Summary
Leon French is a computationally skilled bioinformatics scientist with 13 years of experience applying machine learning and deep neural networks to large-scale transcriptomic datasets to illuminate brain anatomy, development, and disorders. Currently a Senior Research Associate at the University of Toronto and a scientific advisor in industry, he bridges academic research and biopharma consulting with a focus on neuroimmunology and neurodegeneration. His interdisciplinary publications demonstrate a track record of extracting robust signals from complex cohorts and translating them into biological insight alongside diverse collaborators. Trained as a PhD bioinformatician with prior roles as an assistant professor and independent scientist, he combines rigorous computational methods with deep domain knowledge of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disease biology. Less obvious: he pairs a strong software and teaching background in computer science with hands-on neuroinformatics tutoring experience, enabling clear communication of complex analytical approaches to both technical and clinical audiences.
13 years of coding experience
9 years of employment as a software developer
Doctor of Philosophy, Bioinformatics, Doctor of Philosophy, Bioinformatics at The University of British Columbia
Master of Science, Computer Science, Master of Science, Computer Science at University of Windsor