Savandara first completed her B.Sc in Biology and her M.Sc in Bioinformatics at Université de Bordeaux (France). She became passionate about research during her experience in the iGEM (international Genetical Engineering Machines) competition and her M.Sc internship with Dr. Cassandra Extavour at Harvard University (United States). There, she developed strong interests in comparative genomics and evolutionary biology, working on Oskar protein, an essential gene for germ cell formation in insects.
Since January 2018, she is a Ph.D. candidate at Université de Montréal (Canada). Her project aims to identify fundamental principles explaining the differences between the maximum lifespan of different organisms, such as the mouse and naked mole-rat. Dr. Adrian Serohijos and Dr. Julie Hussin are her co-supervisors.

Contact : savandara.besse [at] umontreal.ca
Address : Département de Biochimie, Université de Montréal