Student and postdoctoral space

CHUM	Marie Gasser Copresident of the CECRCHUM Postdoctoral fellow Guy Rutter’s laboratory Cardiometabolic Research Theme

Marie has been a postdoctoral fellow since October 2023 and is the co-chair of the CECRCHUM. Marie’s research focuses on the study of mechanisms tied to a genetic mutation impacting a zinc transporter in beta cells of pancreatic islets of Langerhans. Her work aims to deepen our understanding of how diabetes develops and could open doors to potential therapeutic advances. Beyond her research, Marie loves meeting new people and having lively conversations, whether its small talk about food, sports or cats, or more serious discussions on topics like research and life at the CRCHUM. 

CHUM	Élisabeth Lamoureux Copresident of the CECRCHUM PhD candidate in clinical psychology Gabrielle Pagé’s laboratory Health Innovation and Evaluation Research Hub Theme

Élisabeth is a CECRCHUM co-chair and PhD candidate in clinical psychology. She is studying the links between psychological well-being and chronic pain, focusing specifically on the impact of intolerance of uncertainty on the psychological and functional repercussions of pain. Élisabeth is very passionate about students’ mental health and well-being. She always looks forward to conversing with you, whether to talk about your research projects or to learn more about your passions. Say hi if you see her around, don’t be shy!

Nicolas Pouderous Doctoral student in biochemistry Gerardo Ferbeyre’s laboratory Cancer Research Theme

Nicolas is in charge of sports and physical activities on CRCHUM’s Student Committee. His doctoral project looks at the regulation of cancer cells in pancreatic and breast cancers. His research focuses on the potential uses of cellular senescence as a therapeutic tool, aiming to understand how this state can stop tumour proliferation and contribute to the elimination of cancerous cells. Beyond science, Nicolas is incredibly passionate about sports, especially volleyball. An outdoorsman, he loves going out in nature and finding time to take care of his plants.

CHUM	Laura Reininger Postdoctoral fellow Vincent Poitout’s laboratory Cardiometabolic Research Theme

Laura has been a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Poitout’s laboratory since 2021 and head of the Cardiometabolic Research Theme since 2024. She’s a lover of immunology and cardiometabolic diseases. She works with type 2 diabetes and more specifically on the impact of fatty acid receptors in hormonal secretion in islets of Langerhans. She loves pastry-making and having her colleagues taste test her new recipes. Finally, she loves painting and pottery.

Jennifer Auvergnon PhD candidate in neurosciences Catherine Larochelle's laboratory Neuroscience Research Theme

Jennifer is a postdoctoral fellow, future representative of the Neuroscience Research Theme and the CECRCHUM co-treasurer. She has been working in Dr. Catherine Larochelle’s team since January 2024. Her research deals with the role of ICAM-1 in interactions between T-cells and microglias in the context of multiple sclerosis. Sporty and adventurous, she is always game for new experiences and challenges. Her goal as a member of the Committee is to bring together students from every research theme to highlight their research projects at the CRCHUM and to promote scientific popularization.

CHUM	Éric Moreau Doctoral student Simon Turcotte's laboratory Cancer Research Theme

Éric represents the Cancer Research Theme on the CRCHUM’s Student Committee. His doctoral project deals with the effect of tumour microenvironment modulation on the efficacy of cellular therapies. The development of new and current innovative therapies has always been a research interest for him. When he isn’t in the laboratory, he spends his time hiking, biking or around a table playing board games with friends.  

CHUM	Elsa Gomez Postdoctoral fellow Naglaa Shoukry's laboratory Immunopathology Research Theme

Elsa represents the Immunopathology Research Theme on the CRCHUM’s Student Committee. Her postdoctoral research project focuses on the study of immune responses against hepatitis C virus. She is passionate about the study of pathogens and diseases in order to develop therapies and vaccines. This is why establishing multidisciplinary networks is so important to her. After a long day of work, Elsa enjoys practising wellness activities such as yoga and classical dance. She also loves sharing her culture through gastronomy and discovering new recipes during her trips around the world.

Erwan Goy Postdoctoral fellow Francis Rodier's laboratory Cancer Research Theme

Erwan has been a postdoctoral fellow in the Cancer Research Theme since September 2022. He is the co-secretary of the CECRCHUM. His research deals with the study of cell senescence regulation in different ovarian cancer models. Senescence is a particular state of arrest in cell proliferation associated with phenotype changes. Many recent research studies have revealed the existence of treatments able to eliminate senescent cells specifically. Erwan’s research could open up new therapeutic strategies to fight ovarian cancer. In addition to science, and despite a very bad sense of direction, Erwan enjoys hiking and running. He is also a theatre buff.

Baptiste Marin  Doctoral student in health technology engineering Sophie Lerouge’s laboratory Imaging and Engineering Research Theme

Baptiste is the Imaging and Engineering Research Theme’s student representative on the CECRCHUM. His project deals with the development of a chitosan hydrogel as a cell delivery vehicle for cancer immunotherapy by adoptive cell transfer. His science interests are mainly in the areas of polymeric biomaterials, tissue engineering and cell therapies. When not doing research, Baptiste enjoys hockey and soccer and being physically active. He also likes 80s music, video games, movies and reading. 

Malik Zennadi Master’s student Laura Drudi’s laboratory Health Innovation and Evaluation Research Hub Theme

Malik represents CECRCHUM's Health Innovation and Evaluation Research Hub Theme. His master's research project aims to evaluate the relationship between osteosarcopenia and frailty in vascular surgery patients, with a view to improving preoperative assessment. Malik holds a doctorate in medicine, and aims to establish a link between clinical and basic research. Outside his scientific activities, Malik is open to new experiences. He never turns down an invitation for a sweet treat!

Chelsea Almadin PhD Candidate in public health Jérôme Lavoué's and Vikki Ho's laboratories Health Innovation and Evaluation Research Hub Theme

Chelsea is responsible for planning social activities within the CRCHUM student committee. Her research focuses on occupational co-exposure to noise and chemical agents and the exploration of cancer risk. She aims to advance research to inform interventions to mitigate and prevent harmful exposures in populations that are disproportionately affected by environmental and occupational pollutants. Outside of research, she enjoys writing poetry, growing her plant family, and spending time outdoors.

Margherita Louise Calderaro  PhD candidate Nathalie Arbour's laboratory Neuroscience Research Theme

Her research seeks to characterize senescent immune cells found in people with Multiple Sclerosis. She hopes to bring visibility to the events and resources that the student committee offers by managing their social media platforms. When she is not at the CRCHUM, you might find her fencing, cooking or crocheting! 

Mahdis Moayed  PhD candidate Jean-François Carrier’s laboratory Imaging and Engineering Research Theme

My name is Mahdis Moayed and I am a master's student in biomedical engineering at the University of Montreal. My research focuses on the development of multi-modal digital phantoms based on artificial intelligence for preclinical imaging. I am working to create realistic virtual models of the anatomy and physiology of small animals using deep learning tools. These models aim to support the early prediction of type 2 diabetes and reduce dependence on animal experimentation. My project combines medical imaging, artificial intelligence, and ethical research practices to contribute to more effective, responsible, and humane scientific approaches. In addition to my academic work, I am an active member of the CRCHUM student committee, where I am responsible for organizing writing retreats and social activities. I enjoy creating spaces that allow students to stay motivated, supported, and connected outside the lab. My role combines coordination, communication, and creativity, three aspects that I deeply value.