By Ankana Dey, MSc Student at Université de Sherbrooke

In the dynamic world of statistical science, opportunities to share research findings, exchange knowledge, and engage with fellow experts are invaluable. Recently, I had the privilege of delivering a contributed talk at the esteemed Statistical Society of Canada 2023 annual conference. Presenting my research work at the national conference was a significant milestone in my academic career. The conference brought together statisticians, researchers, and experts from diverse backgrounds, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and intellectual growth. 

The QCBS Excellence Award not only provided me with the opportunity to attend the conference but also enhanced my credibility and visibility in the scientific community. This support relieved the financial burden associated with attending such an event, enabling me to fully immerse myself in the conference experience. During the conference, I had the privilege of engaging in discussions with leading experts in my research area, exchanging ideas, and receiving valuable feedback on my work. This interaction with international researchers broadened my perspective and helped me gain insights into the latest advancements and emerging trends in my field. The award has undoubtedly elevated my profile and expanded my professional network, which will have long-term benefits for my research career. Overall, receiving the QCBS Excellence Award has been a transformative experience.

During the conference, I presented a collaborative study conducted with my supervisor, F. Guillaume Blanchet (from the Département de mathématiques at Université de Sherbrooke), on the topic of “Adapting Metacommunity Theory for the Human Microbiome”. Our research focused on understanding the distribution of microbial species within the human microbiome, which encompasses bacteria, fungi, protists, and viruses residing on or within individuals, including both plants and animals. The organization of microbial species across different parts of an organism’s body poses intriguing ecological and modeling challenges. We sought to address questions such as how microbial species disperse across various body regions and how the composition of the microbiome varies between different parts of an organism’s body. To tackle these inquiries, we employed metacommunity theory, which offers a valuable theoretical framework for comprehending the structure and composition of the microbiome. In summary, our research delved into the application of metacommunity theory to shed light on the intricate dynamics of the human microbiome, providing insights into the dispersal and composition of microbial species across different body regions.