D2R : DNA to RNA

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Canada
Montreal, QC
D2R : DNA to RNA

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D2R | DNA to RNA is a research initiative at McGill University taking an inclusive Canadian approach to genomic-based RNA therapeutics.

11/02/2026

✨ : Michael Cunningham (McGill University)

💬 “One of the things that has helped me in academia is enjoying the people you get to meet and not just the science.”

As a D2R Doctoral Scholar in Prof. Masad J. Damha, PhD, FCIC’s lab, Michael is developing chemically modified CRISPR RNAs to improve their stability and therapeutic potential. By designing RNA molecules that can better withstand degradation while maintaining their function, his research aims to advance the development of next-generation gene-editing therapies.

Michael's path to RNA therapeutics began during his undergraduate studies, when a documentary on CRISPR sparked a fascination with the intersection of scientific innovation and ethical responsibility. Today, his work bridges chemistry, RNA biology, and therapeutic development, including collaborations with industry partners to test promising RNA designs in vivo.

👉 Read the full interview: https://www.mcgill.ca/dna-to-rna/article/training/trainee-spotlight-michael-cunningham

10/30/2026

✨ : Salomé SABATIÉ (Université de Sherbrooke)

💬 “You can absolutely pursue high-level science with a disability. You just have to redefine success on your own terms and, most importantly, build a supportive environment around you.”

As a D2R Doctoral Scholar in Prof. Karine Choquet’s lab, Salomé has learned to navigate the challenges of graduate research while managing a chronic condition. Through her story, she hopes to encourage others to be kind to themselves, listen to their bodies, and remember that challenges do not define what they can achieve.

👉 Read her full interview: https://www.mcgill.ca/dna-to-rna/article/training/trainee-spotlight-salome-sabatie

10/29/2026

👩‍🔬 Que se passe-t-il lorsque de jeunes filles ont l’occasion de mettre les pieds dans un véritable laboratoire de génie biomédical?

La curiosité laisse place aux possibilités. 🔬

Récemment, D2R a accompagné des élèves de secondaire 1 à 3 de Les Scientifines lors d’une visite du laboratoire de génie biomédical de la professeure Caroline Wagner, chercheuse financée par D2R à l’Université McGill.

🎥 Regardez la vidéo pour revivre cette journée au laboratoire.
📖 En savoir plus : https://www.mcgill.ca/dna-to-rna/channels/news/day-lab-inspiring-girls-through-science-375298

10/28/2026

Earlier this week, D2R trainees took part in "Becoming an EDI Changemaker," workshop!

The session explored practical strategies for creating more equitable and inclusive research environments, including:
🟣 understanding barriers faced by equity-deserving groups,
🟣 recognizing unconscious biases and microaggressions, and
🟣 identifying concrete actions trainees can take to support positive change in their labs.

Through case studies, discussions, and reflection exercises, participants developed tools to become active changemakers in research.

10/13/2026

✨ D2R Trainee Spotlight: Diego Loggia (McGill University)

What if we could study heart disease using a patient's own cells?

As a D2R Doctoral Scholar in Terry Hébert's lab, Diego grows heart cells in the lab from patient-derived stem cells to better understand why heart disease affects people differently and to help advance future RNA-based treatments.

Diego is also passionate about sharing science with others. As the first person in his family to pursue a career in science, he is committed to helping students and the public learn about scientific research and its potential to improve lives.

👉 Read the full interview: https://www.mcgill.ca/dna-to-rna/article/training/trainee-spotlight-diego-loggia

10/08/2026

🧬 What's the difference between an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and an mRNA cancer vaccine?

If you've ever wondered, this podcast is for you.

McGill professors Thomas Duchaine and Ramy Saleh break down the science behind mRNA cancer vaccines in a way that's easy to understand, explaining how they work, why they're generating so much excitement, and what they could mean for the future of cancer treatment.

🎥 Watch the full conversation: https://youtu.be/sLx5xkV2mz4?si=2Qv6mFvTYk3Ez97q

10/01/2026

✨ : Julia Fulber (McGill University)

Julia is contributing to multiple D2R-supported projects while completing her PhD in Biological & Biomedical Engineering.

As a member of Amine Kamen's lab, Julia is:
✔️ Advancing research on the manufacturing of RNA therapeutics
✔️ Contributing to a D2R-funded project led by Ioannis (Jiannis) Ragoussis that is exploring nanopore sequencing approaches to streamline RNA therapeutic quality control
✔️ Supporting the PATH RNA Cooperative, funded by the Gates Foundation, by helping develop biomanufacturing protocols to strengthen global capacity for RNA therapeutics

"I have really been able to find my community within D2R."

👉 Read the full interview with Julia: https://www.mcgill.ca/dna-to-rna/article/training/trainee-spotlight-julia-fulber

💡 BONUS: Curious about the steps involved in manufacturing an mRNA therapeutic? Julia breaks it down in the interview.

09/30/2026

🧡 On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Tamara Hansen, D2R's Associate Director, Indigenous Health Research, reflects on what reconciliation means in research, why relationships matter, and what gives her hope for the future of Indigenous health research.

09/29/2026

🧡 Research involving Indigenous Peoples requires more than good intentions.

It requires an understanding of history, relationships, Indigenous rights, community priorities, research ethics, and the ways in which research itself has contributed to harm.

Research can contribute to reconciliation when it is conducted with Indigenous Peoples and communities, when Indigenous priorities help shape the research agenda, and when Indigenous knowledge, governance, and decision-making are respected.

Today’s spotlight includes: Philippe Gros, PhD, OOC (D2R’s Chief Scientific Officer), Amélie Quesnel-Vallée (D2R’s Associate Scientific Director), D2R Support Office, D2R-HeDS team and Benjamin Kaufman, MA (D2R Scholar)

09/28/2026

🧡 Research has not always benefited Indigenous communities. Historically, Indigenous Peoples were often treated as subjects of research rather than partners in it, with studies conducted without meaningful community involvement, shared decision-making, or clear benefits for the communities affected.

Meaningful engagement involves partnering with communities, supporting Indigenous leadership, respecting Indigenous knowledge, and addressing community priorities. D2R offers resources and guidance to help researchers put these principles into practice, including tools and materials available on our website: https://www.mcgill.ca/dna-to-rna/indigenous-health-research

Spotlighting the Jörg Fritz's Lab and Silvia Vidal's Lab as they join D2R's Research Can Be Reconciliation campaign and reflect on the role research can play in advancing reconciliation.

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