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. She recently graduated with highest distinction in June 2023. 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.