Open to opportunities

Olivia Cardinal

@oliviacardinal

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Ph.D. candidate in computational biology blending mathematical modeling with experimental data analysis.

Canada

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What I'm looking for

I seek collaborative research roles that combine quantitative modeling and experimental data, with opportunities for translational impact, mentorship, and publication.

I am a Ph.D. candidate in Computational Biology with a strong interdisciplinary background in mathematics, biology, and computational modeling. I combine experience building pharmacokinetic and differential-equation models, analyzing microscopy and immunofluorescence data, and conducting wet-lab research on bioengineered systems to drive translational research outcomes.

I have contributed to peer-reviewed publications on patient-specific in silico trials and combination therapies, served as a teaching assistant at the university level, and received multiple academic awards and research fellowships. I bring rigorous quantitative skills, hands-on experimental experience, and clear scientific communication to collaborative research teams.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Teaching Assistant

McGill University

Jan 2025 - May 2025 (4 months)

Coordinated guest lecture sessions, provided academic support to students, and supported assessment delivery for a senior-level genetics course (HGEN 400). Improved course logistics and student engagement during the semester.

Course Coordination Genetics

Honours Research Student

Concordia University

Sep 2022 - May 2023 (8 months)

Led an honours research project investigating yeast extracellular vesicles with surface-displayed human proteins, applying experimental data analysis and scientific reporting to characterize bioengineered systems.

Extracellular Vesicles Experimental Design Data Analysis Scientific Writing Molecular Biology

Undergraduate Trainee

McGill University

May 2022 - Aug 2022 (3 months)

Performed immunofluorescence analysis on SARS-CoV-2 patient serum samples and processed high-resolution microscopy data to identify antibody response patterns under faculty supervision.

Microscopy Data Analysis Serology Image Processing

Research Intern

Université de Montréal

Jan 2021 - Dec 2021 (11 months)

Analyzed patient-specific drug response data using in silico pharmacokinetic models and simulated optimized combination therapies for ovarian granulosa cell tumors.

Simulation Data Analysis Oncology Matlab

Teaching Assistant

Université de Montréal

Sep 2020 - Dec 2020 (3 months)

Conducted weekly tutorials and graded assignments for Differential Calculus (MAT1400), supporting students in mastering foundational mathematical concepts.

Tutoring Grading Differential Calculus Mathematical Communication

Research Intern

Université de Montréal

May 2020 - Aug 2020 (3 months)

Developed pharmacokinetic models using differential equations to optimize treatment strategies for ovarian tumors and simulated drug concentration dynamics in virtual patient profiles.

Simulation Mathematical Modeling Data Analysis Scientific Computing

Research Intern

Université de Montréal

May 2019 - Aug 2019 (3 months)

Enumerated irreducible polynomials over finite fields with prescribed coefficients using combinatorial and algebraic techniques to address problems in discrete mathematics.

Abstract Algebra Research

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

McGill University

Doctor of Philosophy, Computational Biology

2023 -

Activities and societies: Teaching Assistant (HGEN 400) Jan 2025–May 2025; Undergraduate Trainee May–Aug 2022; McGill Biomedical Research Accelerator (MBRA) Award

Ph.D. in Computational Biology in the Department of Human Genetics, ongoing doctoral research beginning in 2023.

Concordia University

Bachelor of Science, Cell and Molecular Biology

2021 - 2023

Activities and societies: Honours Research Project (BIOL 490) Sept 2022–May 2023; Faculty of Arts and Science Scholar; Dean's List; Campaign for the New Millennium Scholarship

Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology completed between 2021 and 2023 with an honours research project investigating yeast extracellular vesicles.

Université de Montréal

Bachelor of Science, Pure and Applied Mathematics

2017 - 2020

Activities and societies: Research Intern May–Aug 2019 and May–Aug 2020; Teaching Assistant (MAT1400) Sept–Dec 2020; Assistant to the Canada Research Chair

Bachelor of Science in Pure and Applied Mathematics completed from 2017 to 2020 with research internships in combinatorics and pharmacokinetic modeling.