The First Winners of the Lauzon Grants: Christopher Monaghan and François-Pierre St-Jacques

We are proud to announce the first recipients of the Jean-Marc Lauzon Grants, new awards made possible by the vision of Mr. Jean-Marc Lauzon, an engineer with a passion for space. These inaugural recipients are Christopher Monaghan and François-Pierre St-JacquesFrançois-Pierre St-Jacques, both graduate students and members of IREx.

Christopher Monaghan, who is working under the supervision of Björn Benneke, has been awarded the Excellence Grant, which recognizes the outstanding nature of his academic record. Mr. Monaghan completed a Bachelor’s degree in Astrophysics at the University of Calgary in 2023 and began his graduate studies last May. He is interested in the atmospheres of rocky exoplanets, which he studies using space telescopes: the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and Spitzer.

François-Pierre St-Jacques, who is working under the supervision of David Lafrenière and René Doyon, has been awarded the Perseverance Grant, presented as part of the Université de Montréal’s Concours de bourses de persévérance des Services à la vie étudiante competition. This award highlights his ability to continue his astrophysics studies despite personal challenges. Mr. St-Jacques completed his Bachelor’s degree in Physics at the Université de Montréal and began his Master’s studies last September. His research focuses on data from the JWST. He specializes in the transit spectroscopy method, which allows the study of exoplanet atmospheres. In particular, he is investigating the impact of limb darkening on these data, the fact that a star appears dimmer at its edges than at its center.

Jean-Marc Lauzon, the donor behind these grants. Courtesy photo.

During the Spring, both recipients will have the opportunity to present their work and engage with Mr. Jean-Marc Lauzon during a lunch and presentation at IREx’s weekly meeting.

Mr. Lauzon, eager to meet these first two recipients, says: “We often thank donors, but without the students and their dedication to advancing their studies in astrophysics research, it would be impossible to imagine reaching our dreams. I offer my sincere congratulations to Christophe and François-Pierre, who have distinguished themselves through the excellence of their academic records and perseverance in their academic journey!”

About the Jean-Marc Lauzon Grants

The Jean-Marc Lauzon Grants are awarded annually to two students beginning their Master’s studies at the Université de Montréal and who are members of IREx. The Excellence Grant recognizes the quality of one recipient’s academic record, while the Perseverance Grant rewards the sustained effort of another recipient, despite facing various difficulties. These awards are made possible through the generous donation of Jean-Marc Lauzon, a hydrogeology engineer specializing in environmental sciences and a proud supporter of IREx.