Doctoral Citations

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. Lorenzi examined how sexual violence is represented in contemporary Canadian literature and drama. By focusing on authors' innovative uses of silence, she developed a methodology for understanding how trauma can be articulated to both readers and audiences. Her research also benefits survivors seeking new ways to tell their stories. Doctor of Philosophy in English (PhD)
2016 How are large systems such as particle accelerators studied? Dr. Gong created a new software platform for global optimization. He used it to model and study a particle accelerator-based laser. His work reveals the dynamics of the machine and forms the groundwork for the new accelerator to be constructed in Canada. Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (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 Language and Literacy Education (PhD)
2016 Dr. Lai used computer science to study how RNA molecules fold inside of the body. By reviewing the latest methods, he published new benchmarks and guidelines for the prediction of RNA structures. This knowledge can help researchers in finding and understanding novel RNA molecules within unexplored regions of the human genome. Doctor of Philosophy in Bioinformatics (PhD)
2016 Dr. Jales developed a statistical method to estimate the economic effects of the minimum wage in developing countries. Doctor of Philosophy in Economics (PhD)
2016 Dr. He studied the unfolding and folding of proteins at the single-molecule level. He combined single-molecule force spectroscopy and steered molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the topological changes of a protein slipknot during its unfolding and folding. This research will help understand the folding mechanism of slipknot proteins. Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD)
2016 Dr. Cottle developed a novel algorithm for using single-wavelength, dual polarization, LIDAR to identify aerosol and cloud types. He then employed this algorithm to study multiple instances of medium and long range aerosol transport events. Doctor of Philosophy in Atmospheric Science (PhD)
2016 Dr. Manley-Casimir examined case law relating to the duty to consult and accommodate Indigenous people. She developed a relational framework to this duty based on four principles: respect, recognition, reciprocity and reconciliation. Implementing this framework provides a promising pathway forward to rebuild Indigenous/non-Indigenous relationships. Doctor of Philosophy in Law (PhD)
2016 Dr. Faghani studied the emission formation in natural gas engines focussing on particulate matter emissions. He developed two injection strategies for natural gas engines resulting in very low emissions. The outome of his thesis will aid in the development of natural gas and diesel engines and contribute to the issue of global warming. Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD)
2016 Dr. Mousavizadeh studied the effect of physical stimuli on tendon vascularization. He established the role and mechanism of a protein that promotes vascular changes in tendons. These findings constitute an important advance in our understanding of tendon tissue biology and may form the basis of therapeutic applications in the future. Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD)
2016 Dr. Kirkham studied the potential for exercise to protect the heart of breast cancer patients from the damaging effects of chemotherapy treatment. Her research showed that treadmill walking can alter the typical chemotherapy-related changes in heart function. This finding has implications for the heart and cancer-related health of cancer survivors. Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Sciences (PhD)
2016 Dr. Pickell examined the impacts of human appropriation of Canada's boreal forest on the spatial patterns of forested ecosystems. He developed new approaches for evaluating forest land management strategies and remotely monitoring the ecological condition of our forests. Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD)
2016 Dr. Gou formulated and investigated a class of mathematical models that describe the coupling of spatially segregated, dynamically active units through a signaling molecule that diffuses in the bulk medium between active units. These studies assist us in understanding the pattern formation phenomena observed in many biological systems. Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics (PhD)
2016 What roles should digital technologies have in universities? Dr. Gratham's research found that answers were related to place in the system. He found that policy treats technologies as means to a more efficient and competitive system. In contrast, many professors experience technologies as distracting to their aims of building relationships with students. Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy (EdD)
2016 Dr. Wang studied fouling in oil processing. He developed mathematical models of high temperature deposition growth involving sulphide corrosion and coking. These models assist us in understanding the fouling mechanism in heavy oil processing at elevated temperatures and calculating the long term corrosion and deposition rates in refinery equipment. Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical and Biological Engineering (PhD)
2016 Dr. Huang studied novel molecular markers for skin lymphoma. She demonstrated the clinical value and functional importance of a gene, TOX, in the most common skin lymphoma. Her research assists us in understanding the cause of this disease, improving management of patients, and developing novel therapies for this skin cancer. Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD)
2016 Dr. MacKenzie advanced the methods used to study star forming galaxies in the early universe using far-infrared telescopes. His new methods helped overcome the limited resolving power associated with observing at these wavelengths. Doctor of Philosophy in Astronomy (PhD)
2016 Dr. Mohammadi conducted his research on developing a composite material for electrodes that is used in the extraction process of zinc metal. This composite electrode reduces the cost of the extraction process through decreasing electrical energy consumption and providing better corrosion resistance than conventional electrodes. Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Engineering (PhD)
2016 Dr. Dastan used genomic technologies to study the phenotypic variability in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders carrying a small genomic gain in chromosome 16. Her findings help clinicians to provide more accurate genetic counselling, and personalized management options for such families. Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Genetics (PhD)
2016 Dr. Ladha studied the role of an important enzyme involved in the origins and effects of Huntington's disease. Although partially knocking out the gene for this enzyme did not alter the course of the disease in a mouse model, she did find that this enzyme plays a previously unknown role in regulating inflammation in Huntington's disease. Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Genetics (PhD)
2016 Dr. Vickers designed, synthesized and studied new materials that could be used in the catalytic converters of vehicles. These catalysts were tested for use with natural gas engines to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and make the vehicles more environmentally friendly. Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD)
2016 Dr. Abeysekera investigated how to measure tissue elasticity and viscosity. Using 3-D ultrasound his research allowed him to capture images showing changes in soft tissue that might indicate tissue pathologies such as cancer. His methods were used to investigate the soft tissue of the placenta which may benefit in diagnosing pregnancy abnormalities. Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD)
2016 Dr. Erfani explored current practices and challenges of mobile app development through a series of empirical and qualitative studies. Based on her findings, she proposed automated techniques to generate state models and detect inconsistencies in multi-platform mobile apps. Her research will provide new ideas and models for mobile app development. Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD)
2015 Dr. Clermont explored novel avenues to treat prostate cancer. by analyzing proteins controlling genetic activity. He discovered that a protein called CBX2 is involved in the progression of prostate cancer. His studies demonstrated that blocking the action of CBX2 may represent a novel therapeutic strategy against advanced prostate cancer. Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Oncology (PhD)
2015 Dr. Mjos conducted her research in the field of chemistry, and she studied the chemistry of anti-microbial and anti-cancer agents. She demonstrated the beneficial and detrimental interactions of metal ions with such drug molecules. Working with industry, she was able to shed light on the potential, unwanted side-effects of a new cancer drug. Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD)

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