2009 - 2014 : From undergraduate studies to PhD
Mercedes Baillargeon obtained her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Literary Studies at the University of Québec, Montreal (UQAM), with a concentration in feminist studies. Driven by a desire to explore different academic perspectives, she decided to pursue her PhD in the United States.
She successfully applied to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she was admitted to the department of romance studies. Her doctoral research focused on women's literature and autofiction, specifically examining the relationship between media and literature in the works of Christine Angot, Chloé Delaume, and Nelly Arcan. Her study explored how these authors, often considered controversial, navigated public reception and media relations. Mercedes quickly became active in her research during her undergraduate studies and co-organized a conference on 3rd wave feminism and then co-edited a book during her doctorate, published by Remue-ménage entitled « Remous, ressacs et derivations autour de la troisième vague féministe ».
For the duration of her PhD, she was awarded funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and her doctoral journey was completed within five years.
2014 - 2024 : Academic career in the United States
As she approached the completion of her PhD, Mercedes initially did not intend to remain in the United States. However, after learning more about the academic job market, she decided to apply for positions. Before finishing her PhD, she took part in several career-related trainings offered by her University to get prepared for the job market. She also asked her PhD advisor for feedback as well as professors recently hired at her University for their CV and cover letters. In addition, thanks to her early engagement in research and publishing, she was able to rapidly find a teaching vacancy.
In 2014, she secured an Assistant Professor position at the University of Maryland, in College Park, at the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures. This role allowed her to continue publishing on women's literature while expanding her research into Quebec cinema. Her work explored intimacy in contemporary Quebec cinema, integrating queer theory and affect studies.
Over the years, she secured tenure and later transitioned to the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2022 as Associate Professor of French and Francophone Studies. At UMass Lowell, she developed a community-engaged project on the Franco-Canadian diaspora in Lowell, working closely with the local community to preserve and digitize historical archives.
2024 - present : research in France
Seeking new research opportunities, Mercedes applied for various fellowships in the United States and Europe. In 2024, she was awarded a prestigious research fellowship at the Institute for Advanced Studies at the University de Strasbourg. As a visiting scholar, she is affiliated with the Interdisciplinary Thematic Institute LETHICA (Literature, ethics and arts), where she is developing a new project on first-person women's literature in France and the United States between 1995 and 2015.
Mercedes will be in France until January 2026. After the end of her fellowship, she will go back to UMass Lowell and intends to integrate the insights gained from her research into her teaching and future projects.
Advice for young researchers
1. Be proactive in research and start publishing as early as possible
Mercedes began publishing during her undergraduate studies, which helped her establish credibility in the academic job market.
2. Leverage available career development resources
During her PhD, she attended numerous workshops on academic job applications and interview preparation.
3. Adapt job applications for each institution
When applying for positions, Mercedes researched each department's mission and values to tailor her applications accordingly. It is important to demonstrate how your expertise aligns with the department’s goals.
4. Build a professional network and seek feedback
Mercedes reached out to faculty members to review their application materials, learning from their successful strategies. She also sought extensive feedback from her PhD supervisor and peers, which improved her application’s clarity and impact.
5. Apply widely
Mercedes has applied to numerous fellowships and grants, often facing rejections. However, she maintains a philosophy of persistence:
« You only need one acceptance » : keep applying and remain open to unexpected opportunities.