Bishop’s University

Graduate Student Chloé Choquette: Cultivating Biodiversity Through Hedgerows

Chloé Choquette chose to pursue her graduate studies at Bishop’s University for its exceptional academic environment and strong faculty support. The small collaborative community, combined with hands-on research opportunities at the university’s educational farm, made it the ideal place to explore her interests in sustainable agriculture and biodiversity.

Chloé Choquette first discovered her passion for research during her Honours thesis with Dr. Mirella Aoun on the CANberries project. That experience opened the door to the world of scientific investigation and showed her the impact research could have beyond the classroom. Her interest deepened during a student assistantship, where she was introduced to the hedgerows project. The hands-on nature of the work and its connection to real-world farming challenges drew her in immediately.

Those early experiences eventually led her to pursue a master’s degree with Dr. Jane Morrison, whose research on hedgerows aligned closely with Chloé’s growing interest in biodiversity and sustainable agriculture. Bishop’s University was a natural choice for her; not only for its supportive environment, but also because it offers the region’s only program in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems. Now enrolled in the MSc program, Chloé is focused on the ecological and practical role of field margins like hedgerows and flower strips. Her goal is to explore how these features support pollination, carbon storage, water regulation, and biodiversity in ways that are also feasible for farmers to implement. Like many field researchers, she’s had to adapt to unpredictable weather and the realities of data collection. And as a francophone student working in English, she’s navigated the added challenge of mastering scientific vocabulary something she sees as both demanding and rewarding.

Balancing research, academics, and personal life has been a meaningful part of her journey. Having raised two children during her undergraduate studies, Chloé has learned to prioritize mental wellness, manage time effectively, and maintain resilience all of which continue to guide her through graduate school.

Looking ahead, Chloé hopes to stay rooted in agriculture, moving toward solution-based work that addresses emerging sector challenges. Whether through research or teaching, her goal is to contribute to more sustainable, ecologically sound, and resilient agricultural systems.

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Joannie St-Germain B.Sc. ’16, M.Sc. (she/her/elle)
RESEARCH OFFICER
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND GRADUATE STUDIES
819-822-9600 x 2242

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