Building Scientists in Quebec: GCI Alumnus Continues to Find a Cure for Cancer

Professor Dominic Roy joined the GCI in 2017 as a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Professor Russell Jones. Perceptive to the rise of immunotherapy in cancer, Professor Roy sought training in the field of immunology: “After visiting the lab and the infrastructure in place at the GCI, I was convinced that the research environment would allow me to achieve my research goals.” In the next five years, he studied how cellular metabolism influences the function of T cells in health and disease. Discover Professor Roy’s work here.

The time spent as a postdocoral fellow were pivotal for Professor Roy. The GCI offered him the opportunity and the facilities to acquire new techniques and mentoring experience: “The infrastructure in place and the world-renowned scientists at the GCI have allowed me to achieve my research goals and publish a few papers, earn scholarships and build my CV to the point where it was competitive enough to land a position as a PI,” shared Professor Roy. At the end of his postdocoral studies, he obtained the prestigious Cancer Research Society’s Scholarship for the Next Generation of Scientists, helping him secure his current position as a PI at the CHUM Research Centre here in Montreal. Currently, Professor Roy is also an affiliate member in the département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie at the Université de Montréal.

One distinctive feature of Professor Roy's journey is his intentional shift between research fields. At the University of Ottawa, his PhD focused on oncolytic viruses before shifting to T cell metabolism at the GCI. Professor Roy merged these diverse experiences into a cohesive research program and now leads his team to understand how tumor metabolism impacts oncolytic virus replication and efficacy. Like Professor Roy, trainees that emerge from the GCI are equipped with a diverse skillset that enables fruitful transitions between fields and supports research interests to evolve. The GCI’s comprehensive and interdisciplinary training approach not only broadens knowledge but also instills a level of versatility in trainees that is crucial in the field of cancer research.

Professor Roy’s fellowship at the GCI also played a pivotal role in his decision to continue developing his academic career in Montreal, contributing to the research and development of cures within the province. The GCI’s extensive research networks foster a climate of shared knowledge and innovation within the Quebec scientific community. As a result, GCI alumni who remain to further develop their academic and professional pursuits within the province like Professor Roy find themselves well-connected, well-supported, and at the forefront of advancements in cancer research.

Finally, Professor Roy encourages scientists to celebrate small victories, embrace change, and find joy in their scientific journey. He emphasized that research is not only about scientific breakthroughs but also about the camaraderie and shared experiences. Thank you, Professor Roy, for sharing your story that exemplifies the GCI’s commitment to fostering talent within the heart of Quebec.

ACTIVELY RECRUITING NEW TRAINEES:

Professor Roy extends an invitation to prospective graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who are interested in tumor metabolism and oncolytic virus replication efficacy.

If you are interested, please send an email to dominic.g.roy@umontreal.ca with your CV, contact information, references and a cover letter describing your past research and your future goals.

Get in touch with Prof. Dominic Roy:

X (Twitter): @DominicGuyRoy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-roy-146302b1/

Email: dominic.g.roy@umontreal.ca