Serge McGraw, PhD

Principal Investigator

serge.mcgraw@umontreal.ca

Serge McGraw earned his PhD at Université Laval (Québec), where he worked with Dr. Marc-André Sirard on factors involved in chromatin remodeling in gametes and embryos. He subsequently joined Dr. Jacquetta Trasler’s group at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre at the Montreal Children’s Hospital (Montreal), where he developed expertise in developmental biology and epigenetics. As a postdoctoral researcher, he investigated epigenetic instability associated with disruptions in the maintenance of DNA methylation patterns during embryonic development. His work highlights, among other findings, the importance of the continuous activity of DNMT1 (DNA methyltransferase 1), which is involved in maintaining DNA methylation patterns, during the early embryonic stages for the future regulation of genes required for the nervous system. In 2015, Serge McGraw was recruited as a researcher at the CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Université de Montréal, where he is currently an associate professor with grant support.

Karine holds an MSc in Physiology-Endocrinology from Université Laval (Québec) and earned her PhD through the Integrated Program in Neurosciences at McGill University. She joined the McGraw Lab in September 2019, where she has since developed a patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) model and implemented protocols for neural differentiation and cortical organoid generation. Her work focuses on investigating the effects of functional heterozygous DNMT3A mutations on brain cell development. In addition to her research, Karine manages the lab’s organization, ordering, and day-to-day operations. Outside the lab, she enjoys cooking, baking, painting, running, strength training, and exploring the outdoors.

Thomas earned his PhD in Biology from the University of Nantes in France. His doctoral research, funded by the French Army, focused on the impact of stimulating O-GlcNAcylation in the management of hemorrhagic and septic shock. Thomas joined the laboratory in July 2023 and is currently working on several projects aimed at understanding the roles of DNMT3A and DNMT3B in neurogenesis, the effects of alcohol exposure on epigenetics during early embryonic stages, and the development of tools to edit the epigenome. Outside the lab, he enjoys sports, exploring Canadian landscapes through hiking or canoe camping, and sharing raclettes with friends.

Josianne earned her BSc in Health Biochemistry from the Université de Sherbrooke in 2022 and completed her MSc in Biochemistry at the Université de Montréal in 2024. During her graduate studies in Dr. Serge McGraw’s lab, she focused on the neurodevelopmental and epigenetic effects of DNMT3A mutations in a mouse model of Tatton-Brown-Rahman Syndrome. She is broadly interested in uncovering the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders, a passion that led her to begin her PhD in 2025. Outside the lab, Josianne enjoys playing softball, skiing, cooking, and spending time relaxing on the beach.

Carlos earned his Bachelor’s degree in Genomic Sciences from UNAM (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México). He gained international experience at Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, where he worked on computational biology and multi-omics data analysis. He later pursued a Master’s in Bioinformatics at the Université de Montréal and transitioned directly into the PhD program.Currently a PhD student in the McGraw lab, his research focuses on how DNMT1 and DNMT3A/B regulate DNA methylation to preserve epigenetic stability and repress transposable elements in stem cells. Passionate about epigenetics, stem cell biology, and developmental biology, Michel integrates RNA-seq and epigenomic data to uncover how the epigenetic landscape shapes gene regulation. He is also deeply committed to science communication and teaching, striving to make complex discoveries accessible and inspiring to others.

Elizabeth first joined the McGraw lab in 2017 as an undergraduate intern, continuing through her master’s and PhD studies, all within the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at the University of Montreal. Her research project combines molecular, cellular, and computational approaches to study how DNMT1 dosage perturbations in embryonic stem cells reshape the epigenome, disrupt developmental potential and shed light on mechanisms of disease. Outside the lab, Elizabeth enjoys traveling, hiking, cycling, learning to play the guitar, and spending quality time with her family.

Enola obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences from the University of Nantes and her Master’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Rennes, France. Throughout her studies, she developed a strong interest in molecular biology, cancer research, and epigenetics. During her Master’s internship in the McGraw lab, she investigated how DNMT3A mutations associated with Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome (TBRS) influence neuronal differentiation, exploring the molecular mechanisms linking altered DNA methylation to changes in gene expression.
She will soon begin a Master’s program in Molecular Biology at the Université de Montréal to further pursue her research on epigenetic regulation and its role in development and disease.

Good People. Good Vibes

Alice obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences in 2023 from the University of Nantes. She decided to continue her academic journey at the Faculty of Medicine in Rennes, where she completed a Master’s degree in Health Biology with a specialization in Neurosciences, graduating in 2025. She will begin her MSc research project in Dr. Serge McGraw’s laboratory in January 2026, focusing on neurodevelopmental disorders as well as on the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms underlying certain pathologies. This research will also serve as the foundation for her future Ph.D. project. Outside of her studies, she enjoys running, hiking, and spending time with animals.

Léane joined the McGraw Lab in 2023 as an undergraduate intern and is currently completing her Honours Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at the Université de Montréal. Her research focuses on DNMT3A mutations associated with Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome and the effects of preimplantation alcohol exposure combined with a methyl-donor-deficient maternal diet on embryonic brain development. She will soon begin a Master’s program in Biochemistry to further explore epigenetic regulation in development and disease. Outside the lab, Léane enjoys working out, outdoor sports, baking, and spending time with her family.