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).
Rajan is studying the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) of messenger RNA (mRNA) and the role it plays in RNA degradation, localization, and translation. He aims to identify novel 3'UTRs to develop RNA therapeutics with enhanced stability and is currently applying this to mRNA-based in vivo CAR-T cell therapy.
Outside of the lab, Rajan enjoys training muay thai, producing EDM beats, and making homemade bubble tea.
Simon is from Halifax, Nova Scotia. His research aims to develop siRNAs as a therapeutic platform for the treatment of genetic drivers in cancer.
Outside of the lab, Simon likes to run, lift weights, surf, and play basketball. He also likes strategy videogames and trying different cuisines.
Serhii completed his B.Sc. Honours in Biochemistry at Bishop’s University, where he worked on crystal engineering and solid-state reactivity. Serhii is currently a Master's student, co-supervised by Dr. Thomas Duchaine and Dr. Marc Fabian. His research focuses on post-transcriptional regulation in acute myeloid leukemia, with an emphasis on CCR4-NOT-mediated mRNA decay.
Outside the lab, Serhii enjoys traveling and exploring new places, especially through food and local culture, and likes trying new experiences.
Jiahui is studying how small RNA pathways regulate heritable gene silencing in C. elegans. Her work focuses on a protein in the nuclear RNAi pathway and how it controls chromatin regulation during transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, using genetic and biochemical approaches.
In her free time, Jiahui enjoys exploring the city, going on hikes, and reading.
