Élise Devoie

Biography

Dr. Élise Devoie has held their position as an assistant professor in Civil Engineering at Queen’s University since January 2023.  I am primarily motivated by my connection to the land, and my deep concern for the future of our shared planet is what drives my interest in environmental engineering. My current work focuses on responsible and productive ways to study hydrology and hydrogeology in cold regions in partnership with First Nations communities. I am interested in climate change in permafrost environments and hope to improve our predictive capacity and understanding of drivers of change in these systems. I bring together modelling, laboratory study, and fieldwork to try to solve real-world problems facing people who live in Canada’s North. My favourite part of research is building pluridisciplinary teams; engaging with local and Indigenous communities directly impacted by the effects of climate change. This idea of friendship, partnership, and trust as a key pillar of research projects is at the centre of my research group and has enabled me to form diverse and meaningful connections internationally as a CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar, and a player in NATO’s Women and Girls in Science Challenge in 2024.

My main aim in all I do is to leave the earth a slightly better place than I found it – to tread lightly, to listen carefully, to speak truthfully, and to be a good child to my mother the earth. My responsibility extends to using the tools that I have within my reach to support, advance, and promote the voices of those people who care for the land, and for the land itself. In this way, I hope to live my life in a good way and be a vessel for the teachings shared with me.