Ph.D Thesis

White spruce (Picea glauca) is one of the most widely planted species in Quebec’s boreal forests. It is valued for its adaptability, wood quality, and central role in reforestation programs. However, in recent years, several plantations have shown alarming signs of decline. An increasing number of trees exhibit symptoms of chlorosis, characterized by the yellowing of needles, which often indicates stress or poor health. If this trend continues, it could reduce forest productivity, weaken carbon sequestration capacity, and disrupt the biodiversity of boreal ecosystems. This project focuses on white spruce plantations in the Laurentides Wildlife Reserve, including the Montmorency Forest (Université Laval’s research and teaching forest). The objective is to improve understanding of the causes of this decline and to propose solutions to maintain healthier and more resilient forests. The research combines multiple approaches, including the analysis of long-term growth data, the mapping of chlorosis in RFL, and the study of the influence of soils, climate, nutrition, and silvicultural practices on tree health. By linking tree-level observations with local and regional conditions, the project will identify the main factors contributing to the decline. The results will directly support sustainable forest management by enabling better-informed decisions regarding reforestation practices. In long term, this knowledge will help ensure that forests planted today remain strong, productive, and resilient for future generations.

Academic trainings

• Ph.D. in Forest sciences (in progress since January 2025), Université Laval, Canada.
• M.Phil. (18 years of education) in Plant Systematics and Conservation, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan.
• M.Sc. (16 years of Education) in Botany, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan.
• B.Sc. (14 years of education) in zoology, botany and chemistry, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan.

Scholarships and Awards

1. FRQNT doctoral scholarship valued 100 000$ (four years), 2026-2030, Université Laval.
2. PBEEE-V1 Excellence scholarship for international students valued 41 667$ (two years), funded by Quebec Ministry of Higher Education (MES).
3. Resolute forest products scholarship in sustainable forest management valued 5000$, Université Laval.
4. Tuition fee exemption scholarship for international students, Université Laval.
5. CRMR Motivation Scholarship, Université Laval.
6. Vice Chancellor's merit fellowship, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad Pakistan.