Hasna Maachi, PhD

Hasna Maachi completed her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry at the University of Montréal followed by a MSc and a PhD degree in pharmacology. During her graduate studies, Hasna worked under the supervision of Dr Vincent Poitout where she studied the rodent and human β-cell proliferation in order to restore the beta cell mass loss associated with Type 2 diabetes. Then Hasna joined the Hebrok’s lab to study stem cells as a source of newly generated β cells and investigate the mechanisms underlying the β-cell identity lost or gain like dedifferentiation or transdifferentiation. In addition to being a scientist, Hasna is a follower of ‘Mens sana in corpore sano’ or a healthy mind in a healthy body, which is why she practices many sports including kung fu, dance and swimming.