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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Dr. McBurney explored pathways by which chromatin structure is regulated using budding yeast as a model organism. Her studies provide insight into the complicated mechanisms by which genes are expressed or repressed, helping us understand one of the most basic processes of all living organisms. | Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Westwell-Roper showed that protein aggregation within the pancreas in type 2 diabetes causes tissue damage due to inflammation. Blocking immune cell activation prevented disease development in animal models. This work helps us understand why insulin secretion decreases over time and points to new therapeutic targets for type 2 diabetes. | Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy (MDPhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Ohsawa examined the relationship between popular culture and social change in modern Japan. She explored the conceptualization of the human body and mind in relation to technologically enhanced beings in postwar Japanese science fiction. This research contributes to debates around the ethics of future mind/body/machine relations. | Doctor of Philosophy in Asian Studies (PhD) |
| 2016 | Depleting carbon-fuel reserves and increasing environmental impacts drive the development of clean alternatives. Fuel cells promise clean energy for mobility. Dr. Schwager developed novel methods to analyze fuel cell degradation. This work contributes valuable information to improve fuel cell performance and reliability. | Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD) |
| 2016 | Guided by her Elders and drawing on memories evoked by her grandmother's photos, Dr. Cranmer's research focuses on the challenges facing an adult heritage language learner in reclaiming her language, Kwak'wala. The study contributes to both learning and teaching insights for other residential school survivors to reconnect with their languages. | Doctor of Philosophy in Language and Literacy Education (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Tong studied how the E3 ligases and helper NLRs affect plant immunity.These studies help us to better understand how plants defend against pathogens. | Doctor of Philosophy in Botany (PhD) |
| 2016 | Clean water is essential for life on earth. Dr. Bagheri studied the design of a new generation of Ultra-Violet reactors for effective and affordable removal of contaminants from water. His research identified and evaluated key design parameters that led to an enhanced performance and energy-efficient method of removing pollutants from water. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical and Biological Engineering (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Nayyeri investigated the basic mechanical properties of magnesium alloys. She used a quick, simple and non-destructive test to measure plasticity in magnesium alloys and proved that the results obtained from this newly-developed method are in agreement with previous results obtained from traditional mechanical testing methods. | Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Engineering (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Khosravi discovered the importance of two proteins in the development and progression of human cutaneous melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. His findings will lead to improving treatment regimes and saving the lives of melanoma patients. | Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Anderson examined the academic socialization dialogue of international and permanent resident Chinese PhD students at a Canadian University. His research highlights the importance of providing support and mentorship opportunities for culturally and linguistically diverse doctoral students to increase access into their respective academic communities. | Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching English as a Second Language (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Atwater developed a methodology to assess the viability of tidal energy production. His research concluded that there are significant technological and economic limitations of this energy source. | Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Chiu studied how speech is planned and what details of an utterance are included in speech plans. He found that planned syllables are uttered rapidly and accurately when participants are startled by a loud sound. His findings provide insights into speech motor planning and coordination of speech movements. | Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Neil-Sztramko studied the effects that physical activity has on the health and cancer risk of shift workers. Her early work led to the development of a physical activity intervention, which was feasible to implement in women shift workers. Preliminary results have shown an increase in physical activity and improvement in health of these women. | Doctor of Philosophy in Population and Public Health (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Connolly studied how the mutant protein in Huntington's Disease affects inflammation of the brain. He found that although monocytes both in the brain and periphery have altered function, this does not play a role in the progression of Huntington's. This knowledge will aid the design of future studies and therapies for people who have this devastating disease. | Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Genetics (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Bround studied the role of the RYR2 protein in heart cells. He found that the same signals that cause heart contraction are also involved in maintaining heart rate and promoting energy production. His work provides both insights into how heart cells coordinate their activity as well as a greater understanding of heart health and disease. | Doctor of Philosophy in Cell and Developmental Biology (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Lim examined the suitability of an engineered wood product as structural members of shear walls. Shear walls are designed to accommodate the lateral load of buildings. These in-depth studies assist us in understanding which and how material properties affect the performance of connection and shear wall systems. | Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Westbye studied how bacteria transfer DNA using specialized particles. He characterized regulation of particle production and release from cells. The findings contribute to our understanding of bacterial diversity. | Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology (PhD) |
| 2016 | Drift chambers are used in high-energy physics experiments to detect charged particles. Dr. Caron built prototype drift chambers that identify particles better than previous designs. He showed that the new technique is not expensive to implement, so all future experiments with drift chambers could benefit from implementing his technique. | Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Cao investigated novel approaches for using and examining the effectiveness of LiDAR technologies in order to classify tree species and estimate forest biomass and dynamics in a subtropical forest. These approaches provide methodologies for sustainable forest management, forest carbon cycling studies and carbon accounting projects. | Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Rostamzadeh developed a comprehensive mathematical model to study the different factors that impact information dissemination in Intelligent Transportation Systems. He also proposed a new framework where safety-related information is exchanged among cars. Results from this work can help save lives, reduce traffic accidents, and lower congestion. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Rivera focused on the design principles of Aztec urban planning. She developed a methodology that allowed accurate analyses of the astronomical and topographic orientations of ceremonial architecture by integrating a wide range of digital applications. This knowledge will aid in the understanding of ancient settlements anywhere in the world. | Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Zbogar investigated physical activity during inpatient spinal cord injury rehabilitation. His research shows that the physical activity currently experienced during rehabilitation is inadequate for cardiovascular health benefits or motor recovery, and highlights the potential barriers and facilitators of physical activity. | Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Sciences (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Ipsiroglu investigated the possible causes of intractable insomnia in children and youth with neurodevelopmental conditions. Through the application of family ecology and ethnography in clinical and home studies, Dr. Ipsiroglu illustrates how conventional categorical diagnoses that ignore the inter-relationship of night-time and daytime behaviours can produce systemic gaps in healthcare. | Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Brasil analyzed how transformation of the historical consciousness of the Hwlitsum indigenous people (Canada), the Quilombo of Periperi (Brazil), and the neighborhood of La Marina (Cuba), has shaped collective identification through resilience. His research offers new ways to think about community political struggles foregrounding narratives of resistance. | Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Miller studied the cellular components of stem cell transplants. His research led to the development of improved methods to quantify cells responsible for early recovery. The application of his research will lead to a better understanding of increasing the presence of these cells and lowering mortality rates in stem cell transplant populations. | Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD) |