Describe your research in a few lines
In Prof. Vincent Gigu猫re's laboratory, my research has focused on addressing various metabolic disorders through the study of nuclear factors. Among the multiple projects I've been involved in, one stands out as my favorite鈥� investigating three hotspot mutations in ESRRA gene and their connection to a rare and aggressive form of triple-negative breast cancer that is resistant to traditional treatments such as endocrine and anti-HER2 therapies, as well as chemotherapy. This groundbreaking research is particularly exciting as it is the first time in 30 years or more that a link has been established between mutations in the ESRRA gene and cancer.
How does your research help patients and who does it help?
While there are treatments and cures available for many diseases, it is still essential to invest in research and develop new therapies. Current treatments, such as chemotherapy, can be highly invasive and sometimes ineffective, particularly when cancer is advancing faster than it can be treated. As someone who has witnessed the limitations of these treatments firsthand, having recently lost my mother to a rare form of neoplastic cancer, I am driven to explore new therapeutic avenues that are less costly and less invasive. Through my research, I aim to contribute to the development of new treatments for a range of diseases, including those that currently have no cure, with the hope of improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
How have studentships made a difference in your life?
This year has proven to be incredibly successful for me in terms of fellowships, having been awarded both the Fonds de recherche du Qu茅bec - Sant茅 (FRQS) and 平特五不中 Faculty of Medicine postdoctoral fellowships. As I look to the future, I am excited to pursue the highly coveted Banting postdoc fellowship, widely regarded as the most prestigious funding opportunity for postdoctoral researchers in Canada. These fellowships are invaluable for postdocs, not only providing financial stability and strengthening their CVs for future academic positions, but also by serving as a springboard to securing additional funding and expanding research possibilities. For those balancing the demands of career and family, the slightly improved pay offered by these fellowships can also be a significant factor. Overall, these awards represent an important milestone in my academic journey and offer the potential to open doors to new and exciting opportunities.