A doctoral citation summarizes the nature of the independent research, provides a high-level overview of the study, states the significance of the work and says who will benefit from the findings in clear, non-specialized language, so that members of a lay audience will understand it.
| Year | Citation | Program |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Imagine your favorite place. Can you describe your thoughts and feelings about that place to someone else? Dr. Maguire's research examined how to create detailed 3D maps of places using a geographic information system. For the first time, we can see place attachment, and can combine and analyze the maps for groups, elevating the study of place. | Doctor of Philosophy in Geography (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Fernando investigated the role of extracellular vesicles in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS. Her findings revealed that specific vesicle populations are capable of transmitting protein misfolding to recipient cells. This research provides novel evidence for the role of extracellular vesicles in human ALS disease. | Doctor of Philosophy in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Alger studied the political reasons behind the creation of large marine protected areas. He devised an original framework for understanding global norm diffusion, grounded in domestic political economies. His work increases our understanding of the interplay between governments, environmental groups and industry interests in marine conservation. | Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Vavlekas studied the polytetrafluoroethylene paste extrusion, to explain the role of structure formation on the Poissons ratio of final products such as stents and other implants. He used a model to simulate the transient tensile results. This work increases our understanding of potential treatments for atrial fibrillation or esophageal diseases. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical and Biological Engineering (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Bahrami studied energy management programs to reduce cost and increase reliability in power grids. He designed algorithms to match power generation levels to residential energy demands and data centers in distribution networks. His work will help balance peak electricity demands with consumer use. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Beauvais studied the importance of talking for democratic politics, and the problem of inequality. Her work revealed that women participate in in political talk at lower rates than men, and have less influence than men when they speak. Her research clarified how inequality can undermine discursive political participation. | Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Molazem developed intrusion detection techniques to improve security of IoT, or Internet-of-Things. These systems are used in critical settings such as smart grids, and medical devices. Yet, it is difficult to make them secure as they are resource-constrained. This research proposes new ways to protect IoT devices against software attacks. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Williamson demonstrated that a variety of maternal characteristics (e.g., mental health, feelings towards children) are related to parenting stress and are associated with feeling ineffective as a parent. This helps us better understand the experience of parenting and helps to guide our treatment approach when working with children and their mothers. | Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Radebe examined the perceptions of Afrocentric education and Toronto Afrocentric Alternative Schools by Black parents. Findings shed light on how parents perceive the role of race, culture and history in education, particularly with respect to academic performance. This work will improve educational policies and practices in Afrocentric education. | Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Dixon used functional magnetic resonance imaging (or fMRI) to explore the neurobiological basis of attention. This research provides new insights about the effect of time and context on how different brain networks interact. | Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Kumar developed a faster and scalable algorithm for large-scale seismic data processing. His work demonstrated the possibility of avoiding the conventional practices of seismic data processing in the Oil and Gas industry and resulted in a novel formulation that provides efficient ways to extract information from large-scale seismic data. | Doctor of Philosophy in Geophysics (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Gignac performed two searches for particles predicted by Supersymmetry using proton-proton collision data collected by the ATLAS detector. Findings showed no evidence for Supersymmetric particles. In addition, he studied next generation detectors that will be used to continue searches for new physics with the ATLAS detector. | Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Tong studied schooling of BC students with behaviour disorders and mental illness. Enrolling in non-standard schools, repeating grades, frequent school changes and being Aboriginal were strong predictors that these students would not complete high school. This work informs policy and practice on a critical problem in British Columbia schools. | Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies (PhD) |
| 2017 | To monitor time-lapse changes that occur in the earth subsurface, current practice requires difficult-to-repeat seismic surveys. Dr. Oghenekohwo proposed a new, fast, and cheaper method practitioners can adopt to monitor these changes without having to repeat the surveys. His method will have a significant impact in the field of data acquisition. | Doctor of Philosophy in Geophysics (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Singh developed novel anti breast cancer therapeutics that bind to a new region on the estrogen receptor. These drug candidates are able to outsmart the cancer and overcome mutation driven drug resistance problem. Dr. Singh's results may have important clinical applications in terms of prolonging the life span of breast cancer patients. | Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Galway examined how radical intellectuals in the developing world engaged with Mao Zedong Thought and how they became Communists as responses to crises in their homelands. His research explored how outside ideas are received and adapted to both respond to and cope with the intense pressures of economic, industrial, and political modernization. | Doctor of Philosophy in History (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Regan developed an experimental apparatus to precisely measure the metabolism of animals, and used it to examine the metabolic pathways allowing certain fish species to survive long periods of time with little to no oxygen. This research benefits conservation efforts as human activities reduce the O2 levels of the world's aquatic environments. | Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Tseng examined bone health in women who had been treated for breast cancer. She showed that some breast cancer therapies are associated with higher fracture risk, and examined the effect of educational materials discussing bone scans, exercise, and calcium intake, on bone health in these women. | Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Oncology (PhD) |
| 2017 | The doctoral studies of Dr. Perry focused on the development of environmentally friendly catalysts to generate amines. These nitrogen containing molecules could be efficiently transformed into new plastics with tunable properties. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Hill studied the plasma protein CBG, which is responsible for transporting the stress hormone cortisol. She investigated the impact of DNA variations on CBG protein function, laying the foundation for further clinical investigations. Furthermore, her research revealed that CBG plays a vital role in mediating our bodies' response to inflammation. | Doctor of Philosophy in Reproductive and Developmental Sciences (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Arianpoo studied the transfer of data over wireless networks. She demonstrated how the use of machine learning can significantly improve the performance of data transport in multi hop wireless networks. The proposed dynamic approach is one step closer to unlocking the great potential of machine learning and Artificial Intelligence in our day-to-day life. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Kolesnik analyzed two aspects of random spaces. He studied geodesics, or shortest paths, in a random fractal surface called the Brownian map, which is related to quantum gravity from theoretical physics. He also studied conditions in random networks which allow for the existence of a small part that can influence the whole network. | Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics (PhD) |
| 2017 | In response to the common underperformance of smallholder afforestation programs, Dr. Baker developed a novel theory to explain how smallholder farmers make their forestland-use decisions in two regions of Nicaragua. His research provides a basis for improving the design of smallholder afforestation programs for many regions of the world. | Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD) |
| 2017 | Knee osteoarthritis, or OA, is prevalent and disabling, and for many, OA begins behind the knee cap. Dr. Macri studied knee alignment using MRI. Results showed knee caps are malaligned in knee cap OA, and are more malaligned when standing compared to laying supine. Results will inform the development of effective strategies for treating knee OA. | Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Pandhari developed a model to predict the formation of cracks in refractory materials, used as lining in metallurgical reactors. He also developed a novel experimental technique to test refractories on a laboratory scale. This technique could be used to avoid frequent shut-downs of the reactors, thus increasing the efficiency of manufacturing. | Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Engineering (PhD) |