NMD4C Welcomes Two New Staff Members

The NMD4C recently welcomed two new members to the network coordination team! Marine Christin, PhD joins us as the new Pre-Clinical Science Coordinator, and Maria Masnata, PhD joins as the Clinical Trials and Community of Practice Manager. 

 

Marine Christin, PhD | Pre-Clinical Science Coordinator

 

Marine Christin

After graduating with a BSc and an MSc in Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neurobiology, Marine Christin obtained her Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Interactions from Nice Sophia-Antipolis University. During her postdoctoral fellowship at McGill University, her research focused on investigating the role of ion channels in pain. Currently serving as the Program Manager for the McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, she oversees and coordinates research and educational activities within the Network.  

Within the NMD4C, Marine oversees the coordination of the animal and cell-based research activities, including the basic research summer school. 

 

Maria Masnata, PhD | Clinical Trials and Community of Practice Manager

 

Dr Maria Masnata, Clinical Trials and Community Practice Manager.Maria has over 10 years of experience in clinical and in preclinical research in the field of the Neurosciences. She received her M.Sc. in Pharmacy from University of Cagliari in 2015 and her Ph.D. in Neurobiology from Université Laval in 2021. Maria developed extensive experience in clinical research and project management during her previous role as the Assistant Manager of the Investigator-Initiated Trial team of the Clinical Research Unit at The Montreal Neurological Institute/Hospital (McGill University).  

With a proven track record of managing and coordinating projects leading to Health Canada-approved clinical trials, peer-reviewed publications and national/international presentations, Maria is committed to advancing healthcare and advocating for scientific innovation in her role as Clinical Trials and Community of Practice Manager. 

NMD4C welcomes two new staff members - Marine Christin, PhD and Maria Masnata, PhD

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