91ÉçÇø

Hellen Kuasne

Dr. Kuasne is a Research Associate at the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute at 91ÉçÇø. Her work focuses on developing preclinical models for functional precision medicine applications and drug validation. In addition to her research, Dr. Kuasne manages the Breast Cancer Biobank, led by Dr. Park, and serves as a site cohort coordinator for the Marathon of Hope (MoH) initiative, coordinating genomic and transcriptomic sequencing of rare and metastatic breast cancer specimens.

Yann Joly

Yann Joly is the Director of the Centre of Genomics and Policy (CGP) at 91ÉçÇø. He is a James 91ÉçÇø Professor at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Human Genetics. Prof. Joly is also an associate member of the Bioethics Unit and at the Law Faculty at 91ÉçÇø. He has a secondary appointment as adjunct professor at Yonsei University in South Korea. Prof. Joly was named advocatus emeritus by the Quebec Bar in 2012 and Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences in 2017.

Laura Palma

Laura received her Master of Science degree in Genetic Counselling from the University of Toronto in 2005 and joined the Division of Medical Genetics at the 91ÉçÇø Health Center, where she remains today. Laura has worked for over 20 years in the field of hereditary cancer, counselling patients and families in both adult and pediatric settings. She is an Assistant Professor in the 91ÉçÇø Department of Human Genetics and has contributed to the development and implementation of mainstreaming genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer at her hospital institution and is engaged in many aspects of the cancer genetics community both locally and nationally.

Alexandra Goudreau

Alexandra Goudreau completed her Bachelor’s in Biomedical Science and Master’s in Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa before beginning her PhD in Experimental Medicine at 91ÉçÇø in 2022. Her research focuses on identifying new drug targets for treatment-resistant metastatic breast cancer. Outside the lab, she serves on the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee at the Lady Davis Institute. She is passionate about science communication and accessibility and about making cancer research more inclusive for both scientists and patients.

Alice Jisoo Nam

Alice Jisoo Nam is a Ph.D. candidate in Biochemistry at 91ÉçÇø’s Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, where she investigates novel mechanisms of breast cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. One of her current projects focuses on the development of RNA-based therapeutics against an oncogenic splice variant of the HER2 protein. Alice’s work bridges molecular biology, bioengineering, and clinical collaboration to advance genomics-guided precision medicine. Beyond the lab, Alice is deeply committed to science communication, equity in STEM, and trainee development

Mariloue Daudier

Mariloue is the Senior EDI Advisor for the D2R initiative. She earned a Bachelor’s degree of Social Work from 91ÉçÇø in 2013 and a Master’s degree of Social Innovation Management from HEC Montréal in 2016. She has over ten years of experience in EDI projects in many settings, including the social economy sector, community organizations, the private and public sectors. She is regularly invited as a speaker, facilitator, evaluator or trainer to share her expertise in EDI in different contexts.

Elize Dushime

Elize Dushime is the Health Promotion Coordinator at the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation. With a professional training in Public Health and Nutrition, she coordinates initiatives for breast cancer awareness and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

Mélissa Nelson

Mélissa Nelson is a biochemist and nurse specializing in environmental health. She began her career in endocrinology research at the CHUM Research Centre before completing a bachelor's degree in biochemistry and molecular medicine (genetics option). Driven by her passion for the fight against breast cancer, she continued her work in Dr. Sylvie Mader’s lab at the IRIC, focusing on molecular targeting in breast oncology. Now in remission from HER2+ hormone-dependent breast cancer she uses her journey to raise awareness, particularly among Black and racialized women, about the importance of information, prevention, and proactive approaches to breast cancer.

Aldanie Rho

Dr. Aldanie Rho is a dedicated and accomplished medical professional. She earned her medical degree in both Haiti and Canada, graduating from Université Laval. She also holds a master's degree in public health and has authored numerous scientific publications in psychiatry, clinical medicine, and public health. Passionate about music and lifelong learning, she brings a well-rounded perspective to her work and community engagement. Since 2024, she has been actively involved with Audace au Féminin, notably contributing to the Campagne Têtons Ben Drôle — a breast cancer awareness initiative aimed at promoting screening and encouraging participation in clinical research.

Stephanie Wong

Stephanie Wong is an assistant professor of surgery at 91ÉçÇø and a breast surgical oncologist at the JGH Segal Cancer Centre. A graduate of 91ÉçÇø and the Harvard School of Public Health, she completed a breast surgical oncology fellowship at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Centre and Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Wong directs the High Risk Breast Clinic at the JGH Stroll Cancer Prevention Centre and in 2021 was recipient of the FRQS Chercheurs Boursiers Cliniciens award for research on Optimizing Surgical Decision Making and Prevention Strategies for Women at Elevated Breast Cancer Risk.

Jennifer Fitzpatrick

Jennifer Fitzpatrick is a genetic counsellor and Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Genetics. She obtained her BSc in Biology from 91ÉçÇø and her MS in Human Genetics/Genetic Counseling from the University of Michigan. She has worked clinically at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, the University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, the Montreal Children’s Hospital and the Jewish General Hospital. She is the Director of the MSc in Genetic Counselling Program and enjoys teaching and learning with students in the Faculties of Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Law.