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The INRS Foundation is pleased to announce that Sara Pouyande is the second recipient of the Mario Bergeron Scholarship. Established in honor of Professor Mario Bergeron, who devoted more than 25 years to advancing research in mineral and environmental chemistry at INRS, this award carries on his legacy by supporting the next generation of scientists and promising research projects for the future.
A doctoral student at the Water, Earth, and Environment Center, Sara Pouyande studies the effects of metal contaminants on freshwater ecosystems. Her research focuses specifically on the factors that influence copper toxicity in Lymnaea stagnalis, a freshwater snail used as a model organism in ecotoxicology. By deepening our understanding of the mechanisms that determine metal toxicity, her work will contribute to a more accurate assessment of environmental risks and better protection of aquatic environments.
Sara Pouyande, Ph.D. student in water sciences under the supervision of Professor Anne Crémazy
- What brought you to INRS? What stands out to you about your experience there?
I came to INRS from Iran to pursue a Ph.D. in water sciences because I wanted to work on environmental issues that have a tangible impact. INRS gave me the opportunity to join a research team with strong expertise in freshwater ecotoxicology and to develop my skills in a collaborative research environment. My experience has been enriching, both academically and personally, and it has helped me become a more independent researcher. - Can you describe the significance and impact of your research project?
Copper is a widespread environmental contaminant that can threaten freshwater ecosystems when present in high concentrations. My research focuses on the influence of environmental and biological factors on copper toxicity in the freshwater snail Lymnaea stagnalis. By improving our understanding of the factors that determine metal toxicity, my work aims to contribute to a more accurate assessment of environmental risks and better protection of freshwater ecosystems. - What does winning this scholarship mean to you?
Receiving the Mario-Bergeron Scholarship is a great honor and a significant source of encouragement at this stage of my doctoral studies. It motivates me to continue my research and confirms that my work has the potential to make a significant contribution to the environmental sciences. - What are your plans for the future?
I look forward to continuing my research, developing new skills, and sharing my findings in scientific publications and at conferences. I hope my work will help improve the management of metal pollution and the protection of freshwater ecosystems.
The INRS Foundation warmly congratulates Sara Pouyande on this honor and thanks everyone who, year after year, helps keep Professor Mario Bergeron’s legacy alive by supporting the next generation of scientists. We wish her every success as she continues her doctoral studies and research.