Dr. Pierre Billon

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Pierre Billon completed his Ph.D. in Cellular Molecular Biology at Laval University, where he worked under Pr. Jacques Côté at the Cancer Research Center. His research primarily investigates the functional roles of post-translational modifications in DNA replication and repair factors. Following his Ph.D., he undertook postdoctoral training at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, under Dr. Alberto Ciccia, where he studied the connections between cellular DNA repair mechanisms and genome editing technologies. His work led to the development of new tools and methodologies, enhancing genome editing capabilities for applications in cancer detection and treatment. In November 2020, he established his own laboratory at the University of Calgary in the Cumming School of Medicine and became a member of the Robson DNA Science Centre and the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute. His research focuses on genome stability and the innovative applications of CRISPR-based precision genome editing to address hereditary diseases and cancer. Billon's laboratory aims to control DNA repair mechanisms to improve the efficiency and safety of genome editing technologies, thereby contributing to the fundamental understanding of DNA repair mechanisms and the development of targeted cancer therapies.

Research Interests

Courses

Chromatin Dynamics Epigenetics Nucleic Acids, DNA Replication, Transcription RNA Signalling

Requirements for University of Calgary

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:97
GRE General
Verbal
Required:150
Quantitative
Required:159
Analytical Writing
Required:5.5
Overall
Required:5.5
Prerequisites
4-year Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent 3rd or 4th year course in Theory of Computation 3rd or 4th year course in Software Engineering 3rd or 4th year course in Systems (OS, Compilers, Networking) 3rd or 4th year course in Application (AI, Graphics, Databases)
Application Checklist
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Two Letters of Reference
Specialization Notes

Department of Computer Science Master's program. GRE scores are expected for international students.