Researchers, clinicians, and experts from diverse backgrounds bring their expertise together to develop innovative approaches and advance research in women’s, children’s, and family health.
Dr. Annie Ouellet is an obstetrician-gynecologist specializing in Maternal-Fetal Medicine, a full professor, and a researcher at the Université de Sherbrooke. Her work focuses on the health of women, children, and families, with a particular interest in prenatal exposures, neurodevelopment, and women’s brain health, from pregnancy through menopause. Her research draws on large birth cohorts and biobank infrastructures that integrate clinical and biological data to study mother–child–family health trajectories. She develops innovative projects combining clinical research, advanced ultrasound, and neuroimaging.
As the principal investigator of the CAN-B cohort and co-investigator of the MYRNA cohort, Dr. Ouellet leads and collaborates on several research projects in perinatal and women’s health at the local, provincial, and international levels. Her approach is built on close collaboration between clinical and basic research, as well as a strong commitment to training the next generation of researchers.
Dr. Isabelle Hardy is an obstetrician-gynecologist specializing in Maternal-Fetal Medicine and a clinician-researcher. Trained at the Université de Montréal, the Université de Sherbrooke, and the University of British Columbia, she has pursued an extensive research training, completing a master’s degree (MSc), a doctorate (Ph.D.), and postdoctoral research training concurrently with her medical training. Her academic and clinical excellence, along with her remarkable research trajectory, have earned her numerous training awards, scholarships, and distinctions throughout her academic career.
Her research focuses on the treatment of obesity during the preconception period to improve the health of women and children. She is particularly interested in the role of cardiometabolic disturbances in the development of pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction. Her research program combines translational approaches, epidemiological studies, and clinical trials aimed at developing effective prevention and treatment strategies before and during pregnancy.
Through her integrated approach combining basic, epidemiological, and clinical research, Dr. Hardy contributes to the development of preventive perinatal medicine focused on the long-term health trajectories of women and children.
An internationally recognized research environment, supported by prestigious funding (NIH, CIHR), and strengthened by collaborations with leading researchers and institutions in Canada and the United States, including Columbia University, Duke University, and New York University. Our work benefits from a unique integrated environment that brings clinical care and academic research into close proximity, as well as privileged access to patient-partners in the Eastern Townships who are followed over the long term. This strength is further supported by more than 15 years of experience in cohorts and biobanks focused on the health of pregnant women, children, and families.
Research projects in Maternal-Fetal Medicine draw on the expertise and commitment of numerous co-investigators and collaborators, whose complementary knowledge and expertise contribute to advancing the health of women, children, and families.
Neuroimaging: Prof. Kevin Whittingstall • Prof. Sara Larivière • Dr. Jonathan Posner • Prof. Bill Fifer
Child Development, Parenting, and Psychosocial Environment: Prof. Katherine Pascuzzo • Prof. Jean-Pascal Lemelin • Prof. Danyka Therriault
Mental Health and Neurodevelopmental Trajectories: Dr. Larissa Takser • Prof. Adi Talati • Dr. Jonathan Posner • Dr. Claudia Lugo-Candelas
Cannabis, Toxicology, and Bioanalysis: Prof. Philippe Saret • Lounes Haroune • Prof. José Ignacio Nazif-Muñoz • Prof. Jean-Philippe Bellenger • Pre Christiane Auray • Prof. Yong-Lai Feng (Santé Canada) • Prof. Meg Haney
Women’s and Children’s Health: Dr. Annie Ouellet • Dr. Isabelle Hardy • Dr. Amélie Bertrand • Dr. Édith Massé • Dr. Caroline Langlais • Prof. Jean-Patrice Baillargeon • Dre Isabelle Boucoiran • Dr. Jean-Charles Pasquier • Dr. Sarah McDonalds
Beyond our scientific collaborations, our projects rely on the remarkable commitment of the CHUS clinical teams. These include specialists in Maternal-Fetal Medicine (Dr. Marie-Ève Roy-Lacroix, Dr. Évelyne Raiche et Dr. Geneviève Quesnel) as well as healthcare professionals from the obstetric ultrasound and maternity units.
We conduct longitundinal perinatal cohorts studies from pregnancy through early childhood, enabling long-term follow-up of families. These studies integrate clinical, biological, and environmental data to examine the impact of medical conditions (e.g., obesity, pregnancy complications), lifestyle habits (e.g., cannabis use), parental mental health, and the psychosocial environment on health trajectories. Grounded in clinical practice and based on the sustained engagement of participants, this approach mobilizes multidisciplinary teams and enables large-scale analyses.
We use advanced neuroimaging approaches to study women’s brain health and child development across various exposures and clinical conditions. By combining brain imaging and biomarkers, this research provides a better understanding of the brain’s adaptive mechanisms during major transitions in a woman’s reproductive life—from pregnancy to menopause. This work is made possible by the infrastructure of the CHUS imaging center, collaborations with recognized experts, and innovative approaches in neuroscience at the Université de Sherbrooke.
Training the next generation of researchers is at the heart of our mission. We actively contribute to the training of graduate students, interns, and residents in university hospitals by supporting the development of clinician-researcher career and strengthening the links between clinical and basic research. Our rich, collaborative environment, gives trainees opportunities to contribute to innovative and impactful research projects while helping advance clinical practice.
At the heart of our research projects, our research professionals serve as the link between participants, clinical teams, and researchers. Their expertise, diligence, and dedication help advance research on women’s, children’s, and families’ health every day.
I coordinate research projects from their development through the dissemination of results. I contribute to funding applications and oversee scientific, ethical, regulatory, and budgetary aspects, while supporting the team and students in their activities.
With 20 years of experience in perinatal care, I coordinate the implementation of clinical projects and ensure their smooth execution. I support participants throughout their follow-up, from medical examinations to data collection, with care and compassion.
My role is to support you throughout your participation in the study while ensuring that your experience is as simple and pleasant as possible. With more than 15 years of hands-on experience in perinatal care, I ensure the accurate data collection to help tomorrow’s discoveries.
I support you throughout your participation in research studies, from your initial contact through follow-up visits. I also contribute to data collection, ethical and regulatory processes, and the dissemination of research findings.
I have more than 20 years of experience coordinating research projects in a university-hospital setting. My expertise includes designing experimental protocols, preparing grant proposals, managing budgets, and mentoring and supporting graduate students. As part of the research team, I help mentor participants throughout the project, assist with data collection, and contribute to the dissemination of research findings.
Training the next generation of scientists is at the heart of our mission. Our students stand out for their commitment, curiosity, and desire to make a meaningful contribution to the health of women and families.
Co-supervised by Dr. Annie Ouellet and Dr. Jean-Patrice Baillargeon, Viviane is studying cannabis use during pregnancy using self-reported questionnaires and biological measures in the CAN-B cohort.
Under the supervision of Prof. Marie Brunet, Prof. Maxime Descotaux, and Dr. Annie Ouellet, Anthony is working to better understand the neurophysiology of cognitive functions in school-age children using multimodal MRI and artificial intelligence
Co-supervised by Prof. Kevin Whittingstall and Dr. Annie Ouellet, Charley is studying pregnancy-associated cerebrovascular remodeling using neuroimaging (ICF-PP Study)
Under the supervision of Prof. Whittingstall, Dr. Annie Ouellet, and Dr. Amélie Bertrand, Zöe is exploring the effects of hormone therapy on markers of cerebrovascular health in postmenopausal women using neuroimaging as part of the ICM pilot study
Co-supervised byProf. Sara Larivière and Dr. Annie Ouellet, Frédéric is studying the effects of prenatal maternal exposures on children’s brain development.
As researchers, clinicians, professionals, and students, we share core values that guide all of our activities, from research to clinical practice. We conduct our work with sensitivity, respect, and without judgment, through an approach based on trust, active listening, and support, which fosters a lasting partnership with participating women and families. Our approach is guided by scientific rigor and integrity, supported by ongoing training in research ethics and good clinical practices.
Would you like to get involved in clinical research and contribute to the health of women, children, and families? Whether you’re looking for an internship, a master’s degree, or a Ph.D., we would be happy to hear from you.
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