Forest Carbon Dynamics in Quebec Sugar Maple Forests Managed for Maple Syrup Production
Description
Maple syrup is internationally recognized for its nutritional value and its favourable environmental profile. The growing demand for organic maple syrup further reflects this interest.
Assessing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from maple syrup operations is therefore essential to strengthen the competitiveness of the sector and improve its practices. While fossil fuel emissions associated with maple syrup production are well documented, these assessments generally exclude carbon flows related to forest ecosystems and forest management activities.
This project aims to develop a carbon balance for maple syrup woodlands under different management practices, taking into account carbon dynamics in both forest ecosystems and harvested wood products resulting from forest management.
Project activities will include: fieldwork in various experimental sites and the use of carbon simulation tools.
This project is conducted in partnership with the Producteurs et Productrices acéricoles du Québec as part of Professor Guillaume Moreau's Chair in Maple Syrup Production and Maple Woodland Management, with co-supervision by Dominique Gravel of the Université de Sherbrooke.
Research Field
- Maple Syrup Production
- Forest Carbon
- Climate Change Mitigation
- Forest Management
Research Supervisor
Evelyne Thiffault
Research Environment
Department of wood and forest sciences, Research Centre on Renewable Materials
The candidate will get to work with scientists and collaborators from academia, governments and industries. Many opportunities for interactions with a stakeholders involved in climate change mitigation.
The candidate will join a dynamic student team. The team fosters mutual support and collaboration, and promotes the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in all its processes.
To discover your future research team:
https://www.facebook.com/Team-Carbone-102517501910416
Web Site
Financial Aid Available by Program of Study
Doctorate in Forestry Science
Program descriptionFinancial Aid Available*
Financial Aid Related to Research Project
$30000 per year for 4 years.
The project will span four years. An annual salary of $30,000 (including benefits) will be provided, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
Program-Specific Financial Aid
Graduate Studies Awards
| Milestone |
Amount |
Doctoral exam and submission of research proposal by the end of the 4th semester
|
$4,500 |
Favorable report from the supervising committee by the end of the 7th semester
|
$3,000 |
Initial dissertation submission by the end of the 9th semester
|
$5,800 |
Publication of an article in a scientific journal by the end of the 6th semester
|
$1,450 |
| Total |
$14,750 |
Université Laval: Student Financial Aid
Supplemental Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship Program: Entitles international students to pay Canadian student tuition fees, for overall savings of around $45,000.
* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly.
Desired Profile
- Agronomy
- Rural Development
- Agroforestry
- Biology
- Geography
- Natural and landscaped environment
- Forest Management and Environment
Requirements and Conditions
Project start: Winter or summer 2027.
Applicants must ensure that they meet the admission requirements for the PhD program in Forest Sciences at Université Laval.
Required qualifications:
- Strong and relevant research experience.
- Demonstrated ability to write and publish scientific articles.
- Good skills in quantitative ecology and data management (R, databases).
- Strong abilities to work both collaboratively as part of a team and independently.
Required Documentation
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitæ
- Student transcript
Application Deadline
October 31, 2026
Find Out More
Evelyne Thiffault
Professeure titulaire
Département des sciences du bois et de la forêt
evelyne.thiffault@sbf.ulaval.ca