Dr. Jean Seely (Radiology/OHRI) is a leader in the field of breast cancer screening and imaging, dedicated to improving early detection and patient outcomes. As a clinician-researcher at The Ottawa Hospital and professor at the University of Ottawa, Dr. Seely combines her expertise in diagnostic radiology with her passion for innovation in breast cancer care.

A personal mission rooted in family loss

Dr. Seely’s commitment to breast cancer research is deeply personal. “I lost my grandmother to breast cancer at a young age,” she shares. This life-changing experience sparked her determination to make a difference.

Today, her work focuses on refining imaging techniques to detect breast cancer earlier and more accurately. She is driven by the belief that improving early detection methods has the power to save lives. 

Inspiration from trailblazing mentors

Throughout her career, Dr. Seely has been inspired by a network of remarkable mentors, including Dr. Bruce Porter, Dr. Laszlo Tabar, Dr. Paula Gordon, Dr. Linda Warren, and Dr. Nestor Muller. These pioneers have influenced her approach to patient care, research, and innovation.

Their guidance has instilled in her the importance of curiosity, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence in radiology.

Advice for future researchers

To the next generation of researchers and clinician-investigators, Dr. Seely emphasizes the importance of adaptability: curiosity and an open mind are essential, as is a willingness to embrace change in the ever-evolving landscape of medicine and science.

A love for the mountains

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Seely finds inspiration in nature. “I love the mountains,” she reveals. Hiking, cycling, and skiing are some of her favorite ways to recharge and find balance.

Dr. Seely’s research focus

• Enhancing breast cancer screening and diagnostic imaging
• Innovating early detection techniques to improve patient outcomes
• Mentorship and leadership in radiology and oncology

Through her work and her passion for advancing breast cancer care, Dr. Jean Seely exemplifies the profound impact of merging personal dedication with professional excellence.

Dr. Yannick Benoit (CMM) is an innovative cancer researcher and drug discovery expert with a passion for epigenetics. As the head of his laboratory at the University of Ottawa, Dr. Benoit’s work delves into understanding how gene regulation contributes to cancer progression, with the ultimate goal of developing groundbreaking therapies.

A personal journey into cancer research

Dr. Benoit’s dedication to cancer research stems from personal experiences that profoundly shaped his career. "I lost both of my grandfathers to cancer, one of them in his early 40s," he shares. Witnessing the devastation cancer brought to families, including childhood leukemias, left a lasting impression on him.

In high school, a classmate challenged him: “If you’re so worried about cancer, why don’t you try to find a cure?” This simple yet powerful question sparked a lifelong mission. A pivotal moment came in 1996, when Dr. Benoit joined a school trip to the Institut de Recherche Clinique de Montréal (IRCM). Hosted by Dr. Michel Chrétien, a scientist from his hometown of Shawinigan, QC, the visit offered a first glimpse into biomedical research. “I was amazed,” he recalls. “I saw an opportunity to contribute to the fight against cancer by becoming part of the scientific community.”

Inspired, he pursued a degree in biochemistry at the Université de Sherbrooke, setting him on a path he has followed ever since.

Mentors, teamwork, and the power of collaboration

Throughout his journey, Dr. Benoit found guidance and inspiration from mentors and colleagues. Teachers like Mr. Gaetan Proulx from his elementary school and the educators at École DuRocher in Shawinigan laid the foundation for his curiosity and drive. Later, his Ph.D. supervisor, Dr. Jean-François Beaulieu, played a pivotal role in shaping his approach to scientific inquiry.

“Dr. Beaulieu taught me how to tackle complex scientific questions and drive research projects efficiently,” Dr. Benoit explains. He also highlights the importance of teamwork: “I’ve been privileged to work with so many talented labmates, and they’ve shown me how essential team effort is in science."

Advice for aspiring researchers

Dr. Benoit’s path has not been without its challenges, and he encourages future scientists to remain steadfast. “Stick to your goals, and don’t let people crush them,” he advises. The journey to becoming a scientist is often fraught with skepticism and self-doubt.

“I’ve been told I wasn’t meant for research or that hiring me was as risky as rolling dice,” he admits. Yet, he emphasizes the importance of resilience, hard work, and constructive feedback. “Believe in yourself and surround yourself with people who bring out your strengths. And above all, ensure you are passionate about your work—this is not a typical day job.”

A hidden artistic side

Beyond the lab, Dr. Benoit has an unexpected creative outlet: music. Over the years, he has played in punk, metal, and alternative bands, performing under a stage name. “Thankfully, it’s hard to find traces of it online,” he jokes.

Dr. Benoit’s research focus

• Cancer biology, with an emphasis on epigenetics and gene regulation
• Drug discovery and innovative therapies
• Collaborative science to push the boundaries of cancer treatment

Through his research and his dedication to mentoring others, Dr. Yannick Benoit exemplifies the transformative potential of science fueled by passion, persistence, and a touch of creativity.

Dr. Arvind Mer (BMI) is at the forefront of leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to unravel the complexity of human biology. His innovative work focuses on the analysis of omics data—large-scale datasets that provide insights into genes, proteins, and other molecular components of life. By applying computational approaches to health and disease, Dr. Mer is advancing diagnostics, therapies, and preventive strategies to address some of today’s most pressing biomedical challenges.

A passion ignited at the intersection of Biology and Technology

Dr. Mer’s journey into bioinformatics and AI began during his undergraduate studies in biotechnology. “It was then that I discovered computational methods as tools for tackling complex bioengineering problems,” he explains. The ability to analyze vast datasets, generate hypotheses, and test them efficiently fascinated him, especially compared to the resource-intensive nature of traditional wet lab experiments.

This realization inspired Dr. Mer to pursue advanced training in bioinformatics and AI, leading him to explore innovative solutions that merge biology with technology. Today, his work contributes to a deeper understanding of life at the molecular level, bridging the gap between data and actionable insights in human health.

The value of mentorship and global perspectives

Throughout his career, Dr. Mer has had the privilege of working with exceptional academic mentors across four countries and three continents. “Their unwavering encouragement to pursue research and their trust in granting me the independence to explore scientific questions were pivotal to my growth,” he shares. These experiences not only shaped his expertise but also instilled in him a deep appreciation for the importance of mentorship in fostering innovation.

Dr. Mer emphasizes that these global experiences broadened his perspective on collaborative science, helping him build a foundation for success in the interdisciplinary field of bioinformatics and AI.

Advice for aspiring researchers

With the rapid advancements in AI and omics technologies, Dr. Mer highlights the increasing need for interdisciplinary collaboration in biology and clinical research. He offers three key pieces of advice to the next generation of scientists:

1. Build deep expertise in a specific field to develop a strong knowledge base.
2. Embrace collaboration with individuals from complementary disciplines, using tools like AI to address complex challenges.
3. Cultivate a network rooted in trust and respect, fostering an environment that supports innovation and discovery.

“Science is becoming increasingly collaborative,” he says. “Success in this field will depend on your ability to integrate diverse expertise and work toward shared goals.”

Cooking as a creative outlet

Outside of the lab, Dr. Mer finds inspiration in his kitchen, which he describes as his personal “wet lab.” “Cooking allows me to unwind and experiment with flavors and techniques,” he shares. It’s a creative outlet that complements his analytical work, providing both relaxation and joy after busy days in research.

Dr. Mer’s research focus

• Developing AI-driven approaches to analyze omics data
• Advancing diagnostics, therapies, and preventive strategies for complex diseases
• Exploring the intersection of computational biology and human health

Through his groundbreaking research and dedication to fostering collaboration, Dr. Arvind Mer exemplifies how technology and curiosity can transform the way we understand and address human health challenges.