By Camille Lévesque, PhD Student at Université Laval

This March, I attended my first international conference! I travelled to North Carolina for the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography’s (ASLO’s) Aquatic Sciences Meeting. It was an enriching experience that enhanced my academic knowledge and professional development. The conference offered a variety of talks displaying the diverse research being conducted in limnology and oceanography.

The theme of the conference, “Taking the Pulse of Aquatic Ecosystems,” was particularly relevant given the threats posed by climate change and increasing human impacts to water systems. With over a thousand attendees, the topics at the meeting ranged from localized studies, such as the paleolimnological history of specific lakes, to large-scale efforts, like global mapping of sea ice. I appreciated learning about these different scales of research and stepped outside my “scientific comfort zone” to engage with fields I was not very familiar with, such as the biogeochemistry of Arctic lakes and the use of ponds for flood management in North Carolina.

While the conference allowed me to meet participants from various countries, I also enjoyed connecting with other professionals from Quebec who work in similar fields. I found it rewarding to establish these connections, knowing that I would likely encounter them again at local conferences or in future scientific events. Networking is important in our field, and I left the conference with a sense of community and support.

The conference coincided with the beautiful spring bloom of the flowering trees in Charlotte, which made the city picturesque and fragrant. I took time to explore the area, discovering local parks and trying out several restaurants. 

A major highlight of the conference was presenting my research findings through a scientific poster. This opportunity allowed me to communicate my project to a wider audience and engage in discussions with fellow aquatic scientists. These conversations provided meaningful feedback that will help improve my work. As I approach the end of my master’s program, this experience was an excellent way to conclude my project and share my findings with the scientific community. I especially enjoyed engaging with researchers who also focused on reservoir ecosystems, as our shared interests led to valuable insights and enriching conversations.

In summary, the ASLO meeting in Charlotte was an impactful experience that combined scientific learning, networking, and personal enjoyment. It broadened my understanding of aquatic systems, helped me establish professional relationships, and left me feeling inspired as I continue my academic journey in aquatic science. It was amazing to witness the unwavering commitment of scientists to understanding the impacts of climate change and monitoring the health of aquatic ecosystems, despite the challenges facing the world today. I am eager to apply the insights I gained and continue learning more about the fields of limnology and oceanography.