Here is the portrait of the recipient of the 2025 Michèle-Aubin Scholarship, Hanie Abolfathi, a doctoral student in molecular medicine in Dr. Philippe Joubert's team. The CRC scholarship program is made possible thanks to the funding of our centre by Université Laval as well as the support of the Cancer Research Fund of Université Laval.
Hanie’s passion for science began in childhood and has grown into a lifelong commitment to understanding the molecular basis of disease. After completing her high school studies in Experimental Sciences in Iran with top honors, she embarked on a university journey that would shape her career in medical research. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences and a Master’s in Molecular Genetics, graduating with distinction and gaining hands-on experience in both clinical and laboratory settings. During her master’s, Hanie completed an internship at Pasteur Institute of Iran, where she began focusing on the role of microRNAs in lung cancer, a topic that would become the foundation of her future research.
Her growing interest in the lung cancer genetics led her to Université Laval, where she is now pursuing a PhD in Dr. Philippe Joubert’s lab at the Quebec Heart and Lung Institute. She has published multiple research articles, driven by the belief that combining molecular biology and bioinformatics can transform patient care. Today, her research focuses on integrating gene expression data into the staging system for lung cancer, with the goal of improving diagnosis and treatment. She has presented this work at major international conferences, and continues to expand her expertise in molecular pathology and computational analysis.
In addition to her research, Hanie has remained actively involved in student research and social activities. She regularly presents at Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer (CRC) student scientific days and participates in science activities, and every session of “My Future in Science,” a forum dedicated to exploring research challenges and post-graduate career paths. Her dedication was recognized when she received the Best Presentation Award from the CRC–Université Laval in 2024. This scholarship from CRC will not only support the completion of her PhD but also help her take the next step toward becoming an independent researcher in academic health sciences.