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Geneviève Lajoie

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Geneviève Lajoie
Photo: IRBV / Amélie Philibert
Geneviève Lajoie

A researcher in plant and microbial ecology, I joined the Jardin botanique team in 2021. I’m particularly interested in the ecology and evolution of the symbiotic relationships between plants and their microbiota. I like to use multidisciplinary research approaches to expand our understanding of interactions among species.

  • Research botanist at the Jardin botanique
  • Associate professor at the Department of Biological Sciences, Université de Montréal
  • Affiliations:
    • Québec Centre for Biodiversity Science (QCBS)
    • Programme de formation en sciences et services de la biodiversité computationnelle (BIOS2)
  • See her publications on her webpage.

Areas of research and expertise

  • Evolutionary and functional ecology
  • Plant-microbe symbioses
  • Microbial diversity of the phyllosphere
  • Organism response to climate change and urbanization

Education

Postdoctoral in Biology, 2020-2021
University of British Columbia

Doctorate in Biology, 2020
Université du Québec à Montréal

Master’s in Biology, 2014
Université de Sherbrooke

Bachelor’s in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, 2012
McGill University

About my work

Understanding the origin and consequences of microbial diversity on Earth constitutes a priority for 21st-century biologists. Applications of research in microbial biology are especially relevant for meeting the great environmental challenges of our generation, whether it be the improvement of human and plant health or maintaining the quality of the air, the water and the soil.

My research at the Jardin botanique has to do with the ecology and evolution of symbiotic relationships between plants and their microbiota. My laboratory seeks especially to understand which types of microbes live in association with the leaves of plants, and which physiological characteristics enable them to adopt that lifestyle. We’re also interested in the way that the plant microbiota can participate in the prevention of plant disease at the Jardin botanique.

Why I love research

Being a researcher is an exciting career that lets me continue to learn, to challenge myself and to exercise my creativity on a day-to-day basis. I love to read and discuss new subjects in biology and develop projects that will help strengthen our understanding. I feel privileged to be part of the collective and international adventure that scientific research comprises.

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