Welcome Simone Gallo !

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!

Welcome Emma Zhang!

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!

Welcome Melvin Poirier !

Hello, my name is Melvin POIRIER. I am honored to join Professor Lluis Fajas’ laboratory as an intern to complete my Master’s degree in Health Biology at the University of Tours in France. Before this Master’s program, I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in health Biology with a specialization in Neuroscience. This academic and personal journey has allowed me to discover a real interest in neuroscience and reproductive biology. I am therefore fortunate to have the opportunity to work at the CIG on fertility.

On the side, I have a true passion for hiking and canicross

Welcome Manon Agostini !

Hello ! My name is Manon Agostini, and I am excited to join Pr. Gatfield’s team for a six-month internship, working on Lisa Bertrand’s project. My research will focus on the process of re-initiation and the involvement of specific factors in this mechanism.

I am originally from Paris. I first did my Bachelor’s degree in Health Biology at the University of Paris-Est Créteil. During this time, I completed an internship at the GLY-CRRET laboratory, studying the role of glycosaminoglycans in osteoarthritis. I then pursued the first year of my Master’s degree at the University of Paris-Saclay, specializing in Genetics, Cell Biology, and Molecular Biology. There, I had the opportunity to do an internship at the NeuroPSI laboratory, where I studied the circadian rhythms of Drosophila larvae.

Currently, I am in the second year of my Master’s program at Sorbonne University, specializing in RNA Genetics and Biochemistry. My goal is to further specialize in the regulation of genome expression by non-coding RNA. Outside of academics, I enjoy drawing, painting, and art in general, as well as hiking and discovering new places. I am thrilled to be part of this team and to contribute to this project. I look forward to meeting and collaborating with everyone !

Welcome Nicolas Gurtner !

Hello everyone,

My name is Nicolas Gurtner, and I’m excited to join Prof. Fajas’ lab as the new lab technician. I hold a Master’s degree in Medical Biology from UNIL and previously worked for a year as a staff scientist in Prof. Jean-Yves Chatton’s group at the Department of Fundamental Neurosciences.

I’m thrilled to be part of the CIG and look forward to collaborating with all of you !