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 |
---|---|---|
2023 | Dr. Lu studied the function of a major autism risk gene neurexin-1, showing that losing one copy of this molecule leads to significant synaptic deficits. He subsequently used gene-editing technology to rescue these impairments by altering how neurexin-1 RNA is processed, identifying a potential therapeutic strategy for neuropsychiatric patients. | Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience (PhD) |
2023 | Dr. Lorentzian examined the persistence of therapeutic targets through disease progression in pediatric leukemia using a genomic and proteomic approach. Her research revealed that therapeutic targets are often persistent to relapse and supports the early characterization of drug targets to prepare treatment options in case the child relapses. | Doctor of Philosophy in Cell and Developmental Biology (PhD) |
2023 | Dr. Jain studied the application of low-cost air quality sensors, using them as a tool to improve our understanding of how air pollution varies in space and time. Her research also included assessments of how these variations could impact exposure estimates for humans. | Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD) |
2023 | Dr. Rinaldi examined public discourse and planning processes involving water science and democracy in extractive frontiers in Colombia. She found that narratives are shifting towards a more nuanced understanding of complexity, uncertainty and the role of expert knowledge at the water-energy nexus. | Doctor of Philosophy in Integrated Studies in Land and Food Systems (PhD) |
2023 | Dr. Markovic examined unchosen transformative experiences, particularly transformative grief, an experience that deeply alters a person's sense of what is significant in the world and calls on them to reorganize themselves as an agent. Her research links challenges to identity and agency in transformative grief with those of other major life events. | Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy (PhD) |
2023 | Dr. Johnson produced functional particles and biodegradable packaging from a polymer called xylan (pronounced as XY-lan) from grass cell walls. She showed that the structure and composition of xylans influences their performance in bio-based materials. Her work represents a step towards a more sustainable, resource-efficient world. | Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD) |
2023 | Dr. Horvath worked on host cell factors that regulate HIV-1 replication. By using small molecules to target these factors, he identified novel classes of potential HIV-1 chemotherapies. | Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PhD) |
2023 | Political rallies have become a large part of electoral campaigns worldwide. What role do rallies play in shaping elections? Dr. Jha estimates a novel structural model of political rallies and their outcomes. He finds rallies persuasive and electorally pivotal in U.S and that the rallies in India are much more persuasive than in U.S. | Doctor of Philosophy in Economics (PhD) |
2023 | Dr. Branch examined the impact that severe drought has on the plant species, scarlet monkeyflower. Her research found that different populations evolve in different ways but maintain growth and improve water efficiency. Her work highlights that stress can be inherited across generations. | Doctor of Philosophy in Botany (PhD) |
2023 | Dr. Huo designed automated diagnostics schemes for electric cables. These studies enable preventative measures to be taken to avoid electricity grid service failure. This lowers the maintenance cost and ensures a smooth operation for the future smart grid. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
2023 | Dr. Schrewe examined medical education policies to understand how physicians are formed to work for health equity in Canada. Based on these findings, he argued that the training system be re-designed to educate physicians as medical citizens who use their medical expertise to work for the equitable distribution of the public good of health care. | Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies (PhD) |
2023 | Dr. Devane examined youth peer support services in a mental health service context. Using a research community partnership model, she identified key opportunities to strengthen and scale youth peer support services across the provincial organization, Foundry. Her research positions Foundry as a strong leader for further innovation in this field. | Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) |
2023 | Dr. Huet developed numerical tools that allow fast and accurate simulations of complex fluid systems, ranging from rockfall dynamics to cell-resolved biological flows. His open-source software contributions can be used to better design microfluidic cell-sorting devices, thus speeding up many labour intensive tasks in biotechnology research. | Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics (PhD) |
2023 | Dr. Lan identified three genes that regulate an important signal molecule NHP in systemic acquired resistance in plants. The three genes function together and negatively regulate defence-related genes in epigenetic level. These findings assist us in understanding plant defence mechanism and plant disease control. | Doctor of Philosophy in Botany (PhD) |
2023 | Dr. Degioanni explored AC-DC three-phase power converters used in grid-connected systems, developing innovative tools and solutions for their modelling and control. His work enables seamless integration of technologies like renewables, electric vehicles, and battery chargers, shaping the future of the electric grid. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
2023 | Dr. Pauker's cross-disciplinary work sketches intertwining genealogies of philosophy and journalism. Advocating philosophical journalism as a mode of critical questioning in the present, Pauker disrupts normative configurations of truth and truth-telling in journalism, philosophy, and knowledge production in the western tradition, more broadly. | Doctor of Philosophy in Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice (PhD) |
2023 | Dr. Forgrave conducted biomarker discovery and verification efforts for frontotemporal dementia with TDP-43 pathology. She revealed the need for improved classification and improved biomarkers for diagnosis are needed. Moreover, She identified disease-specific TDP-43 proteoforms and potential biomarkers for TDP-43 pathology. | Doctor of Philosophy in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PhD) |
2023 | Dr. Van der Merwe investigated the impact of Pinus patula plantation growing environments on wood properties, product recovery and quality. This work will assist forest growers to match forests to specific plywood and lumber production facilities to improve product recovery and quality. | Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD) |
2023 | Dr. Kwon's research focused on the education of students who are deaf and hard of hearing with disabilities. She investigated considerations of parents and teachers regarding educational eligibility, placement, and intervention. Her studies increase knowledge and understanding of how to effectively support these learners, their families, and schools. | Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education (PhD) |
2023 | Dr. Yu's work focuses on addressing challenges in training models with limited annotation, unveiling strategies to optimize weakly labeled data use. This work plays a crucial role in refining and developing more accurate and efficient multi-label image analysis models, marking a notable advancement in the domain. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
2023 | Dr. Nesbit characterized the prefrontal cortex mechanisms of the novel cognitive enhancer d-govadine. Dr. Nesbit's work advances the clinical application of this compound for the treatment of cognitive symptoms in psychiatric and neurological disorders. | Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience (PhD) |
2023 | Dr. Dai explored the intersection of classical machine learning and quantum computing, aiming to enhance algorithms for complex quantum problems. It highlights the development of a quantum-enhanced feature mapping algorithm and the practical application of quantum regression models. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD) |
2023 | Sanctioned by First Nation organizations in BC, Dr. Padam's pioneering work in online Indigenous educational technology programs led to in-person knowledge sharing with 90 of the 203 Indigenous communities throughout BC. His autobiographical research reflects upon past and current local BC Indigenous realities as exemplified nationally by the TRC. | Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies (PhD) |
2023 | Dr. Yan investigated the production of waxy layer on fruit surfaces that protects fruits against environmental stresses such as UV Light and dehydration. Her work revealed the critical roles of wax compounds in improving fruit quality and shelf life. Her work will have significant implications on agriculture and horticulture crop development. | Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Science (PhD) |
2023 | Dr. Gibson identified genetic variants and circulating biomarkers associated with pediatric primary systemic vasculitis, a rare and potentially life-threatening disease caused by blood vessel inflammation. These findings will assist in clinical classification and inform treatment decisions for children suffering from the disease. | Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Genetics (PhD) |