Left to right: Juan, Nassima, Mikel, Léo, Tony, Emma, Mathieu
Mathieu Quesnel-Vallières, Ph.D.
he/him; last name pronunciation: “ken-el val-e-air”
Assistant Professor
Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Université de Sherbrooke
The list of biology fields that my research has involved at one point or another is too long to post here. Let’s say I know very little about a lot of things.
On the daily: If you wonder whether I’m being serious, I’m not. Music always and everywhere. I sneeze often and loud - my apologies to those who spend time in my general vicinity. Leadership style: 95% Gus Fring, 5% Michael Scott
Emma Delannoy
Ph.D. Student in Cell Biology
During my academic journey, I have been able to explore numerous fields, but I have primarily worked on projects related to the regulation of the immune system in the context of cancer.
On the daily: I am quite talkative, always chatting or humming a little tune. As for hobbies, I am a fan of traditional elderly activities, especially embroidery and crochet.
PS : hide your pens, I heard someone has a little hoarding problem…
Nassima Bouzidi
Ph.D. Student in Cell Biology
I previously had the opportunity to explore a multitude of projects, primarily focused on gene therapy and neurobiology. I arrive in Sherbrooke with the determination to concretize my professional aspirations by fully investing myself in a project that is dear to my heart.
On the daily: I can’t help but dance, albeit poorly, every time I listen to music, and I listen to a lot of it… I’m learning to understand the local language. You can often find me with my notebook where I collect the Quebec expressions I hear for the first time.
Léo Eusebi
M.Sc. student in Cell Biology
I originally started my academic career in biology due to my love for animals and plants but eventually branched out towards bioinformatics and medicine. I discovered that as long as there is a hint of biology in the field I’ll be able to find passion and strength to fully throw myself in the topic. My master thesis revolved around colorectal cancer and metabolic modelling.
On the daily: I am extremely curious and I love to dig into different kinds of hobbies such as crochet, hiking, drawing, music, cooking, plant parenting, dance, gaming, etc. (jack-of-all-trade pretty much, eh?). On a side note, I am also a homebody who loves cats, although squirrels are starting to grow on me.
Mikel Hurtado, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral researcher
From the beginning, I was interested in genetics, which led me to pursue a PhD in forest genetics. During this time, I realized that bioinformatics would be my future and the path I wanted to follow. Coming from the field of plant science, transitioning into cancer research is very exciting. Especially because cancer has always been a disease that has deeply intrigued me. I’m really keen to do my bit!
On the daily: I’m someone who’s always up for any plan, especially if it means good company, good vibes, and a few laughs. I love basketball, and I’m always looking to discover new places and meet new people, so being here in Quebec is a great opportunity for both.
Nicolas Picard-Sanchez
M.Sc. Student in Immunology
I want to contribute to something bigger than me and adding my brick to the building of human knowledge is what brought me to biology. This and the fact that biology classes were the only ones during which I didn’t fall asleep in high school.
I previously worked on radiation-induced DNA damage and peripheral nervous system development.
On the daily: I have as many passions as there are days in the year. If I had to pick a few I would go with cooking, painting, listening to musique and napping. Overcoming the imposter syndrome is a daily battle that is lost in advance. I’m trying my best, let’s see what comes of it.
Tony-Carlo Blanchette
B.Eng. Student in Biotechnology Engineering
Passionate about mathematics from a young age, it was only two years ago that I turned to an even more exciting and promising field: biology. My immersion in bioinformatics during this internship definitely gave me a new spark!
On the daily: Always smiling and lively, except when I’m coding. Fun fact: I developed a real passion for hospital gastronomy… except for liver with sausages…
Alumni
Juan David Millan, COOP intern 09/25-12/25
Sarah Macrides, M1 intern 03/25-08/25
Virginie Cyr, COOP intern 01/24-04/24
Mathieu Desnoyers-Barbeau, COOP intern 01/24-04/24