By Aliénor Stahl, PhD candidate at Concordia University

Between October 21 and 25, 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the International Congress in Ecology and Evolution, held by the Société Française d’Ecologie et d’Evolution in Lyon (France), thanks to the support from the QCBS Excellence Award. SFE2 (the French Society of Ecology and Evolution) is dedicated to advancing the sciences of ecology and evolution in France through the development, integration, and sharing of knowledge across all dimensions of these fields. Representing the entire community of French ecologists and evolutionists, SFE2 collaborates with other societies and associations to foster meaningful dialogue among scientists, policymakers, and practitioners, creating a dynamic exchange of knowledge and ideas.

My research focuses on studying and modelling fish abundance with the aim of improving quantitative frameworks for predicting this Essential Biodiversity Variable and guiding decision-making processes in fisheries management. Presenting the first two chapters of my thesis at an international conference provided a meaningful platform for discussing my research with peers, fostering a sense of accomplishment and motivating me as I near the completion of my PhD. Sharing my findings with an engaged audience reinforced the importance of effective communication in research, pushing me to present complex ideas in a way that could be understood by specialists and generalists alike. Preparing my poster involved distilling years of work into a visually engaging and accessible format, which helped me think critically about the core messages of my research. Furthermore, it helped me better understand how to present the key concepts of my work and inspired new ideas for effectively conveying them during my PhD defence.

Moreover, being immersed in an international setting allowed me to observe and learn from the presentation styles of researchers from different cultural and academic backgrounds. I gained insight into how researchers from varied disciplines approach similar scientific challenges, which broadened my perspective on the adaptability of research methods.

Beyond academic engagement, attending the conference helped strengthen my confidence in presenting my work and discussing my findings with new audiences. This experience was pivotal in reinforcing the relevance of my research within the broader field and reaffirming my commitment to advancing my career in academia. As I progress toward completing my PhD, this experience will guide my future academic presentations and collaborations, helping me establish a solid foundation in my field. The encouragement and validation I received from the conference reinforced my commitment to my field of study and provided fresh motivation as I complete my final stages of my thesis.

In addition to the academic enrichment, I was fortunate to have time to explore some of Lyon’s unique attractions. I visited the renowned Parc de la Tête d’Or and spent an afternoon at the Lyon Zoo, where I had the chance to see giraffes up close—a memorable experience amid the lush, scenic park grounds. Later, I ventured into the historic city center to sample Lyon’s famed cuisine at one of its traditional ‘bouchons,’ intimate restaurants that serve hearty, classic Lyonnaise dishes and offer a warm, authentic atmosphere. This culinary experience was a delightful complement to my time in the city, allowing me to appreciate Lyon’s rich cultural heritage while indulging in its unique flavors. Altogether, these experiences made my time in Lyon both professionally rewarding and personally enriching, leaving me with cherished memories of both work and leisure.

About the author:

Aliénor Stahl is a PhD candidate at Concordia University, supervised by Dr. Pedro Peres-Neto and Dr. Eric Pedersen. She is interested in studying fish behavior and studies how to model fish abundance based on species co-occurrence and environmental data, relying on both simulations and empirical data.