Apolline, what attracted you to INRS? Tell us about your background.

I discovered INRS during a summer internship in 2016. I was particularly impressed by the quality of the supervision I received and the resources available to carry out the projects. So much so, that I have decided to return in 2021 to do a PhD under the supervision of Prof. Claude Guertin and the co-supervision of Prof. Philippe Constant, who were my tutors.

I wanted to do research in an environment that had stimulated me, but it was mainly because of these two professors that I chose to come back to INRS rather than elsewhere. I knew that I was going to benefit from sympathetic and high-quality supervision, two elements that are, in my view, extremely important when embarking on the great adventure that is a doctorate.

To date, I can only confirm the importance of such supervision, and I would like to thank my supervisors for that. What's more, I've found that INRS is full of brilliant students with whom the discussions are always more stimulating than the others!

Describe for us the challenge and impact of the research presented in your doctoral project.

In my PhD project, I'm looking at an insect pest, Conophthorus coniperda or the white pine cone borer. These insects attack only the cones and seeds, leaving the trees intact, but can wipe out the seed harvest in some orchards. They are considered to be pests, as the aim is to use these seeds for reforestation projects.

Cones attacked by the bark beetle stop developing and fall from the tree. This cryptic insect then begins its development cycle inside the cones, on the ground. To survive, the bark beetle probably interacts with a range of microorganisms whose dynamism enables it to adapt to an environment considered hostile. In this project, we hope to observe and demonstrate that biotic and abiotic determinants influence the dynamics of microbial communities associated with the white pine cone bark beetle. This will provide a better understanding of the successful establishment of this insect on its host and could ultimately lead to the development of effective control strategies against this pest.

Why insects and why study their establishment? These small invertebrates can easily be exported from one country to another through international trade. They then establish themselves in a new environment that is ill-prepared to deal with these invaders. The resulting damage can be catastrophic, both environmentally and economically (death of millions of trees, devastation of agricultural crops, etc.). That's why I think it's vital to take an interest in insects and how they establish and survive, so that we can be better prepared and fight effectively against those that become pests.

What does winning this scholarship mean to you?

I’d also like to stress that the success of my commitments was generally the result of teamwork, with people equally motivated to give students a voice and pass on their knowledge. Many thanks to them all!

From a practical point of view, this is a significant financial contribution that will enable me to pursue my adventures more serenely. I’d like to thank all the donors who make these scholarships possible.

What are your plans for the future?

For the moment, I'm going to concentrate on my doctorate and completing it. After that, I'm thinking of pursuing a career in the sciences, preferably in an environment where I can continue to pass on and share. Will that be in research, teaching, business or associations? I'll make a decision in due course, depending on opportunities and my affinities!

Aïcha, what brought you to INRS? Tell us about your experience.

During my Masters, I had the opportunity to do an internship at the Pasteur Institute in Dakar. My subject was viruses of the Flavivirus genus. It was a great experience and a successful introduction to the world of virology. On my return to Montreal, I obviously wanted to continue my studies on the same subject. My search for a host laboratory led me to Professor Laurent Chatel-Chaix's laboratory and thus to INRS. Professor Chatel-Chaix's research interests interested me enormously. After a five-month internship, I started a PhD under his supervision.

What are the challenges and impact of the research presented in your doctoral project?

My research focuses on the Zika virus. This virus is transmitted by bites from Aedes mosquitoes, by sexual contact or from mother to child. While Zika virus infection in adults is generally asymptomatic, the consequences are more dramatic in newborns. Infection during pregnancy can cause a rare condition for which there is no treatment or vaccine: congenital Zika syndrome. This syndrome can result in an abnormally small head (microcephaly) and major neurological defects that affect motor skills, quality of life (sleep, eating and communication) and survival.

Most cases of infection reported in Canada are linked to travel to (sub)tropical regions. However, it would not be surprising to see cases emerging in Canada. This is because globalisation, urbanisation and climate change are having an impact on the vector's range: Aedes is spreading northwards. As part of my PhD, I'm looking to monitor and better understand the effects of this pathogen on the developing brain. To do this, I'm using an innovative animal model, the zebrafish.

What does winning this scholarship mean to you?

I would like to thank the INRS Foundation and its donor members for their generosity.

Finally, I dedicate this leadership and commitment award to all those who are working to make the scientific research community fairer, more inclusive and more diverse.

What’s next for you?

I’m in the final months of my PhD. The desire to do a post-doctorate is growing inside me. I'm in a period of reflection. Despite the uncertainty that comes with the end of my PhD, two things are certain: firstly, I won't be moving away from science, and secondly, I'll continue to get involved because it's essential for me to find a balance between the exciting world of science and community involvement.