[Portrait] Marina Gillon, Senior Lecturer in hydrogeology and hydrochemistry (hydro team / UMR EMMAH)

What is your research about?

The aim of my research is to understand how hydrosystems function by exploiting the potential of geochemical and isotopic tools. (in particular, the chemistry of major elements dissolved in water, ¹⁸O, ²H, ¹³C, ¹⁴C). I am particularly interested in surface water-groundwater interactions, interactions between gas, water and rocks and the transfer time of water in the underground environment.

What are your current scientific activities?

I am currently working with my doctoral students on the benefits of using geochemistry and isotopes in hydrosystems (water vulnerability, groundwater residence time, hydrodynamic model). One subject is particularly close to my heart: calcite precipitation at groundwater outlets, and the potential of their isotopic composition (¹³C, ¹⁸O) to record hydrodynamic variations and therefore the impact of global changes on groundwater. To do this, we created an «artificial groundwater discharge» in the laboratory to gain a full understanding of all the mechanisms involved.

Why did you choose to work in academic research?

I discovered hydrogeology, hydrochemistry and, in particular, isotopes during my studies, and it fascinated me. I wanted to continue along this path, particularly in a university environment, because of the freedom we have to work on the research topics of our choice, to continue to learn, to share ideas and thoughts with my colleagues and, above all, to be able to teach and interact with students.

What advice would you give to students who want to do research?

To carry out research, you must first and foremost be self-motivated, passionate about your subject, curious, questioning, able to put in a lot of time and effort. You also need to know how to sell your ideas to be able to finance your projects.

What object or image from your business best illustrates you?

This image shows the formation of calcite at the bottom of the watercourse at the emergence of the Ours spring in the Massif Central. Calcite is at the heart of my research, because it interacts with water, and tells us part of the story of that water.