Research
Where curiosity becomes discovery.
RESEARCH THAT MOVES HOPE FORWARD
Through the Alexandre-Parks Doctoral Scholarships, the Foundation helps support emerging scientists at the Université de Moncton as they explore important questions in health and disease.
Local research · Emerging scientists · A future shaped by discovery
ALEXANDRE’S PASSION FOR SCIENCE
Science was an important part of Alexandre’s journey.
He studied Biology at the Université de Moncton before completing a Master’s degree in Experimental Medicine at Université Laval. In 2017, he began his PhD in Life Sciences at the Université de Moncton, where his doctoral research focused on breast cancer.
Alexandre’s journey in science was cut short, but his curiosity, dedication and passion for discovery continue to inspire the Foundation’s commitment to research.
Today, we help carry that passion forward by supporting the next generation of scientists.
OUR RESEARCH IMPACT
7
DOCTORAL SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED
$85,000
AWARDED IN DOCTORAL SCHOLARSHIPS
SINCE 2021
INVESTING IN LOCAL RESEARCH
THE SCIENTISTS WE SUPPORT
Meet the young scientists whose work carries the spirit of discovery forward.
2026 · A NEW CHAPTER
NOÉMIE GOURDON
First recipient of the new Alexandre-Parks Doctoral Scholarship Program
$30,000
OVER THREE YEARS
Noémie Gourdon is the first recipient of the Foundation’s new Alexandre-Parks Doctoral Scholarship Program. She receives $30,000 over three years to pursue her doctoral studies and research at the Université de Moncton.
Noémie Gourdon is pursuing a PhD in Life Sciences at the Université de Moncton under the supervision of Dr. Marc Surette. Her background in biology and experimental medicine led her to develop an interest in autoimmune diseases. Her doctoral research focuses on rheumatoid arthritis and aims to better understand the mechanisms involved in this disease in order to contribute to the development of new approaches for patients.
HER RESEARCH
Noémie’s doctoral research focuses on rheumatoid arthritis and the role of dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in modulating inflammation.
Her work explores how lipid mediators, platelets and platelet-derived microvesicles may influence the inflammatory process. By studying these mechanisms, she hopes to contribute to a better understanding of rheumatoid arthritis and to identify potential new avenues for research.
2025 · RESEARCH CONTINUES
JÉRÉMIE DOIRON
2025 — Alexandre-Parks Doctoral Scholarship
Jérémie Doiron is pursuing a PhD in Life Sciences at the Université de Moncton under the supervision of Dr. Marc Surette. His background in medicinal chemistry, biomedical research and mass spectrometry has led him to explore bioactive lipids and their role in inflammatory processes.
HIS RESEARCH
His doctoral research aims to better understand the changes and profiles of different lipids involved in the inflammatory process, particularly during the transition of monocytes into macrophages.
Using mass spectrometry techniques, his work seeks to shed light on the molecular changes that occur during the development and resolution of inflammation. These findings could contribute to the identification of new therapeutic targets in conditions where monocytes and macrophages play an important role, including certain autoimmune diseases and other inflammatory disorders.
2024 · A JOURNEY THAT CONTINUES
MARIE-FRANCE SOUCY
Alexandre-Parks Doctoral Scholarship
Marie-France Soucy pursued graduate studies in biochemistry at the Université de Moncton, where she completed her master’s degree under the supervision of Dr. Luc Boudreau. Her background in biomedical research led her to explore mechanisms involved in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
HER RESEARCH
Her research focuses on rheumatoid arthritis and the role of platelet-derived microvesicles containing functional mitochondria, known as mitoMPs, in inflammatory processes.
Her project aims to determine whether the transfer of functional mitochondria to human neutrophils can influence their survival and inflammatory state. Using human cells and a model of inflammatory arthritis, her research seeks to better understand the contribution of platelet-derived mitochondria to disease progression and identify potential new targets in the field of arthritis.
2021–2022 · FOLLOWING IN ALEXANDRE’S PATH
VANESSA VEILLEUX
Alexandre-Parks Doctoral Scholarship
Vanessa Veilleux pursued graduate studies in Life Sciences at the Université de Moncton under the supervision of Dr. Gilles Robichaud and the co-supervision of Dr. Luc Boudreau. Her research journey led her to explore breast cancer and the mechanisms that contribute to disease progression. She also had the honour of working on the research project initiated by Alexandre Parks.
HER RESEARCH
Her research focuses on the role of platelet-derived microvesicles containing functional mitochondria, known as mitoMPs, in breast cancer.
Her project aims to better understand how these mitoMPs may influence the energy state and malignant characteristics of breast cancer cells. By studying mitochondrial transfer and the bioactive content of these microvesicles, her research seeks to better understand mechanisms associated with breast cancer progression and metastasis.
RESEARCH IN MOTION
From research presentations to scientific publications, the work supported by the Foundation continues to move knowledge forward.
JÉRÉMIE DOIRON
37e édition du Tandem MS Workshop
Lake Louise, Alberta · Décembre 2025
Untargeted LC-MS of Lipid A for Predicting Polymyxin Resistance in Gram-Negative Bacteria
MARIE-FRANCE SOUCY
NB Health Research Symposium
Moncton, Nouveau-Brunswick · 2024
Platelet-Derived Microvesicles Modulate the Bioenergetic and Inflammatory Phenotype of Human Neutrophils
VANESSA VEILLEUX
American Association for Cancer Research
Orlando, Florida · April 2023
Research presented with Vanessa Gauvin
KEEPING DISCOVERY MOVING FORWARD
Alexandre believed in the power of science to make a difference.
Through the scientists we support today, his curiosity and passion continue to inspire new questions, new discoveries and new hope.
This is his legacy in motion.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Research takes curiosity, dedication and opportunity.
Your support helps the Foundation provide doctoral scholarships and give emerging scientists the opportunity to pursue research that can move knowledge and hope forward.