People


MQVlab

MQVlab (left to right: Emma, Mathieu, Nassima, Léo)

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

About my job: Conferences are the best part of what we do as academic researchers. You travel to meet new colleagues, start collaborations, get updated on the state of the art, promote your work. It’s the best.

Training:

  • Postdoc, University of Pennsylvania (2023)
  • Ph.D., University of Toronto (2017)
  • M.Sc., Université de Montréal (2010)
  • B.Sc., Université de Montréal (2007)

Emma

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.

About my job: What I appreciate the most is the opportunity to evolve in a multicultural environment and to interact with people with different backgrounds and perspectives, making this environment even more enriching and inspiring.

PS : hide your pens, I heard someone has a little hoarding problem…

Nassima

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.

About my job: I love, and have always loved, working in research, a world where we have the pleasure to interact daily with passionate collaborators from all corners of the world, from whom we learn a lot about science and the world.

Léo Eusebi

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.

About my job: I very much enjoy socialising with people from different backgrounds as I believe such interactions always provide useful insights. Concerning my research, cancer is something I find really fascinating and always crave to learn more about.

Mikel Hurtado

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.

About my work: What I like most about my work is that I’m constantly learning, it challenges me, and lets me contribute to meaningful progress. I also enjoy the opportunity to share knowledge and collaborate with other researchers.

Tony-Carlo Blanchette

Tony-Carlo Blanchette

B.Sc. 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…

About my work: Newly introduced to the field of research, I find in this sector the opportunity to contribute to advancing knowledge on cancer, leaving a mark through concrete projects carried out in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Alumni

Sarah Macrides Sarah Macrides
M1 intern 03/25-08/25

Virginie Cyr Virginie Cyr
COOP intern 01/24-04/24

Mathieu Desnoyers-Barbeau Mathieu Desnoyers-Barbeau
COOP intern 01/24-04/24