Pierre-Erik Isabelle
Master's degree in Water Sciences (2015)
Research professional at Laval University
“It was fascinating to see everything that goes on in science, rather than just sitting behind a computer or writing down data.”
When Pierre-Erik Isabelle arrived at INRS with a clear desire to pursue research, he quickly found an environment at the Centre Eau Terre Environnement that matched his ambitions. While studying water engineering at Laval University, he already knew that he wanted to continue beyond his bachelor's degree. “INRS enjoys a certain reputation in Quebec City, especially in water sciences,” he explains. His internship on campus confirmed his choice, and his supervisor then invited him to pursue a master's degree, an invitation he accepted without hesitation.
Upon his arrival, Pierre-Erik discovered an environment where opportunities abound and students are actively encouraged to excel. “For a master's degree, all the opportunities I was offered were pretty crazy,” he says. He participated in four conferences, including two in the United States, published two scientific articles, and got involved as a teaching assistant. These experiences had a profound impact on him and shaped his approach to research. He also enjoyed campus life: “I really liked the location of INRS in downtown Quebec City, a city I love and which has become my adopted home.”
Among his most memorable experiences, he recalls his first conference, held at INRS in 2013. “It was fascinating to see everything that goes on in science, rather than just sitting behind a computer or writing up data,” he says. This event was a turning point: he realized that research isn't just about working in the lab or in the field, but also about sharing. “Science is also about communicating results,” he says.
No sooner had he completed his thesis than Pierre-Erik went on to pursue a doctorate, first at Polytechnique Montréal, then at Laval University, following his supervisor in this change of institution. There, he continued to seek out opportunities to excel, giving nearly a dozen lectures, publishing four scientific papers, and gaining valuable teaching experience. After completing his PhD, he decided to dive into applied research at the Quebec-based company Premier Tech, where he discovered a very different but equally stimulating environment.
He then returned to Laval University as a research professional, a role that allowed him to maintain and operate permanent measurement facilities set up during his PhD. “We now have 10 years of accumulated data,” he says proudly. He manages data collection, project administration, and the supervision of students who use these valuable time series in their work. It is in this position that he now thrives.
According to him, INRS remains an ideal place to start a scientific career. He emphasizes the quality of the support provided: “We are very well supervised. This allowed me to focus on my research without having to manage everything else.” This constant support helped him build his skills and confidence.
He offers today's students a simple but essential piece of advice: seize opportunities. Looking ahead, Pierre-Erik's main goal is to keep up the momentum. “I love the position I'm in right now. I hope to continue gathering data and scientific knowledge and advancing science for as long as possible.”
[Interviewed in May 2025.]