Ozgun Varol (President)
PhD 3, Experimental Medicine, Daniela Quail Lab
What motivated you to take on this role in the GCSS?ÌýThroughout the past year, I engaged in a multitude of social, scientific, and fundraising events organized by GCSS. These experiences allowed me to witness firsthand the remarkable impact they had on cultivating a sense of belonging, fostering collaboration both within the GCI and outside. This experience has motivated me to step into a leadership position, driven by the ambition to expand the supportive environment for all GCI trainees. My passion for cancer research, coupled with my belief in the potential of student-led initiatives, serves as the driving force behind my commitment to this role.
What are you most excited for this year?ÌýAs we move to an exclusively in-person year, I am incredibly excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Firstly, I look forward to planning new innovative events that connect all members of the GCI community in meaningful ways. Creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive is a priority for me. However, I am just as eager to welcome and engage with world-renowned speakers and leading experts in the realm of cancer research. Their knowledge and experiences have the potential to shape our perspectives and motivate us. These are two causes that I resonate with.
Tell us about the GCI community?ÌýThe GCI community is an innovative, collaborative environment that aims to tackle the big outstanding questions in cancer research and beyond. What truly sets the GCI apart is a unique combination of individuals, expertise, and genuine passion for cancer. Every time I’ve needed advice, whether it be scientific or technical, I have been able to rely on extremely knowledgeable colleagues and scientists. In particular, the cores have sped up my work exponentially and I have been able to adapt cutting-edge techniques in novel ways to address my own research questions. Ultimately, the open dialogue, mutual support, and shared enthusiasm creates an environment where impactful collaboration gives rise to breakthroughs.
Alexandre Poirier (Treasurer)
PhD 5, Experimental Medicine, Michel Tremblay lab
What motivated you to take on this role in the GCSS?ÌýI want to make a difference in the atmosphere and social events of the GCSS. It's my way of giving back and to participate in this beautiful community.
What are you most excited for this year?ÌýI am really excited for the re-launch of the GCI. I am also looking forward to the organization of the GCI research day. Since it's my last year as a PhD student, I am also very excited to witness the outcomes of my research. It is 5 years of work and ideas, boiling down to a few months to make it count the most.
Tell us about the GCI community?ÌýThe GCI community is very welcoming. I feel that every team is open for collaborations which makes us go even further, as researchers and as an Institute. I am proud to work and to be part of the GCI.
Looking forward to be your treasurer for 2023-24!
Marine Lingrand (EDI Officer)
PhD 5, Biochemistry, Ian Watson lab
What motivated you to take on this role in the GCSS? We are in 2023, and I think it’s very important, now more than ever, to promote diversity and inclusion. It's also important to me that everyone at the center feels safe in their daily environment.
What are you most excited for this year?ÌýI would like to do more for the GCI at the EDI level, which is why I would like to begin the year by taking the pulse of the students to better understand how we can help them. I would also like to organize a multicultural potluck where everyone can share their traditional meals. My goal this year is also to gather more resources in collaboration with the Department of Biochemistry, the Biochemistry Graduate Student Society (BGSS) and the Post-Graduate Student Society (PGSS), since I will be on the Department's Safety Committee as well as the liaison between PGSS and BGSS this year.
Tell us about the GCI community?ÌýFor me, the GCI is all about collaborations, good relationships with colleagues and friends from surrounding labs, and fruitful partnerships.