw puzzle is made up of many pieces - with each piece having its own place - they all come together to form a bigger picture. As a molecular biologist, I’m fascinated by how the molecular components (DNA, RNA, and proteins) in our cells come together to be part of life-sustaining activities. Curious to learn about the puzzle pieces inside our cells, I decided to go into research after my Bachelor's in Biochemistry (McGill University, Montreal, Canada).
 

I completed my PhD at McGill University (Montreal, Canada), where I investigated the world of microRNAs. Exactly how do these small RNAs silence the expression of messenger RNAs? And how amazing that we can use the tiny worm, C. elegans, as a model to study this universal phenomenon of RNA interference. I then moved across the pond, eager to explore a new research environment and the wonders of Europe. For my postdoc (first at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany then Université de Lausanne, Switzerland), I investigated the protein players important for kickstarting the transcription program in early zebrafish development. I established biochemical tools along the way and applied -omics technologies to better understand a puzzle piece on a more global scale. I led inter-disciplinary research projects and collaborated with great scientists along the way.

Over the course of my research career, I developed a passion for scientific storytelling – whether it is through illustrations (digital or pencil), writing, and presentations. I like to use different creative communication tools to disseminate research findings, translate the research impact, promote research, and share knowledge.

I am always interested in exploring my research surroundings and connecting with people. I like community spirit. You’ll find me organizing scientific events here and there, bringing colleagues together, sharing our scientific knowledge, encourage knowledge transfer, celebrating achievements collectively, consoling one another over failures, overcoming difficulties, and growing as a team. I look forward to new opportunities to promote these values and building positive and enriching environments, while applying my scientific, communication, and creative skills and experience.

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When not in the lab, you may find me playing tennis, traveling around Europe, reading a book, watching movies, or practicing German and Spanish.