Congratulations to David Voyer on his successful PhD defence!
Congratulations to David Voyer for successfully defending his doctoral thesis in Forest Sciences on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Under the supervision of Alexis Achim (Faculty of Forestry, Geography, and Geomatics, Laval University) and co-supervised by Fabio Gennaretti (University of Quebec in Abitibi-Témiscamingue), his thesis, entitled « Wood Quality and Growth of Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) at the Northern Limit of Its Range », offers innovative perspectives on growth dynamics and the determining factors of sugar maple wood quality in a context of climate change.
This outstanding work represents a major contribution to the forestry field, providing essential knowledge for the sustainable management of natural resources.
Bravo, David, on this significant milestone in your academic journey! We wish you a brilliant future filled with remarkable professional achievements and inspiring personal accomplishments.
Photo credit: Monica Gagnier
Jury Members:
- André Desrochers – Chair – Faculty of Forestry, Geography, and Geomatics – Laval University
- Alexis Achim – Research Supervisor – Faculty of Forestry, Geography, and Geomatics – Laval University
- Fabio Gennaretti – Co-supervisor – University of Quebec in Abitibi-Témiscamingue
- Alexandre Morin-Bernard – Examiner (UL) – Faculty of Forestry, Geography, and Geomatics – Laval University
- Yan Boucher – External Examiner (non-UL) – University of Quebec at Chicoutimi
- Mathieu Lévesque – External Examiner – ETH Zurich
Once again, congratulations!
Abstract: With the growing impact of climate change and rising temperatures, the future of sugar maple forests at the northern limit of their range is increasingly uncertain. One plausible scenario is that these forests could benefit from climate change, potentially making them more desirable for the production of high-quality wood. However, their current wood quality appears to be lower than that of sugar maple forests located further south, presenting challenges for their management. Through an extensive dendrochronological sampling program, this research identified the factors influencing the quality of these northern stands and their potential for adaptation to climate change. Among the key findings, it was demonstrated that the proportion of heartwood discoloration and decay is influenced by variables such as temperature, growth declines, and climatic events such as late spring frosts and droughts. Projections suggest that sugar maple could indeed benefit from climate change at its northern limit, provided that management practices enhancing stand resilience are implemented. These results pave the way for forest management strategies adapted to the challenges and opportunities posed by climate change in these northern regions.