An inspiring journey, a unique experience
Our graduates share their learning experiences, telling us about their memories, discoveries, and lifelong connections during their studies.
Their time at INRS has been significant and has opened up endless possibilities for their careers.
Elsa Goerig (PhD, Earth sciences, 2017)
Postdoctoral research fellow, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
“My time at INRS has allowed me to acquire different skills, all of which are complementary to each other.”
Judith Mogouong (PhD, Biology, 2022)
Postdoctoral Fellow, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
“Perseverance, rigour and determination are some of the qualities I was able to develop during my four years as a doctoral student at INRS.”
Ahlem Zaghmi (PhD in Energy and Materials Science, 2021)
Postdoctoral fellow, Karolinska Institute, Sweden
“The PhD is not just a research job, it is also a chance for personal development and it allows us to integrate and expand our network of contacts.”
Seda Yasa (PhD, Biology, 2022)
Postdoctoral research fellow, Neurology, Harvard Medical School
“Without adequate financial support, it is almost impossible to do research. I have been extremely fortunate to have the support of INRS through scholarships and awards. This has allowed me to focus on my research work.”
Bruno Boussicault (Master's degree in Earth sciences, 2008)
Geologist and geophysicist at ConeTec Peru S.A.C.
“The network of professionals available to us students in order to mentor and guide us in our work was excellent. I felt supported throughout my course, even when there were inherent difficulties in relation to my research.”
Valérie Guilmain (Master's degree in research practices and public policy, 2010)
Senior socio-economic planning officer, Québec Ministry of Culture and Communications
“The INRS stands out from the big universities because students can easily work with professors who are accessible and have a large network in several sectors.”
Golara Golbaghi (PhD Biology, 2020)
Associate Scientist at Turnstone Biologics
“The most important lesson I learned while studying at INRS is to always think outside the box. If a project doesn’t work, there is usually a way to look at it from a new angle. Negative results can open new doors.”
Valérie Ouellet (M.Sc. (2006) and PhD (2013) in water sciences)
Diadromous Species Scientist, Fisheries team, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, USA
“The strength of INRS is its collegial structure. During my studies, I was able to propose ideas and be supported by both professors and administrative staff. The structure of the Institute ensures that student life and student development are at the forefront.”
Alice Gaudreau (M.Sc. Knowledge transfer and mobilization, 2020)
Junior Policy Analyst, Employment and Social Development Canada
“My training at INRS allowed me to understand the importance of research in society and to be able to apply it in different practice settings, including government and community settings.”
Hamza Loucif (PhD Virology and immunology, 2022)
Postdoctoral researcher, virology and immunology, McGill University
“My studies at INRS have had a positive impact on my career path. I met inspiring professors who were passionate about research. It was a real springboard in my career.”
Arnaud Alriq (M.Sc. Urban studies, 2002)
Development Officer, Urbanis
“INRS taught me to develop an analytical mindset and to structure ideas through a well-defined upstream research framework.”
Elyas Aissia (M.Sc. Water sciences, 2021)
Science Communicator at LaSciencedAbord and Administrator at Science pour tous
“INRS helped me learn how to communicate about science in a more effective and intelligible manner according to the target audience. The training I received at INRS goes beyond the lab.”»
Lan Huong Tran (PhD, Water Science, 2009)
Research Associate, INRS
“My studies at INRS prepared me well for a career in scientific research. INRS is where I learned to work autonomously and effectively to bridge research and its applications.”
Achref Methenni (PhD, Telecommunications, 2018)
Wireless technical support consultant, Rogers Communications
“My research experience at INRS allowed me to fully express my creativity, a strength that helps me move forward in all my projects, bringing innovative ideas and a different perspective to the table.”
Marie-Lise Tremblay (PhD Energy and Materials science, 2011)
Researcher and Project Manager at Hydro-Québec
“INRS enabled me to build bridges between scientific research and industry, and to accomplish concrete goals using science to help resolve issues.”
Jean-François Montreuil (PhD Earth sciences, 2016)
VP-Exploration for Red Pine Exploration and Chief geologist, MacDonald Mines Exploration
“I appreciated the applied dimension of my PhD research at INRS, which helped focus decisions on exploring new mineral resources and revaluating old mining sites.”
Lalit Kumar (PhD, Water sciences, 2020)
Postdoctoral fellow, INRS
“I chose INRS for my studies because it has world-research facilities for carrying out research work. It really helped me to learn and grow as a researcher.”
Guillaume Nielsen (M.Sc. Earth sciences, 2012, et PhD Earth sciences, 2018)
NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Northern Titulaire Mine Remediation, Yukon University
He says he “cherishes” his “very professionalizing” experience at INRS. He continues to benefit from the personal and professional network he developed here.
Christelle Paré (PhD Urban studies, 2016)
Independent researcher and teacher at École nationale de l’humour
She believes that her ability to take a global perspective on the humour industry comes from her training at INRS, where she was taught the importance of a good conceptual framework.
Jonathan Denis-Jacob (M.Sc. Urban Studies, 2011)
Director and Head of Advisory services, Colliers International
To him, studying at INRS is the equivalent of “having a full-time research job.” The many opportunities for collaboration in research projects with different agencies, the federal government, or the city of Montréal in parallel with his thesis project, provided “the best preparation” possible for the job market.
Samuel Vézina (PhD Demographics, 2019)
Analyst, Statistics Canada
Samuel found at INRS “a specialization that uses advanced technology to effect positive change, not only in demographics, but also in sociology, economy, and public health.”
Daria Riabinina (PhD in energy and materials sciences, 2007)
Director, Technology Transfer, Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation du Québec
“INRS is a unique research and teaching environment that values excellence and diversity. For me, this award is a great recognition of an unconventional career that demonstrates the importance of developing transversal skills and their impact on professional success.”
Sara Magdouli (PhD Water sciences, 2017)
Contaminated Effluent and Process Water Laboratory Coordinator, Centre technologique des résidus industriels (CTRI)
Associate Professor, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue
At INRS, Sara found "a scientific community that valued versatility, multidisciplinarity and the application of knowledge," three qualities that she views as assets in her career.
Bochra Manaï (PhD urban studies, 2015)
Commissioner, Bureau de lutte contre le racisme et les discriminations systémiques, Ville de Montréal
Preoccupied by the issues of racism and inclusion, Manaï likes “to use knowledge to transform. Society may advance with science, but knowledge must be accessible to everyone.”
Barbara Augustin (M. Sc. Applied Microbiology, 2006)
Teacher, Cégep de Saint-Laurent
She believes that the outstanding support she got at INRS left her with an excellent foundation of knowledge—knowledge she now shares with others on a daily basis. This solid base gave her the confidence she needed to undertake a teaching career.
Marie-Pierre Ippersiel (Ph. D. Urban studies, 2004)
President and Executive Director, PRIMA Québec
“To me, the fact that INRS eschews traditional university departments and faculties is an advantage that lets it move forward, guided by its research themes.”
Carole-Anne Gillis(PhD Water Science, 2017)
Research Director, Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council
When she arrived at INRS in 2009, she says she was “open to different work experiences, internships, and training opportunities.” She encourages students to seize these opportunities for professional development.
Étienne Lyrette (M.Sc. in Urban Studies, 2003, and PhD in Urban Studies, 2010)
Chief of staff to the president and executive director, Société de transport de Montréal (STM)
“It’s a place with so many opportunities. I always had plenty of options at every stage of my journey at INRS. I was active in various research groups, with many unrelated to my doctoral theses.”
Anne-Pascale Richardson (PhD Biology, 2009)
Program Manager, AquaHacking
“... It’s something that has continued to serve me as I’ve developed and grown in a variety of work environments. It allows you to think outside the box, innovate in your field, and help others progress in their own fields.”
Étienne Richer (PhD Virology et Immunology, 2005)
Associate Scientific Director, Canadian Institutes of Health Research Institute of Genetics (CIHR-IG)
© Christian Fleury
He feels that all the opportunities to network and get engaged in the INRS community prepared him well for his professional career.
Guillaume Côté (M. Sc. Urban Studies, 2002 et PhD Urban Studies, 2007)
Principal Strategy Manager, Collins Aerospace
“You need to have drive. Pursuing a master’s degree or PhD is something you only do once. You have to enjoy what you do to be able to stick with it.”
Guillaume A. Girard (M. Sc. Energy and Materials Science, 2005)
Senior Systems Engineer, ABB Inc.
“In research, you have to learn to persevere”. It’s important to be open to criticism, he adds, and that can sometimes take a healthy dose of humility and self reflection.
Sébastien Fecteau (M. Sc. Water Sciences, 2006)
Executive leader, Quebec, WSP Canada
“[My studies at INRS enabled me to] make a career change and land the Genivar internship that led me to my current job”.
Are you an INRS graduate? Do you also want to share your memories and experiences with us? We can't wait to find out!
