Suitable for this Best Researcher Award
Amélie Saunier, a junior scientist at Aix-Marseille University (IMBE), has emerged as a rising star in aquatic plant science. With a Ph.D. completed in 2017, she has dedicated her postdoctoral career to understanding the production and ecological roles of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Her work bridges functional and chemical ecology, offering insights into plant-environment interactions under global climate stress. With 21 peer-reviewed publications, 573 citations, and ongoing international collaborations, her research is instrumental in predicting ecosystem trajectories. Her contributions to Mediterranean seagrass VOC emissions and pollution-mediated pollination have expanded the frontiers of ecophysiology. She is an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her interdisciplinary expertise, innovative approach, and impactful research.
Education
Amélie Saunier pursued her academic path with passion and rigor, completing her Ph.D. in 2017 with a focus on ecophysiology and atmospheric chemistry. Her doctoral research explored the intricate relationship between environmental stressors and specialized metabolites, particularly VOCs, in plants. She received her foundational education in plant sciences, ecology, and chemistry at prestigious French institutions, aligning her studies with her deep interest in biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Her education has been thoroughly interdisciplinary—blending biology, chemistry, and environmental sciences—laying the foundation for her current innovative work. Her academic background not only reflects deep theoretical understanding but also hands-on research experience, making her a valuable asset to the scientific community.
Professional Experience
Following her Ph.D., Amélie Saunier has worked as a junior scientist at IMBE (Mediterranean Institute of Biodiversity and Ecology), Aix-Marseille University. Her research focuses on VOC emissions from aquatic and terrestrial plants under various environmental pressures, exploring both their physiological roles and ecosystem-level impacts. Amélie has led and participated in 8 major research projects and established collaborations with institutions in Finland, Tunisia, Vietnam, and France. She has also served as a guest editor for BMC Ecology and Evolution, showing leadership in academic publishing. Her seagrass-focused work is among the most promising contributions to aquatic plant science in recent years. She maintains a high standard of scientific integrity, with an H-index of 12 and 573 citations. With a balanced portfolio of research, publication, mentorship, and international collaboration, Amélie is well-positioned as a top-tier early-career scientist.
Awards and Recognition
Although early in her career, Amélie Saunier has already been recognized for her exceptional scientific contributions. She has earned acclaim within the ecophysiology and aquatic plant science communities for her pioneering research on BVOCs in Mediterranean seagrass. Her publications as first and last author in high-impact journals underscore her leadership and innovation. Invitations to collaborate internationally and serve as guest editor in peer-reviewed journals reflect the trust her peers place in her expertise. While formal award listings are in progress, her current recognition stems from research quality, publication frequency, editorial work, and growing citation impact. These achievements collectively validate her candidacy for the Best Researcher Award and forecast a bright future in advancing aquatic plant science globally.
Amélie Saunier excels in multidisciplinary research, integrating vegetal ecophysiology, functional ecology, and atmospheric chemistry. Her specialized skill is in analyzing biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) under environmental stress, both in marine and terrestrial plants. She applies advanced analytical chemistry techniques (e.g., GC-MS, PTR-MS), coupled with robust experimental design and data interpretation, to quantify plant responses and ecological impact. Her work contributes to ecosystem modeling under global change scenarios. She is adept at international collaboration, team science, and scientific communication, shown by her editorial role and peer-reviewed outputs. Her scientific agility, from field sampling to chemical analysis and ecological modeling, enables comprehensive insights into plant-environment dynamics. She demonstrates strong project management, writing, and mentorship skills—essential for fostering the next generation of researchers. Amélie’s research toolkit is modern, expansive, and impactful.
Publications
Mangrove’s species are weak isoprenoid emitters
- Authors: Catherine Fernandez, Amélie Saunier, Henri Wortham, Elena Ormeño, Magali Proffit, C. Lecareux, Stephane Greff, Dao van Tan, Mai Sy Tuan, Huynh Duc Hoan, et al.
Journal: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science
Year: 2023
Effect of ozone exposure on the foraging behaviour of Bombus terrestris
- Authors: Amélie Saunier, Patrick Grof-Tisza, James D. Blande
Journal: Environmental Pollution
Year: 2022