Dr. Michel Lapointe
Research Scientist
Michel (Mike) Lapointe was born, raised, and educated from pre-K to Ph.D. in right here in Sudbury, Ontario. He earned a Ph.D. in Biomolecular Sciences from Laurentian University, with a research focus on radiobiology, specifically the radiobiological characterization of the desiccated yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) model system. This research investigated the impact of extreme radiation environments, from very high, such as the inside of a cyclotron accelerator vault at TRIUMF, to very low, such as deep underground at SNOLAB, on dried microbes to investigate the role of water in the biological radiation response. He then worked as a postdoctoral researcher on the REPAIR project, studying the role of naturally occurring ionizing radiation in normal biological processes, before accepting a Research Scientist position at SNOLAB.
In his capacity as Research Scientist, Mike continues to work with REPAIR as well as POLAR, which is studying the physiological effects of acute exposure to deep underground environments in humans. He also leads the MICRO project, which is characterizing the underground lab’s microbiome. Mike plays a role in all life sciences and biology research projects at SNOLAB.
How would you describe your work in simple terms?
My work revolves primarily around the study of deep-underground biology and physiology. The research projects I’m involved in are varied, from quantifying the impact of naturally occurring ionizing radiation on living systems to characterizing the microbiome of the deep underground lab, to determining whether brief, work-relevant exposure to deep underground environments affects human heart and lung health. The string that ties all these topics together is the unique environment that we’ve carved out, two kilometres underground, inside a clean lab located in an active nickel mine.
What does a typical day at SNOLAB look like for you?
SNOLAB days are almost never the same for me. Some days I spend in my office in the surface building typing away at my computer, writing reports, procedures, or analyzing data. On other days, I spend a shift underground doing cell culture, microbiology, or validating new methods, instruments, or technologies.
What is something about you that might surprise people?
My favourite hobbies are homebrewing beer and growing super-hot peppers like Carolina Reapers and Ghost Peppers.