An inspiring path, a unique experience
Our graduates share their stories and the memories and experiences they had at our different research and learning centres.
Their time at INRS was a pivotal period in their career that opened up a world of infinite possibilities.
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 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)
Independant 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 Energy and materials science, 2007)
Technology Transfer Director, Québec Ministry of the Economy and Innovation
“ It's a multidisciplinary, multicultural place, with diversity also shown by how women take their places in science. INRS worked hard on that and it’s bearing fruit.”
Sara Magdouli (PhD Water Sciences, 2017)
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 [Montreal office on racism and systemic discrimination]
Preoccupied by the issues of racism and inclusion, she says she 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)
Instructor, 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 (PhD Urban Studies, 2004)
President and Chief Executive Officer, 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 CEO, Société de transport de Montréal
“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 and Immunology, 2005)
Associate Scientific Director, Canadian Institutes of Health Research Institute of Genetics (CIHR-IG)
Photo © Christian Fleury
He feels that all the opportunities to network and get engaged in the INRS community prepared him well for his professional career.
READ MOREGuillaume Côté (M.Sc. Urban Studies, 2002 and 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.
Sébatien Fecteau M. Sc. Water Sciences, 2006)
Manager of System Operations, Projects and Maintenance, Énergie Stockage EVLO
“[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!
