By Emily Martin
Stepping out of the Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) on April 3rd, I wished I had packed another warm coat. Accustomed to southern California weather, I had forgotten what “cold” and “winter” actually felt like- uncomfortable and disagreeable. Two days after my arrival, Montreal was hit with a freezing rain and ice storm, called the “Montreal Ice Storm of 2023.” This storm brought down trees, knocked out the power of thousands of homes for days, triggered traffic collisions, and made my personal walking commute to the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) quite slippery (Image 1). Mirroring this unpleasant weather, my first week was the most challenging segment of the ASLO LOREX research experience. I found myself learning everything at once, feeling overwhelmed at the start of this new chapter. I was slipping and sliding all over the place, trying to gain a stable footing in my host lab and in the city of Montreal. However, the cold, icy days of Canada eventually turned sunny and enjoyable, and like the changing weather, I found a comfortable foothold and a sturdy foundation, both in the lab and in the city. The ice melted. The adjustment period waned. Montreal started to feel like a home (Image 2).
Back in sunny southern California, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect on my ASLO LOREX experience. Leaving Montreal was bittersweet (Image 3). The program allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, meet amazing people, become more self-sufficient, and develop more flexibility. As an early career scientist, it was priceless to build professional connections with other researchers and to expand my research interests. Lastly, it was great to have the chance to live in a bustling and lively city, even though my stay was only for a few short months. In the end, my time in Montreal was unforgettable and invaluable, fostering growth as a person, a limnologist, and an advocate for international collaboration (Image 4).
After my research experience, I had the privilege to travel to Palma De Mallorca, Spain to attend the 2023 Aquatic Sciences Meeting. I presented my personal perspective and some preliminary research findings of my time in Montreal, showcasing my LOREX experience. As the first person of my cohort to have completed my exchange, it was great to share my travel advice and to meet the other cohorts of LOREX students. International collaboration opens up so many opportunities, and I am excited to hear what the other students in my LOREX cohort do during their stays. Additionally, being my first in-person conference, it was inspiring to see and hear the innovative and essential research my peers are completing (Image 5). While lakes, oceans, glaciers, etc. will face and are experiencing great challenges with the start of the Anthropocene, the ASLO community displayed hope, optimism, active collaboration, and urgency for facing and researching global aquatic threats.
To anyone wanting to participate in international research and collaboration, go for it! Just like walking on ice-covered streets, it can be challenging. You may fall a couple of times, but navigating obstacles to reach a new destination can be rewarding and empowering.
Merci beaucoup, Montreal, Derry Lab, and ASLO LOREX!