Alumni Profiles
What was your role in the Duchaine lab?
I first joined the Duchaine lab as an undergraduate honor’s student in 2008. I then joined the lab as a graduate student (PhD) in 2009.
What was your scientific interest and/or project?
My project focused on exploring the cooperative interplay between microRNAs and RNA-binding proteins in the control of RNA stability and translation in C. elegans. Since then, I have maintained an interest in understanding the roles of 3’UTRs in complex biological systems.
Other published work:
miRNA-mediated deadenylation, ERI-5, continuum of mRNPs, ENRI
Name one fond memory you have of the lab.
An awesome trip with lab mates to Barbados for a scientific conference!
Mathieu Flamand
Words of wisdom and
advice for young researchers
Always think about why
you are pursuing a scientific career.
What is your career goal, and how are you going
to acquire the skills needed to achieve this goal?
If you can present your work at conferences, do it (and ask for an oral presentation)! It will help you build a network and will benefit all scholarship applications.
You can always read more papers.
Flashback to the days in the Duchaine lab...
Life after the Duchaine lab
What is your current role?
I am an Assistant Professor at Université Laval and a researcher at the CHU de Québec Research Centre.
Did you know you always wanted to lead your own research group?
No. As a first-generation college graduate, it was difficult to think that a career as an independent investigator was achievable. With the challenges of research and a number of friends choosing jobs in biotech, I have weighted my options in the past. However, I believe that a career in academia allows true intellectual freedom, the pursuit of scientific curiosity and the ability to always learn new things.
What were some challenges you encountered along the way? (during PhD, or steps afterwards)
Science is rewarding but can be difficult (brutal) when experiments are not working as intended. Motivation can be hard to maintain after repeated experiment failure. It is important to think critically about your project and discuss with your peers, which may have insights you do not.
Maintaining a work-life balance is challenging in a scientific career, but important nonetheless. Best ideas often come when we are outside of the lab. It is essential to know when to stop and take time off. It will help you to work more efficiently when you are back at the bench.
What skills did you develop in the Duchaine lab that helped you with the next steps of your career?
Perseverance, critical thinking, project management, scientific writing, learning how to learn.