Here is the profile of one of the 2024 CRC Excellence Scholarship recipients, Lucas Galey, a PhD student in Molecular Medicine in the team of Professor Étienne Audet-Walsh. Our scholarship program is made possible through the support of the Fonds de recherche en cancérologie from Université Laval.
Passionate about biology, Lucas Galey began his university studies in France with a bachelor's degree in biology and physiology, followed by a master's degree in health biology at Paul Sabatier University in Toulouse. During his studies, he acquired a strong foundation in cellular and molecular biology, as well as experience in patient-derived organoid culture. Notably, he completed an internship in Dr. Audrey Ferrand’s laboratory, which specializes in studying digestive diseases using human organoids. Organoids involve using patient biopsies to create structures that closely mimic the original organ.
Following his studies in France, he pursued further education by joining Prof. Étienne Audet-Walsh’s laboratory, which focuses on prostate metabolism in both normal and tumor conditions using organoid models. His research project aims to better characterize prostate metabolism to develop new anti-tumor approaches.
Although he only began his studies in Quebec in September 2023, Lucas has already co-authored an article recently published in *Nature Reviews Urology* and has presented his research at several conferences. During his graduate studies, he actively participates in student committees, including the CRC Next Generation Committee, where he helps organize events such as *Zoom sur la recherche*, which allows the general public to discover cancer research. He is also involved in initiatives like *Chercheur d’un jour*, where he introduces high school students to biological research. These unique and enriching experiences not only contribute to his personal and professional growth but also help him develop his science communication skills.