Meet our Team
Dr. Duchaine is a researcher, educator and leader interested in better supporting RNA discovery research and in knowledge translation towards RNA technologies and therapeutics. He is also passionate about public outreach and in paving the way for the next generation of scientists for the diverse careers emerging from the ongoing RNA revolution.
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In recent years, Dr. Duchaine has led initiatives to translate deep RNA expertise at McGill University and across Québec into industry and clinical applications. This includes founding the McGill Centre for RNA Sciences (MCRS), which he currently directs.
Caroline joined the Duchaine lab at its opening in 2006. She obtained her Master’s degree in biochemistry from Université de Montréal for her work on polycystic kidney disease.
In the Duchaine lab, she explored various models and topics. From endoRNAi in C. elegans to APA and microRNA biogenesis in mammalian cells, she is currently working on PTEN 3'-UTR isoforms and cancer in mice.
Outside the lab, she enjoys figure skating, baking and interior design.
Rania has been a research technician at McGill University for 40 years after completing a BSc in Microbiology and Immunology.
She joined the Duchaine Lab in 2017. Her main role in the lab is supporting lab members' research, maintaining lab inventory by placing orders, and performing required administrative tasks.
Outside the lab, she enjoys yoga, baking, gardening, and traveling!
Ryan began his research career as an undergrad at the University of the Fraser Valley, just outside of Vancouver, where he worked with RNA therapeutics in Rainbow Trout. Bringing with him a love for all aspects of RNA biology, he joined the Duchaine Lab in 2023 and examines the mechanisms surrounding mRNA decapping, decay, and translation repression.
In his free time, you can find him enjoying a good book or movie (usually with a cat on his lap).
Damian completed his BSc in Biomedical Engineering at Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education. During his undergrad studies he was part of a research team where he started to love the amazing and intricate molecular mechanisms that life makes possible.
In the Duchaine Lab, Damian's research focuses on understanding the roles and dynamics of GW182 proteins in the model organism C. elegans.
Outside the lab, Damian likes to bake and cook, being outside to enjoy nature, and playing with his cat.
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Jessica completed her BSc in Biochemistry at McGill in 2022, and joined the Duchaine lab the following year to pursue her interests in RNAi. She works with C. elegans to study the mechanism by which the nuclear RNAi pathway establishes epigenetic silencing.
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Outside the lab Jessica enjoys many crafty activities like cooking, embroidery, and sculpting.
Katharine completed her BSc in Biological Sciences at the Univeristy of Guelph in 2024. She worked on a research team in her undergrad studying protein function within important food crops such as potatoes.
This year she joined the Duchaine lab to begin a project looking at CAR T mRNA therapeutics in regards to cancer treatment, manipulating the 3'UTR of the mRNA for increased function and stability for CAR T therapeutics.
Outside of the lab, she enjoys being outside, reading with her cat and crafting with friends.