My name is Daisy Grimes, an undergraduate third-year Biochemistry with French student at the University of Manchester, originally from London. I’m currently undertaking a nine-month placement in Professor David Gatfield’s lab at the University of Lausanne.
I’m really looking forward to gaining hands-on research experience, developing my laboratory skills, meeting new people, and experiencing life and research in a new environment in Switzerland.
Outside the lab, I enjoy playing the clarinet and saxophone, spending time with my dog Lola, trying nice food and skiing.
Hi! I am Ching Pin Cheng, a new postdoc in Dr David Gatfield’s lab.
I was born and raised in Taiwan before moving to the US to complete my undergraduate and PhD studies. I have had a strong interest in RNA biology and translational control, especially in the context of evolution and the origin of life. I look forward to continuing my academic career in this completely new environment.
Outside the lab, I am a geography nerd who enjoys cycling, traveling the world, and learning about different cultures.
My name is Manika Vij, and I recently joined Prof. Liliane Michalik’s team at UNIL. I have a background in molecular medicine and biotechnology, with a strong interest in applying data-driven approaches to better understand human skin wound healing. I am excited to be part of the team and to contribute to ongoing research activities, with the goal of translating scientific insights into innovations that improve clinical care and promote overall well-being. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Hi! My name is Julien Soudet, and I’m thrilled to be joining Professor David Gatfield’s team as a postdoc. I’m originally from France and completed my PhD at the University of Toulouse, working on ribosomal RNA maturation. After a first postdoc in Paris studying telomeres, and ten years at the University of Geneva exploring the interplay between transcription and chromatin organization, I’m excited to return to the RNA field and especially to dive into the world of translational pausing. I love science; I enjoy trying to solve puzzles that sometimes feel like they only matter to me. And if my work can actually be useful to others, that’s even better! As you can see, I’ve worked on a range of topics, and I’m very happy to exchange ideas and maybe collaborate with you. Outside the lab, I love spending time with my family. I have two kids who bring me endless joy but are doing a great job accelerating my hair loss. Looking forward to meeting you all!
Hello! My name is Simone Gallo, and I am honored to join Professor Lluis Fajas’ team, contributing to Dr. Dorian Ziegler’s project on cellular senescence and its role in physiological aging. Originally from Padua, I have completed my entire educational path in this city. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology at the University of Padua, where I developed a strong foundation in biological research through an internship at the Martello Lab, studying how three-dimensional cell culture methods impact cellular differentiation. Currently, I am in the final year of my Master’s degree in Medical Biotechnologies at the same university, and I am joining the lab as a SEMP (Swiss-European Mobility Program) student for a six-month internship as part of my Master’s thesis. My goal is to pursue a Ph.D. in the field of aging biology, with a particular focus on cellular senescence. In my free time, I enjoy playing board games with friends and going for walks in good company. I also like playing team sports like basketball and soccer. In the summer, I love swimming in the sea or lakes, while in the colder months, I enjoy relaxing in thermal baths, as there are many centers close to my home city. I am thrilled to join this team and look forward to meeting and working with everyone!
Hello! My name is Emma Zhang, I am joining David Gatfield Lab as a PhD student. I was born and raised in China, and moved to Canada to complete my Bachelor degree at McGill University. After, I moved to London and did a Master’s degree at Imperial College. At the moment, I am working as a researcher assistant at University College London Cancer Institute in a Cancer Immunotherapy lab. I am passionate about cancer biology and learning new things including RNA biology and Bioinformatics! I am super excited to join Gatfield Lab, and work on RNA biology in liver cancer. Outside of the lab, I have many hobbies as well. I like arts in general and do plein-air paintings on a sunny day. I also like baking, ballet, exploring new coffee shops, dinner parties etc.:) I’m super excited to meet everyone! Please feel free to come say hi on the 5th floor!
