{"id":3942,"date":"2025-04-14T12:05:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-14T16:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/slc.qc.ca\/category-fr\/meet-our-college-researchers-jeffery-aubin\/"},"modified":"2025-09-04T15:39:03","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T19:39:03","slug":"meet-our-college-researchers-jeffery-aubin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/slc.qc.ca\/fr\/recherche-fr\/meet-our-college-researchers-jeffery-aubin\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet Our College Researchers: Jeffery Aubin"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n
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Jeffery Aubin and His Team of Student-Researchers: The Mutual Benefits of Research Collaboration<\/h2>\n

Research internships offer an invaluable opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience and insight into academic fields they may want to pursue. At Champlain St. Lawrence, Jeffery Aubin\u2019s research project on early Christian philosophy, funded by the Fonds de recherche du Qu\u00e9bec (FRQ)<\/em>, has allowed three students\u2014Maia Steer, Anthony Lemelin, and Jonathan Pelletier\u2014to explore ancient thinkers while developing crucial research skills. While Anthony and Jonathan\u2019s contracts are funded through this grant, Maia\u2019s research internship is supported through the social innovation project L\u2019exp\u00e9rience qui fait la diff\u00e9rence, an initiative involving the college and co-led by the Centre de transfert pour la r\u00e9ussite \u00e9ducative du Qu\u00e9bec (CTREQ) and the Association pour la recherche au coll\u00e9gial (ARC)<\/em>. In this article, we share the insights of Jeffery and his students, shedding light on their academic journey and the personal growth that comes with engaging in research at the college level.<\/p>\n

\"Jeffery
Jeffery Aubin with student researchers Anthony Lemelin, Maia Steer and Jonathan Pelletier<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Engaging Students in Early Christian Philosophy<\/h3>\n

Jeffery Aubin has taught Humanities at Champlain-St. Lawrence since 2018 and undertook this research project in 2023. Jeffery\u2019s research on early Christian philosophy examines the 2nd-century philosophers Marcion and Apelles, focusing on how they used rationalistic approaches to analyze Scriptures. Funded through the FRQ\u2019s program Projet de recherche en \u00e9quipe en milieu coll\u00e9gial (PEC)<\/em>, Jeffery\u2019s project aims not only to advance academic knowledge but also to provide hands-on research experience for students, allowing students like Maia, Anthony, and Jonathan to immerse themselves in the research process.<\/p>\n

More specifically, each student is responsible for exploring the life and work of given Christian and Greek authors from a specific decade of the 2nd century and conducts preliminary research on them. Using a reading grid, they collect relevant information to produce a biography of the assigned authors.<\/p>\n

The Start of a Research Journey<\/h3>\n

Maia, who began her internship in the fall, reflects on how this opportunity aligned with her future aspirations. \u201cI aim to go to McGill in the fall in history. Having this job, learning how to use databases and categorize information, is very helpful before diving into my university studies,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n

Similarly, Anthony Lemelin, who is pursuing a double DEC in sciences and social sciences, saw the project as a chance to explore new academic territory. \u201cI\u2019m not sure where I\u2019ll go at the university level, but I wanted to learn more about philosophy and the research project really piqued my interest,\u201d he shares. Jonathan Pelletier, a student in sciences, noted how the research methodology itself was valuable, even though his program doesn\u2019t align directly with philosophy. \u201cIt\u2019s about learning research skills that can apply anywhere, even in biomedical or medical fields,\u201d Jonathan explains.<\/p>\n

Developing Research Skills and Growing as Scholars<\/h3>\n

Jeffery is very mindful of developing transversal competencies in his students, knowing that they may not pursue careers in philosophy. For all three students, the internship has indeed provided more than just exposure to historical philosophy. They have developed skills in using databases, retrieving relevant information, analyzing and synthesizing it.<\/p>\n

Maia, for example, has learned to analyze primary sources, as well as categorize and classify information in a database. Jonathan, on the other hand, has improved his ability to discern what information is relevant. \u201cOne of the most important skills I\u2019ve learned is how to find credible sources and expressing my thoughts and ideas clearly,\u201d he explains. The internship has significantly enhanced Anthony\u2019s analytical skills. Yet, the most remarkable thing, according to him, is how the internship has reshaped his relationship with Jeffery: \u201cIt\u2019s different from the usual student-teacher dynamic,\u201d he reflects. \u201cSometimes, we even help Jeffery discover new perspectives.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jeffery agrees that this role reversal can be quite unexpected for students: \u201cThey sometimes know more about the authors they\u2019ve read than I do. They become the experts on the topic, and that can be surprising to them!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Realities of Research<\/h3>\n

One key takeaway from the students\u2019 experience is the realization that the research process is not always straightforward. Maia points out the unpredictability of working with philosophers\u2019 texts: \u201cYou start off with an idea of what you\u2019re looking for, but sometimes you realize it\u2019s not as useful as you thought. However, it often leads you down a different path and you discover something you weren\u2019t expecting\u201d. For Anthony, this realization came in the form of recognizing that even if an author\u2019s work doesn\u2019t seem immediately relevant, the thought process and methods used to ground their arguments can still be valuable when analyzing another situation or philosopher at a later stage of the research. They both recognize that research is a \u201cback-and-forth\u201d, iterative and complex process, which, as Jonathan adds, is \u201cvery intellectually enriching\u201d.<\/p>\n

Jonathan further points out that one of the main hurdles lies in figuring out how to organize and synthesize the wealth of information they encounter. \u201cThere\u2019s so much information, and it\u2019s difficult to figure out what\u2019s pertinent,\u201d he admits.<\/p>\n

This challenge, however, is one that Jeffery embraces, viewing it as an essential part of academic growth. Reflecting on how this experience will prepare his students for university, he highlights that the skills they\u2019ve developed\u2014such as navigating research setbacks\u2014will make them more resilient. Jeffery believes that if more students received this kind of preparation at the college level, university success rates could improve significantly. As he points out, research skills go beyond technical expertise; they also require key personal attributes like perseverance, integrity, and curiosity.<\/p>\n

Mutual Growth<\/h3>\n

For Jeffery, the collaboration with his students has been a mutually enriching experience. He acknowledges that working alone on research can sometimes feel isolating, as it\u2019s easy to fall into an echo chamber and stop questioning assumptions. The fresh perspectives and questions from his students have pushed him to rethink some of his ideas. He finds their conversations stimulating, offering new insights into the subjects they delve into. Jeffery also appreciates the efficiency they bring to the process, likening them to scouts who carry out exploratory work and provide valuable feedback that helps with plotting out the next steps in his research.<\/p>\n

While academic expectations often focus on publishing articles, Jeffery rather takes pride in fulfilling a key objective of his grant: introducing students to research. He finds great fulfillment in watching his students grow as researchers and even shares that fellow scholars are amazed by his students\u2019 accomplishments!<\/p>\n

Looking Ahead<\/h3>\n

As the research project progresses, the skills Maia, Anthony, and Jonathan are developing will stay with them. Maia plans to continue her studies at McGill, armed with the research skills she\u2019s honed. Anthony, though unsure of his future university path, feels that the skills he\u2019s learning will help in any field. \u201cThe analytical skills and the ability to synthesize information are transferable,\u201d he notes. Jonathan, already applying his research skills to his essays, envisions these abilities helping him in future academic work, no matter the subject.<\/p>\n

In a world where research opportunities are often seen as distant or out of reach for college students, Jeffery\u2019s project demonstrates that such opportunities are not only available but also immensely valuable. The experience shows that research is not just for graduate students or professionals\u2014it\u2019s something college students can do, too. This will be especially evident when Maia, Anthony, and Jonathan present the results of their work at the Colloque interordre de la recherche \u00e9tudiante<\/em>, organized by the Association pour la recherche au coll\u00e9gial, to be held at UQAM<\/em> on May 23. We wish them every success as they share their insights with the broader research community \u2013 a well-deserved recognition of their dedication and talent!<\/p>\n

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________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

Education<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ph.D. in Religious Studies, Universit\u00e9 Laval, 2016<\/p>\n

M.A. in Ancient Literatures, Universit\u00e9 Laval, 2012<\/p>\n

B.A. in Ancient Studies, Universit\u00e9 Laval, 2010<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Research project<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00ab\u202fLe mal dans la pens\u00e9e de Marcion et Apelle : r\u00e9ception d\u2019un d\u00e9bat de philosophie hell\u00e9nistique\u202f\u00bb, Projets de recherche en \u00e9quipe en milieu coll\u00e9gial (PEC). Fonds de recherche du Qu\u00e9bec, secteur Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 et culture. 120 000 $ (2023-2025).<\/p>\n

Key publications<\/strong><\/p>\n

Doctoral thesis<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00ab La notion de religio dans le De ira Dei de Lactance : crainte de Dieu et Providence comme fondement de la religion en r\u00e9ponse \u00e0 la philosophie \u00e9picurienne source des h\u00e9r\u00e9sies \u00bb, Doctoral thesis, Qu\u00e9bec, Universit\u00e9 Laval, 2016.<\/p>\n

Master\u2019s thesis<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00ab Le De rhetorica du Pseudo-Augustin: Quaestiones ciuiles et intellectio dans l\u2019Antiquit\u00e9 tardive \u00bb, Master\u2019s thesis, Qu\u00e9bec, Universit\u00e9 Laval, 2012.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Book<\/strong><\/p>\n

Julius Victor, L\u2019art rh\u00e9torique : translated and annotated by Pascale Fleury followed by Pseudo-Augustin, Sur la rh\u00e9torique : translated and annotated by Jeffery Aubin, Paris, Les Belles Lettres (coll. Roue \u00e0 livres 73), 2016.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Articles in peer-reviewed journals<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00ab Le m\u00e9lange du mal dans les Hom\u00e9lies Pseudo-Cl\u00e9mentines : confirmatio ou refutatio de la pens\u00e9e de Bardesane d\u2019\u00c9desse? \u00bb, B. De Vos and D. Praet (Ed.), A Search for Truth. The Pseudo-Clementine Homilies as a Philosophical and Rhetorical Novel of Late Antiquity, Tubingue, Mohr Siebeck, 2022, p. 301-316.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Ambivalence \u00e9tymologique du mot religio chez Augustin : l\u2019\u00e9tymologie au service de la persuasion \u00bb, Laval th\u00e9ologique et philosophique 74\/2 (2018), p. 169\u2011180.<\/p>\n

\u00ab \u00c9picure et Bardesane astrologues : l\u2019expos\u00e9 de Nic\u00e9tas au livre VIII des Recognitiones pseudo\u2011cl\u00e9mentines \u00bb, Apocrypha 29 (2018), p. 97\u2011111.<\/p>\n

\u00ab La religion, et l\u2019opposition sacr\u00e9 et profane, dans les Diuinae institutiones de Lactance : les limites d\u2019une dichotomie moderne \u00bb, Laval th\u00e9ologique et philosophique 70\/2 (2014), p. 227\u2011239.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Augustin et la rh\u00e9torique \u00e0 la fin du IVe si\u00e8cle : quelques liens entre le de Doctrina christiana et le De rhetorica \u00bb, Revue d\u2019\u00e9tudes augustiniennes et patristiques 60\/1 (2014), p. 91\u2011110.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Le De rhetorica du Pseudo-Augustin : r\u00e9examen des objections contre l\u2019authenticit\u00e9 augustinienne \u00bb, Revue d\u2019\u00e9tudes augustiniennes et patristiques 59\/1 (2013), p. 117\u2011134.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Conferences<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cSoyez comme les changeurs de monnaie \u00bb : l\u2019examen rationnel des \u00c9critures au IIe si\u00e8cle\u201d, Annual meeting of the Canadian Society of Patristic Studies\/Association Canadienne des \u00c9tudes Patristiques, Toronto, June 2025.<\/p>\n

\u201cL\u2019\u0153uvre d\u2019Apelles : t\u00e9moignage et fragments\u201d, Annual meeting of the Canadian Society of Patristic Studies\/Association Canadienne des \u00c9tudes Patristiques, Toronto, May 2024.<\/p>\n

\u201cMixture of Evil in the Pseudo-Clementine Homelies: confirmatio or refutatio of Bardaisan of Edessa?\u201d, International Conference on the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies: a philosophical and rhetorical novel of Late Antiquity \u2013 a search of truth, Ghent, February 2021.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Les passages dualistes et les d\u00e9dicaces \u00e0 Constantin dans les Divinae institutiones de Lactance \u00bb, Annual meeting of the Canadian Society of Patristic Studies\/Association Canadienne des \u00c9tudes Patristiques, Universit\u00e9 d\u2019Ottawa, May 2015.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Contexte social et discours sur la religion : deux concepts li\u00e9s dans l\u2019Antiquit\u00e9 et aujourd\u2019hui \u00bb, 81e Congr\u00e8s de l\u2019ACFAS, Universit\u00e9 Laval, Qu\u00e9bec, May 2013.<\/p>\n

\u00ab La conception de la th\u00e8se et de l\u2019hypoth\u00e8se chez le Pseudo\u2011Augustin : r\u00e9p\u00e9tition ou \u00e9volution \u00bb, Colloque international de la Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 internationale pour l\u2019histoire de la rh\u00e9torique, Bologna, Italy, July 2011.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Recent peer-reviewed critical reviews<\/strong><\/p>\n

Critical review of Jean-Marc Narbonne, Protagoras premier penseur de la d\u00e9mocratie : une relecture philosophique et historique, Qu\u00e9bec, Les Presses de l\u2019Universit\u00e9 Laval (coll. \u00ab Z\u00eat\u00easis \u00bb), 2024, Laval th\u00e9ologique et philosophique, forthcoming.<\/p>\n

Critical review of Jacques Boulogne, Plutarque. \u0152uvres morales. Tome XV, 3e partie: trait\u00e9s 73-75. Trois trait\u00e9s contre \u00c9picure. Collection des universit\u00e9s de France s\u00e9rie grecque, 563. Paris: Les Belles Lettres, 2024. Pp. xxxii, 416. (https:\/\/bmcr.brynmawr.edu\/2024\/2024.12.08\/<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Critical review of Bernard Colette, The Stoic Doctrine of Providence: A Study of its Development and of Some of its Major Issues, London, Routledge, 2022, Bryn Mawr Classical Review, 2022. (https:\/\/bmcr.brynmawr.edu\/2022\/2022.09.32\/<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Critical review of Tertullien, De l\u2019\u00e2me, Introduction, texte critique, notes par J. Leal, traduction par Paul Mattei, Paris, Les \u00e9ditions du Cerf, 2019, Laval th\u00e9ologique et philosophique 78\/1 (2022), p. 164-166.<\/p>\n

Critical review of Cassiodore, De l\u2019\u00e2me, Introduction, traduction et notes A. Galonnier, Paris, Les \u00e9ditions du Cerf, 2017, Laval th\u00e9ologique et philosophique 78\/1 (2022), p. 163-164.<\/p>\n

Critical review of Marcus Tullius Cicero, How to think about God: An ancient guide for believers and nonbelievers. Ancient wisdom for modern readers, translation, notes and introduction by Philip Freeman, Princeton, Princeton University Press, 2019, 151 p., Bryn Mawr Classical Review, 2020.<\/p>\n<\/div> <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/section>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2315,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"wds_primary_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[105],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3942","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-recherche-fr"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/slc.qc.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3942","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/slc.qc.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/slc.qc.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/slc.qc.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/slc.qc.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3942"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/slc.qc.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3942\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/slc.qc.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2315"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/slc.qc.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3942"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/slc.qc.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3942"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/slc.qc.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3942"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}