Student Mentorship Program

Having a peer to turn to for guidance can make things much easier for students at the beginning or in the course of their academic journey.

The mentorship team supports all students:

Who are just starting their studies, to help them settle in and integrate
Who needs peer support with writing or socializing throughout their academic journey
Who are experiencing or about to experience parenthood
Who are finishing their studies and want to ease their transition into the workforce

Check out the mentorship program for more details.

Request a mentor

Onboarding and Integration | Contact the on-call team

NEW – This program will begin in fall 2026.

Professional Mentoring

Developed in collaboration between the Office of Graduate Studies and Student Success (SESRE) and the INRS Foundation, this program pairs students in their final year with graduates working in various sectors.

Mentoring components

Orientation and Integration

This component is intended for anyone starting their first program of study at INRS.

Objectives:

Facilitate the mentee’s integration into INRS and Quebec

Answer questions and direct mentees to the right resources

Enable the mentee to build a network of contacts at INRS

Facilitate the mentee’s full participation in campus life

Socialization

This component is intended for any student at INRS who feels isolated or who wishes to strengthen their social network.

Objectives:

Allow colleagues to connect with one another

Encourage the development of a social network

Help the mentee overcome isolation

Writing

This component is designed for anyone seeking support through writing activities led by mentors.

Objectives:

Participate in structured writing sessions at your research centre

Develop a regular writing routine by setting SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound)

Maintain your motivation through a stimulating group dynamic

Break out of isolation and connect with other students to share advice, tips, and best practices

For parents

This component is for any student who is or is becoming a parent, regardless of where they are in their academic journey.

Objectives:

Provide a space for exchange and support among students facing similar challenges

Help balance studies and family life by sharing practical strategies

Break down isolation and create a network of solidarity among parents who are students

Facilitate access to resources available at INRS and in the community

Support academic perseverance and success in the context of family responsibilities

Professional mentoring (starting in fall 2026)

This component is open to anyone in their final year of study.

Objectives:

Facilitate the transition of students nearing the end of their studies into the job market

Provide support for professional development, job integration strategies, preparation for the recruitment process, and exploration of career options

Foster the transfer of knowledge, skills, and networks between the academic and professional communities

Strengthen the sense of belonging to the INRS community by bringing different generations of students together

Recognize the commitment of graduates

Mentorship coordinators in the centres

Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie Centre

Elizabeth Doiron-Gascon
elizabeth.doiron-gascon@inrs.ca

Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications Centre

Ghariba Mguildi
ghariba.mguildi@inrs.ca

Writing Workshops (for all centres)

Isabelle Waltzing, Special Education Teacher at SESRE
Isabelle.waltzing@inrs.ca

Eau Terre Environnement Centre

Mathilde Renaud
mathilde.renaud@inrs.ca

Urbanisation Culture Société Centre

Héloïse Roy
heloise.roy@inrs.ca

Pairing and other forms of support

For the Writing component, mentors provide group support during writing activities.

For all other components, individual mentoring is available upon request, based on:

the centre and campus;
the preferred language of communication;
academic background and prior experience;
the academic program and the research team.

Students may withdraw from the mentoring program or change mentors at any time.

For the Orientation and integration component, students just starting out who do not wish to be paired can also contact an On-call team.

Role of mentors

To fulfill their role with mentees, mentors:

Communicate with them at the agreed-upon frequency;
Adhere to the mentoring code of ethics;
Act in accordance with their training and the limits of their mandate.

During their term, mentors receive guidance and can always consult the person overseeing the mentorship program at their center.

Use the on-call Mentorship Team

You don’t have a mentor and you have specific questions? You feel alone and want to know the next activities in your center? Contact the on-call student mentor of your centre. This person will be able to answer your questions or refer you to the right resources!

Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie Centre

Adeline Paimboeuf ✉

PhD in Biology

Spoken languages:
French / English

Eau Terre Environnement Centre

Juan Esteban Ossa Ossa ✉

Master’s in Water Sciences

Spoken languagues:
French / English / Spanish

Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications Centre

Safa Chaaben ✉

PhD in Energy Sciences and Material Sciences – Varennes

Spoken languages:
French / English / Arabic