Our Team
Dr. Jean Patrice-Baillargeon
Endocrinologist, Professor, and Research Director
My projects and expertise: I am a professor at the Université de Sherbrooke and an endocrinologist at the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS). I completed my clinical and research training in reproductive endocrinology in Richmond, Virginia (USA). My research has focused on polycystic ovary syndrome—a leading cause of infertility—and obesity management. Based on this work, I developed the Fit-For-Fertility program, which promotes the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits, with the support of the Sherbrooke team. I am currently dedicated to the Fit-For-Fertility multicenter randomized controlled trial, which aims to demonstrate the program's efficacy and efficiency for women dealing with both obesity and infertility.
Why I conduct research: I believe it is important to support women who are overweight and experiencing infertility in adopting healthy lifestyle habits, as this can help improve their fertility as well as their own health and that of their future children. Only high-quality research can convince professionals, clinics, and governments to make lifestyle-focused teams available within fertility clinics to assist couples who could benefit from them. This is the ultimate goal of my research.Farrah Jean-Denis
The journey to becoming parents can sometimes be fraught with obstacles. My daily motivation is to contribute to the evaluation of care methods that prioritize lifestyle habits in order to support couples who may need it.Research Coordinator
My projects and expertise: I began my research career in Cambodia, working on a project that examined the contribution of local foods to improving nutritional status—specifically iron status—among children aged 6–23 months. Subsequently, I focused on my master’s degree in nutrition in Senegal, studying the dietary intake of adolescent girls in Dakar and factors related to their environment and eating behaviors. Finally, I joined Dr. Baillargeon’s Fit-For-Fertility project team as part of my doctoral studies. My professional experience includes coordinating quantitative and qualitative research projects, writing reports and scientific articles, and communicating science to the general public.
Why I conduct research: I want to contribute to the advancement and development of knowledge regarding healthy lifestyle habits, particularly in the field of nutrition. I aim to participate in knowledge translation within public, community, and international nutrition to help improve population health.Nutritionist and PhD student
Madélie Giguère
Alexandra Thibodeau
Kinesiologist and Master’s student
My projects and expertise: I am a research Master’s student in health sciences with a particular interest in healthy lifestyle habits. I have previously completed two internships with the research team for the Fit-For-Fertility project. My current research project focuses on the follow-up of children from the pilot study.
I conduct research because: I have always wanted to contribute to the advancement of science, and I am fortunate to be able to do so by promoting healthy lifestyle habits, particularly through physical activity.
Obstetrics and Gynecology Resident at the Université de Sherbrooke
Sandrine Kirouac
"What I enjoy most about research is participating in the discovery of the medicine of tomorrow and improving population health, particularly by promoting healthy lifestyle habits."
Christophe Richer dit Lafléche
B.Sc. in Pharmacology and Master’s Student
My projects and expertise: The Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacology I completed provided me with extensive knowledge of the principles of pharmaceutical research. As part of my Master’s studies in Dr. Baillargeon’s laboratory, I aim to further develop my knowledge and skills regarding clinical research practices and the mental health of pregnant women. I am also interested in sleep quality and quality of life within this population, as well as their potential associations with physical activity.
Why I conduct research: Research provides us with the tools to answer questions about the world around us. Its impact on the world is multifaceted! Governments, scientists, the general public, and clinicians alike must all rely on scientific knowledge to make informed decisions. Through a career in research, I aspire to contribute to the discovery of new concepts and the sharing of this knowledge.Camille Gosselin
Medical student at the University of Sherbrooke
Anne-Marie Turcotte
Kinesiologist and Master’s student
Kathryn Brǔlé
Medical student (extern) at the University of Montreal