In 2024, the INRS Foundation announced the launch of two new scholarships to support research in reproductive health and fertility, thanks to the generosity of the Rita Henry-Breault and Gilles Breault Foundation. Congratulations to Neïla Miller and Marie-Caroline Daguste, the first two recipients of these scholarships.
Neïla Miller, a master's student in Population Studies under the supervision of Professor Laurence Charton, is the first recipient of the $2,000 Fondation Rita-Henry Breault et Gilles Breault scholarship. Her research project explores the use of fertility monitoring applications by healthcare professionals in Quebec. While these digital tools are increasingly popular with the general public, their adoption in clinics remains limited. Her work aims to understand the dynamics of adherence and resistance to these technologies, in order to promote their ethical and effective integration in the accompaniment of individuals and couples seeking conception.
Neïla Miller, Master's student in Population Studies
What brought you to INRS? What do you retain from your experience?
What brought me to INRS was my desire to contribute to social science research, while being trained in an interdisciplinary research environment with passionate researchers. For me, INRS stands out from other universities because of the proximity and opportunities it offers, creating a rich and stimulating learning environment.
Can you describe the issues and impact of your research project?
My research project examines the (non-)use of fertility apps by healthcare professionals accompanying individuals and couples seeking to conceive in Quebec. Despite the growing popularity of these tools among the general public, their integration into Quebec clinical practice remains little studied. This research aims to understand the dynamics of adoption and resistance to fertility applications among healthcare professionals, while examining the issues associated with their use in clinical practice. The aim is to provide insights to guide the ethical and effective integration of these technologies into fertility management in Quebec, so that it is beneficial for all involved.
What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?
Receiving this scholarship, awarded by a recognized foundation working in my field of study, is a valuable recognition of the quality and relevance of my research project. I'm proud to be recognized as a legitimate researcher in this field, which encourages me to pursue my project with determination.
How do you see the future?
I'm optimistic that my project will have an impact on the reproductive health field. I hope that this research can serve as a starting point for discussions around the use of digital technologies in fertility care, thereby helping to evolve practices and thinking in this sector. The ultimate aim is to ensure that healthcare professionals provide high-quality support to individuals and couples seeking to conceive.
Marie-Caroline Daguste, a master's student in experimental health sciences under the supervision of Professor Isabelle Plante, is the recipient of the $3,000 Suzanne-Parenteau scholarship. Her research project examines the combined effects of endocrine disruptors in cosmetic products on the hormonal health of exposed workers, such as hairdressers and beauticians. The aim is to improve prevention and protection of these professionals against the risk of breast cancer.
Marie-Caroline Daguste, Master's student in experimental health sciences
What brought you to INRS? What do you retain from your experience?
It was the cross-sectoral aspect of this research project that drew me to INRS. The project offered me the chance to work in both the basic and social sciences. At the same time, INRS enabled me to discover the world of scientific research. I have developed many skills in laboratory work, statistical analysis and scientific communication. These skills will certainly stand me in good stead for the rest of my career in scientific research.
Can you tell us about the stakes and impact of your research project?
Cosmetic products contain numerous endocrine disruptors (EDs), i.e. molecules with the ability to modify the functioning of our hormonal system. Previous scientific studies have linked them to reproductive health problems such as breast cancer. However, these molecules are often studied individually. This is hardly representative of the reality of workers such as hairdressers, make-up artists and beauticians, who use many of these products on a daily basis. These women are probably exposed to various PEs at higher-than-average levels. It is therefore essential to study the effects of exposure to a mixture of PEs and the impact they have on the risk of developing breast cancer.
Our project will enable us to offer better protection to workers, since our results will enable us to innovate in terms of risk prevention, notably by developing more specific and representative measures of workers' exposure.
What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?
I'm very grateful to the INRS Foundation for this scholarship to support research on endocrine disruptors. Knowing that our research work is recognized by the Foundation is very motivating. It encourages us to go further in our efforts to gain a better understanding of the effects of these molecules on the health of personal care workers.
What are your plans for the future?
I'd like to complete the laboratory tests currently underway to obtain as much data as possible on the effects of occupational exposure to endocrine disruptors on the health of workers. Once we have the desired results, we'd like to communicate them to women working in personal care, so that they can be informed of the risks associated with using cosmetics in the course of their duties.
These scholarships enable students and researchers to pursue their work and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in reproductive health. The Foundation warmly thanks the Rita Henry-Breault and Gilles Breault Foundation for its generosity.
Congratulations to Neïla Miller and Marie-Caroline Daguste for this well-deserved recognition! Their commitment and scientific excellence will undoubtedly help advance this essential field of research.
About the Rita Henry-Breault and Gilles Breault Foundation
The Rita Henry-Breault and Gilles Breault Foundation is a Canadian charitable organization created in 1988 to support Seréna Québec, founded by the Breault couple. Its support takes the form of grants made possible by the generosity of donors who share its objectives: to enable couples to better understand and take charge of their own fertility, to contribute to research and public education on family life, and to promote ecological family planning.
About Dr. Suzanne Parenteau
A medical graduate of the Université de Montréal, Dr. Suzanne Parenteau has devoted her career to education in women's health, maternity, natural family planning, breastfeeding, menopause, couple life and sexology in Quebec, Canada and internationally.
A lecturer at the Université de Sherbrooke and the Université du Québec à Montréal, she has also worked as a consultant for Family Health International, an American population and health research organization, the World Health Organization and the Institute for Reproductive Health at Georgetown University, Washington. Since its foundation, she has been a consultant to SERÉNA, a specialist in natural fertility management.
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