Luc Gagné

Student Highlight – Luc Gagné

Hometown: Warwick, RI

Degree Program/Concentration: Master of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics

What brought you to the field of public health? I have two parents and three aunts working in healthcare, peaking my interest in this career path. An interest in biology developed into a fascination with molecular biology and genetics. A position in research working with cancer and developmental biology introduced me to epidemiology and biostatistics, which I found enjoyable.  My current course of study is a continuation of that interest.

What do you like most about the COPH?  The ability to work on my degree in a format and pace that best fits my work and home life, while also providing the access to world class teachers, research, and support. Everyone I have interacted with has been beyond helpful and accommodating.  As I progress through my studies, reading about the amazing things that are happening at the COPH is thrilling, as everything is on the cutting edge of public health medicine and research.

What are your career goals after graduation?  I want to do something that ties together all my interests of molecular biology, genetics, biostatistics, and epidemiology. I envision a career along the lines of bioinformatics working with NextGen sequencing of tumor samples to personalize chemo treatments.

Three things people may not know about me:

• I’m a self-avowed nerd. I love sci-fi, fantasy, and superheroes, from T.V. to books, to movies to comics.
• Being from Rhode Island, I love my Boston sports teams, but the Red Sox are probably my favorite. It’s in my blood. We buried both my grandfathers with Red Sox hats.
• I enjoy running when I have the opportunity. Between work, school, and two little boys, it’s rare thing to get to run, but pounding the pavement helps work out the stress.