Martial Leroy
Ph.D. candidate (Water sciences, INRS, Canada). MSc. 2020 (Biodiversity, Ecology, Evolution, Grenoble-Alpes University, France). BSc. 2018 (Earth and life sciences, Biological Oceanography, Aix-Marseille University)
Biographical Information
My name is Martial Leroy and I am a PhD student at the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) in Quebec under the supervision of Jérôme Comte and Isabelle Laurion. My thesis focuses on the degradation of permafrost leading to the formation of ponds that emit greenhouse gases (GHG) such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). The pluridisciplinary approach in microbiology and biogeochemistry will allow a better understanding of the impact of the formation of these water bodies on climate feedbacks on a global scale.
From alpine lakes to the Arctic Ocean, from the Mediterranean Sea to thermokarst ponds, I have always been passionate about aquatic sciences and have pursued this interest throughout my education. I obtained a Bachelor of Sciences in Biological Oceanography from the University of Aix-Marseille (France) with a thesis on algal and bacterial interactions in the Arctic Ocean. During this time, I discovered the Arctic and was further fascinated by microorganisms and their effects on the environment. I then obtained a Master of Science in Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution from the University of Grenoble-Alpes (France). I completed an internship on the Salmo trutta lacustris restocking program in Lake Leman (France) and a thesis on the diversity of nitrifying bacteria in subarctic sea ice at the University of Tromsø (Norway). At the Inrs center ETE I had the privilege to be elected president of the student association. I had to organize events and being the link between the administration, the professors, and the students, where I learned a lot about leadership, listening and organizational management.
Candidate Statement
My academic and personal background reflects diverse interests and experiences in the aquatic sciences: first in oceanography, and fjords which I studied. But also the lakes and alpine rivers where I grew up. I have a deep interest in terrestrial and freshwater microbiology and their function as key players in biogeochemical cycles, on which I am currently focusing. In this context, I believe I can bring a unique perspective to the committee and learn a great deal from its members.
That being said (or written), I have some ideas about the position. First and foremost, the Student Board Member is an ambassador for the scientific values of ASLO. Therefore, this position allows for collaboration with other student committees involved in various research groups, such as the Groupe de recherche interuniversitaire en limnologie (GRIL) and the Centre d'études nordiques (CEN), both here in Quebec where I am currently based. There are other committees I would like to contact, such as the Society of Canadian Aquatic Science (SCAS), or other committees that might be relevant in Canada, the U.S., or Europe, as ASLO has a calling to build an international network.
Second, as a student board member, I want to bring a student perspective to the decision-making process. I want to create a safe place for students, in all their unique paths and diversity, to share their research, network, and collaborate in trust and without judgment. To this end, I want to create a direct channel of communication from ASLO student members to the Board of Directors. This means bringing insights, ideas, and concerns from student members "up the chain". To ensure a proper collection, I would use my experience as student association president to gather all of this in a report that I would present to the Board. Thoughts would be collected with the creation of surveys and fed by direct consultations through presence to in-person and virtual meetings.
Third, I believe there is a need for workshops and tools to facilitate student engagement and communication. Therefore, I would like to contribute to the assessment of this challenge by providing students with a "kit" to facilitate the organization of science communication events.
Last but not least, as I work close to the Arctic, I would like to bring the concerns, questions and ideas of northern communities about their environment. In this way, they could be more involved in the creation of projects that would engage them and thus increase their interest. In this respect, it would create a privileged relationship between the northern communities and ASLO. I am deeply convinced that as concerns for the Arctic regions grows, it is essential to involve local people from the design of projects to the sharing of results.
I am eager to continue within ASLO as a student board member and I hope I have convinced you of my strong interest in the position and the contribution I could make.