Ophélie, who attended high school at Collège de Montréal followed by cégep at Collège André-Grasset, originally applied to Laurentian on a whim. A late-night internet search inspired by her favourite TV show Bones led her to Forensic Science,, and with only hours to spare before the deadline, she submitted her application. A month later, she received her acceptance letter, setting in motion a journey that would shape her future.
She arrived at Laurentian in 2021 to study Forensic Science and Biology, a double specialization that allowed her to discover her true passion in biomedical research. Now a master’s student under the supervision of Dr. Jeffery Gagnon, Ophélie is investigating the role of a key hormone, GLP-1, in colitis, an inflammatory autoimmune disease affecting the gut.
“Most people know GLP-1 because of Ozempic, a modified version of the hormone used to regulate blood sugar and appetite,” Ophélie explains. “My research looks at the cells that naturally produce GLP-1 and how inflammation affects them. The goal is to determine whether an antioxidant—potentially derived from microbes—could restore normal GLP-1 levels, offering a new approach to treating colitis.”
Beyond the lab, Ophélie has immersed herself in the Laurentian community. She has been a Residence Assistant, a Teaching Assistant for chemistry labs, and an active member of the Biology Society. She currently serves as co-president of Next Gen Sudbury, a student-led organization promoting blood and plasma donation.
As a francophone student in a program offered in English, Ophélie says she has had many opportunities to speak and study in both languages, including getting her Certificate of Bilingualism by taking the required number of French courses.
“I’ve built incredible connections here,” Ophélie says. “I met my first-year lab partners because I overheard them speaking French—and I immediately jumped in. Having that support system helped me feel comfortable and eased my transition. My roommates, randomly assigned in first year, are still my best friends years later. Laurentian has given me both academic opportunities and a second family.”
Ophélie’s aspirations continue to grow. She is dedicated to research as her ultimate goal is to attend medical school and pursue a career as a surgeon. Her ideal future involves balancing clinical practice with ongoing medical research.
“It’s an ambitious path, but I love research, and I love hands-on problem-solving. Working at a research hospital would be the best of both worlds,” she says.
From a spontaneous decision to apply to Laurentian to leading innovative research, Ophélie’s journey highlights how curiosity, perseverance, and the right environment can open doors to unexpected and meaningful opportunities.