Congratulations to Natalia Teruel, winner of the Michèle Auger 2022 Award

PROTEO AWARDS A PRIZE FOR UP-AND-COMING FEMALE SCIENTISTS
NATALIA TERUEL WINS THE MICHÈLE-AUGER 2022 AWARD

 Quebec City, Wednesday, May 11, 2022 – Now in its third year, the Michèle-Auger 2022 Award is presented to Natalia Teruel, a doctoral student at the Université de Montréal. This distinction, awarded annually to a woman pursuing graduate studies in protein science within the PROTEO network, recognizes an individual who, while pursuing cutting-edge research activities, has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the scientific community and society. Natalia Teruel will receive the award, along with a $5,000 bursary, at PROTEO’s annual symposium, where she will give a lecture on May 13.

Originally from Brazil, Ms Teruel did her undergraduate studies in Molecular Sciences at the University of São Paulo, Brazil. She is currently pursuing her doctoral studies under the supervision of Prof. Rafaël Najmanovich, in the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology at the Université de Montréal. Her research focuses on the impact of mutations in the Spicule protein of variants of the SARS-CoV2 virus, responsible for COVID-19, using digital molecular biophysics methods. From her studies in Brazil to the present day, Ms. Teruel has been an inspiring role model for her peers, involved in numerous causes and committees. Whether it’s helping young girls from underprivileged backgrounds in Brazil to carry out scientific projects, or promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in science and technology in Brazil, Natalia directs her actions in this direction here at university too.

“I am very honoured to receive this award in memory of Pre Michèle Auger. It’s thanks to role models like Pre Auger that many young women, like me, are pursuing scientific careers today, in a field where there are few women,” said Natalia Teruel.

“When I reread the selection criteria for the prize, I couldn’t think of a more deserving candidate than Ms. Teruel. Not only is she committed to the community, but she also has enormous research potential,” said Prof. Najmanovich, the winner’s thesis supervisor.

Pr Steve Bourgault of the Université du Québec à Montréal and Director of PROTEO was delighted with Ms. Teruel’s success. “With the Michèle-Auger Award, we want to recognize and encourage brilliant, committed young women who are inspiring role models for the entire scientific community in Quebec. Natalia has had a remarkable career in every respect, and PROTEO is privileged to be able to count on such a dedicated student,” he added.

Au sujet de Michèle Auger

Originaire de Grand-Mère, Michèle Auger a fait des études en biophysique à l’UQTR. Elle a réalisé des études doctorales à l’Université d’Ottawa avant de faire des études postdoctorales au MIT. Elle a ensuite connu une carrière professorale et de recherche en biophysique moléculaire exceptionnelle au Département de chimie de l’Université Laval avant d’être emportée trop jeune par la maladie en octobre 2018. Elle a été un modèle pour des générations de scientifiques, en particulier des femmes. Son engagement dans la communauté scientifique fut notoire et inspirant.

About PROTEO

Founded in 1999, PROTEO is the Quebec research network on protein function, engineering and applications. Supported by the FRQNT, it brings together over 350 researchers from 74 research teams at 13 institutions across Quebec.