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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Dr. Ford studied the properties of thousands of galaxy clusters in large astronomical surveys. She developed new techniques for measuring the amount and distribution of dark matter, using the gravitational bending of light rays. This work contributes to our understanding of structure formation in the universe. | Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD) |
| 2015 | Dr. Zlatanov completed his studies in the field of Electrical and Computer Engineering and focussed on wireless communications. During his research, he developed novel communication protocols for wireless relay networks. These protocols may have applications in next-generation mobile phones and wireless networks. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2015 | Dr. Khong characterized a family of agriculturally important viruses called dicistroviruses. Notable members of this family infect shrimps, aphids, and honey bees. Dr. Khong's work sheds light on how these understudied viruses replicate and usurp the host, and evade antiviral defenses. These strategies are conserved across other viral families. | Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PhD) |
| 2015 | Dr. Laliberte explored the influence of socio-economic processes on the mental health of young people. She studied the experiences of thirty youth between fifteen and twenty-eight years of age and from diverse backgrounds, in relation to mental health policy. Her work offers guidance for youth mental health promotion from a socio-economic perspective. | Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) |
| 2015 | Dr. Heng Hartse studied the reactions of English teachers to language useage they perceived as incorrect in student essays. He found that their perceptions of correctness, and their explanations for the evaluations they made, were highly subjective. This work has implications for anyone who works with second language writers and their texts. | Doctor of Philosophy in Language and Literacy Education (PhD) |
| 2015 | Dr. Han applied analytical and numerical methods of quantum mechanics to solve several controversies in molecular physics. He showed the common mechanisms in the formation of ultracold molecules, and the response of molecules to coherent and incoherent light. His work outlined a consistent, novel route towards laser control of molecular processes. | Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD) |
| 2015 | Dr. Therrien developed new models of electrical machines for the simulation of electromagnetic transients in power systems. The proposed models were shown to significantly increase simulation speed. These findings expedited the massive computer studies necessary to operate electrical power systems in a safe, secure, and optimal way. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2015 | Dr. Tayarani completed his doctoral studies in the field of Computer Science. His research focused on design principles for building large-scale software systems. He worked on simplifying applications which operate using numerous computers, and he built a framework which helps developers to deal with distributed system artifacts. | Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science (PhD) |
| 2015 | Dr. Kendrick examined the role of relationships in sexual assault disclosures. She found that survivor relationships with peers to whom they described their assaults shaped the responses survivors received. By further understanding responses to disclosures, this research provides insight into how to improve support to sexual assault survivors. | Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (PhD) |
| 2015 | Dr. Wilbur explored the understandings that teachers of English as an Additional Language bring to teaching students whom they believe have experienced trauma. Her project described the ways instructors create inclusive classrooms. She concluded that for programs to be responsive to the whole student there needs to be a shift in policy and practice. | Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy (EdD) |
| 2015 | The marine gas dimethyl sulfide plays a role in natural climate regulation by bridging the atmospheric and oceanic sulfur cycles. Dr. Asher developed new methods to measure the variability and production of this gas across time and space. Her work advances our understanding of the marine sulfur cycle and informs climate change research. | Doctor of Philosophy in Oceanography (PhD) |
| 2015 | Actions of sex steroid hormones in humans are regulated by a transporter protein in the blood. Dr. Wu's research revealed how genetic variations alter production and functions of this protein. In the era of personalized medicine, his research may improve current counselling, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of endocrine or metabolic disorders. | Doctor of Philosophy in Reproductive and Developmental Sciences (PhD) |
| 2015 | Dr. Radel designed and tested a new way to redirect beams of light. In particular, this method for directing a light beam uses electronics and does not require mechanical moving parts. This discovery has many applications, including telecommunications, where it can be used in fiber-optic networks to reduce the cost of sending and receiving information. | Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD) |
| 2015 | Dr. Stewart investigated how the culture of Indigenous architects informs their designs. This is the first known research to privilege the use of Indigenous Knowledge by Indigenous architects. Results of this research will inform the future education of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in architecture and their practice within the profession. | Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD) |
| 2015 | With the help of a laser instrument, Dr. Shen studied the collagen molecule, an important type of protein in the human body. He found a close connection between the structure of collagen and some of its optic characteristics. These studies provide a better understanding of changes in collagen, which may lead to early diagnosis of cancer cells. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2015 | Dr. Boshmaf performed a security analysis of automated fake accounts in social networks such as Facebook. His research characterized the threats posed by such deceptive accounts and provided the design of a system to efficiently and effectively defend against them. This system is currently deployed by social networks to protect millions of users. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2015 | Dr. Ryz studied the ways in which vitamin D affects the gut during colitis. Her novel research showed that high levels of vitamin D can negatively affect the intestinal immune system, increasing the risk of infection by dangerous gut bacteria. Her findings may help patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, who are at high risk of bacterial infection. | Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD) |
| 2015 | Dr. Babaie studied the drying mechanism of polymer solution films used in 3D printers. Using advanced experimentation, he developed a mathematical model to explain the complex behavior of polymer solution droplets while drying. His work advances printing technology and the cost-effective fabrication of microstructures such as microneedles. | Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD) |
| 2015 | Dr. Asboth studied distant dust-obscured, star-forming galaxies. She analyzed large area sky surveys, observed at far-infrared wavelengths. Her results suggest that dusty galaxies played a more significant role in the stellar mass buildup in the early Universe than current galaxy evolution models predict. | Doctor of Philosophy in Astronomy (PhD) |
| 2015 | Salmon migrations in the ocean are extremely challenging events. Dr. Drenner's research showed these migrations are influenced by environmental conditions and fish physiological state. These results further our understanding of the marine migration of salmon and will aid in their management and conservation. | Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD) |
| 2015 | Dr. Geddes studied the fungal cause of life-threatening meningitis in HIV/AIDS patients. Her research provided a better understanding of the disease process and identified new therapeutic options, including a novel drug with excellent potential for combating infection. Her research will significantly benefit both the research and medical communities. | Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology (PhD) |
| 2015 | Grounded at the Coast Salish village of Xway' Xw@y' in Stanley Park, Dr. Couture's research demonstrates how theatrical, cultural and tourist performances are used for cultural continuation and historiography. Ways of thinking embedded in the h@n'q'@m'in@m language and place names gave access to Indigenous histories obscured by the colonial archive. | Doctor of Philosophy in Theatre (PhD) |
| 2015 | Dr. Baer focused on how wards of the state are portrayed in German literature from the 18th to the 20th centuries. Her research advances our understanding of the international history of foster care, and of how literature, their translations and literary studies contribute to society's understanding and perception of that history and of those in care. | Doctor of Philosophy in Germanic Studies (PhD) |
| 2015 | Dr. Shi studied the mechanisms contributing to virus-induced heart diseases. She investigate autophagy, a protein degradation pathway, and the critical role it plays in viral infection. Her research findings will aid in the development of novel anti-viral therapies, and contribute to improvements in the prognosis for viral-induced heart diseases. | Doctor of Philosophy in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PhD) |
| 2015 | Dr. Fast completed her doctoral studies in Art History and Theory. She focussed on art and artists in India during the late colonial period, from the 1920s to the 1940s. Her research showed how professional artists used print and printmaking media, to carve out new spaces of economic and social opportunity for themselves during this period. | Doctor of Philosophy in Art History (PhD) |