Prof. Catherine Girard is an assistant professor of viral ecology, recognized for her research in Arctic microbial ecology. A specialist in the molecular and ecological description of microorganisms from extreme habitats (glaciers, oligotrophic lakes, bioaerosols), she is particularly interested in the interactions between viruses and microbial hosts in the face of environmental change. Her work has shed new light on the biodiversity of polar microbiomes and how they transform ecosystem services in the North. With 15 years of experience in northern research, she collaborates with Inuit partners to develop collaborative projects.