Alumni Profiles
Flashback to the days in the Duchaine lab...
What was your role in the Duchaine lab?
I started as an undergraduate student in the lab, getting my first research experience. Having enjoyed my research project, I stayed in the same lab all the way to my PhD.
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What was your scientific interest and/or project?
I first worked on developing an in vitro system from C. elegans that could reconstitute microRNA-mediated silencing. Once this assay was developed, I used it to study the impact of microRNAs on mRNA stability, and to understand the continuum and steps of mRNP assembly in miRNA-mediated silencing.
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Name one fond memory you have of the lab.
Presenting my Master's research project at my first international conference (an RNA Society meeting) during the poster session. The discussions and dynamic exchanges with other scientists made me realize the impact of my project on the scientific community. It was a turning point for me to pursue a PhD in the field.
What were some challenges you encountered along the way?
Experiments don't go as planned, results are not what you expected. Troubleshooting takes more time than you hoped. Research is not easy and not always positive. But it is important to be surrounded by good lab mates and mentors who you can speak with to solve problems, to de-stress, and to bring you positivity and humour to keep your spirits up!
Edlyn Wu
Words of wisdom and
advice for young researchers
Be curious. Be inspired. Be proactive.
Even if you don't know what type
of career you want, be open and listen to what others have gone through
or insights they might offer.
Don't be afraid of asking for help,
or for guidance. Help and inspiration can come from unexpected encounters and connections.
Life after the Duchaine lab
What is your current role?
Business Development Associate at Atinary Technologies, an AI deeptech company based in the US and in Switzerland. I bridge the gap between our AI platform's technical capabilities and scientists' research needs. It's an exciting blend of my scientific background and communication skills, where I get to stay immersed in cutting-edge research by connecting with scientists, understanding their challenges, and showing them how our AI platform can help them achieve research breakthroughs more efficiently and productively.
Did you know you always wanted to go into business development?
I did not know about Business Development until I went on the job market. Having worked at the bench in academia for many years, I wanted to try something new, and in industry. During my postdoc, I took on many scientific communications projects and enjoyed the aspect of meeting other scientists, learning about their research, and supporting them in communicating their scientific activities. I saw it fitting for me to find a position related to building relationships, project management, strategizing, and problem solving, from small details to big picture.
What skills did you develop in the Duchaine lab that helped you with the next steps of your career?
Time and project management, perseverance, and critical thinking. As a graduate student, there were many moments when you are balancing course work, writing grant proposals, working on lab meeting presentations, and doing experiments. You learn to juggle and prioritize your workload. And with the mindset and pressure that you want to do well and succeed.