Nathalie Isabel

Nathalie Isabel is an Associate Professor of Research at the Canada Research Chair in Forest Genomics at Laval University and an Associate Researcher at the Laurentian Forestry Centre of the Canadian Forest Service. She leads research in forest genomics and genetic diversity, with a particular focus on understanding how forest species adapt to environmental change. Her work bridges academic research and practical forest management applications.

Dr. Isabel earned her Graduate in forest resource management (1988), Master's degree in forestry sciences (1991), and Doctorate in forestry sciences (1995), all from Laval University. Her educational background provided the foundation for her current research program focused on the genetic basis of tree adaptation.

Her research program centers on forest genomics, specializing in the study of adaptive capacity of forest species facing environmental change. She combines innovative approaches in population genomics, dendroecology, and precision phenotyping to understand tree responses to climate variations. Additional research focuses include acquisition of biodiversity data (biogeography, local adaptation, and hybridization) for woody species, and development of tools for wood identification and geographical origin determination to strengthen forest supply chain traceability.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on climate adaptation genomics across North American tree species. Her work spans from fundamental genomic research on model species like white spruce and poplar to applied studies on carbon sequestration, drought tolerance, and conservation genetics. A notable trend is the integration of multiple approaches (genomic, phenotypic, ecological) to address complex questions about forest responses to climate change.

Dr. Isabel actively mentors the next generation of forest scientists, currently supervising doctoral students Etienne Robert and Lisa Virginie Ute-Tischenko, and has previously guided numerous graduate students to completion of their degrees. Her research has been supported by various grants that enable field studies, genomic analyses, and collaborative projects across Canada and internationally.

She is an active member of the research community, serving on the executive committee of the North American Forest Genetics Society. Her laboratory combines molecular genetics, field ecology, and bioinformatics approaches to address critical questions about forest adaptation in a changing climate.