PhD Students
Virginia Chiu
Virginia Chiu was born in Toronto and moved around throughout the years before settling in Uxbridge, Ontario in 2006. She completed the Forensic Biology Specialist program at the University of Toronto, earning her Honours Bachelor of Science with high distinction in April 2022. Now back in Durham to pursue a PhD at Ontario Tech University, Virginia is excited to branch out to other facets of her interest in pharmacogenetics in Dr. Desaulniers' Lab. Outside of the lab, Virginia likes to go to the gym, practice her digital art skills, and tend to her 13 carnivorous plants.
Daisee Lubrin
Daisee Lubrin was born in Saint Lucia and moved to Canada in 2019 to pursue her Bachelor of Science (Honours) Degree in Forensic Biology with a minor in Chemistry. For her MSc studies, she worked on synthesizing an alginate-DNA/RNA biosensor in a project co-supervised by Dr. Desaulniers and Dr. Stotesbury. As a PhD student, Daisee will be investigating the mechanistic details of short activating RNAs. Outside the lab, Daisee enjoys reading and traveling. She is also an avid fan of the CrossFit sport (hello kettlebells!) and enjoys watching the CrossFit Games.
Matthew Cranney
Matthew Cranney was born in Toronto and settled down in Courtice a little later in life. He completed the Specialist Program in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology at the University of Toronto in 2018, earning an Honours Bachelor of Science with high distinction. He has also completed an Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology with Honours at Durham College before studying at Ontario Tech University in the Applied Bioscience graduate program. He recently graduated his MSc studies on the genetic detection of the pathogenic bacteria Helicobacter pylori and Campylobacter jejuni within wastewater. As a PhD student, he will be investigating the potential of using DNA aptamers as a biosensor for illicit substances within wastewater. Outside the lab, Matt enjoys playing sports (particularly hockey and soccer), going to the gym, nature and playing video games.