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. Whaley studied how a selection of Japanese video games simulate and respond to issues of national trauma. While video games are often regarded solely as an entertainment medium, Dr. Whaley argues that specific design strategies promote empathy for real-world victims, teach valuable coping skills, and promote player self-reflection. | Doctor of Philosophy in Asian Studies (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Luk studied new therapeutic targets in prostate cancers. She identified a specific protein, called BIRC6, that is critical in the survival of prostate cancer and developed a new agent targeting this molecule. Her research supports that anti-BIRC6 agents may represent a new treatment for patients with advanced prostate cancer. | Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Oncology (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Lima studied the application of machine learning algorithms in environmental sciences. He used artificial neural networks to forecast streamflow, precipitation, and surface air temperature. His research advances the use of model output statistics and extends predictions to variables not computed by the current numerical weather prediction model. | Doctor of Philosophy in Atmospheric Science (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Axerio-Cilies completed his doctoral studies in experimental medicine. He identified a new mechanism to protect the brain from injury caused by stroke or ischemic damage which is caused by restricted blood flow. He has also found a way to enhance this cell survival mechanism to stop cell death that occurs after an ischemic stroke. | Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Letaw studied the coexistence of insect larvae living in water-filled tank bromeliads. She found that under some conditions, species coexist by interacting as if they are the same species. Such research enhances our ability to predict how ecosystem changes might affect the populations of species living in those ecosystems. | Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Wen studied how the key excitatory neurotransmitter enhances the function of an inhibitory transmitter receptor in the brain. She also developed drugs targeting this pathway. Her work not only blurs the classic definition of excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmissions, but also offers a stepping-stone for developing new medications for epilepsy. | Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Zhang examined legal and practical reasoning in Chinese judicial decisions in intellectual property cases. Drawing from Canadian cases, he found four dimensions of judicial impartiality in addition to the time element of impartiality. His work has contributed to the cultural interpretation of normative standards for judicial impartiality in China. | Doctor of Philosophy in Law (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Chapelas studied conflict arising in response to urban change. She found that residents claim that their physical proximity to new social groups is unsustainable in order to assert their right to a voice in determining the future of their neighborhoods. Her work increases our understanding of how diverse populations negotiate living together. | Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Gupta studied computer vision and robotics to better understand and analyze human activity. He pioneered a more efficient technique of looking at data for learning representations of human motion. He subsequently applied this method to recognize detailed movements of basketball players in broadcast videos. | Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Zhai works on disentangling history of human evolution and language evolution using statistical methods. He showed that the path of human migration can be discovered based on the genetic variation observed among current human populations. | Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Mills studied the transport of nutrient molecules and toxins across the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. He revealed novel steps in the transport of vitamin B12 and an antimicrobial toxin across this membrane. His work will inform research on these transport pathways and help in the development of future antimicrobial therapeutics. | Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Greenblatt dedicated her studies to understanding how the bacterium that causes tuberculosis evades our immune system. She discovered a novel mechanism that allows the bacterium to survive in the body in a dormant, drug-resistant state. These findings have generated a new area of research in latent tuberculosis. | Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Wilhelm's research contributes to our growing appreciation of the diversity of microorganisms and the richness of their natural history. He studied microbial communities in forest soil impacted by clearcutting and his results indicate long-term changes that favour stress-tolerant groups over more vulnerable populations. | Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology (PhD) |
| 2016 | Nuclear imaging has a significant role in cancer management including diagnosis, staging, treatment planning and treatment monitoring. Dr. Lau developed radiotracers targeting carbonic anhydrase IX, a protein found in tumours. His research enables physicians to identify patients that can benefit from personalized therapies targeting this protein. | Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Oncology (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Reid quantified the health of lodgepole pine trees in the interior of British Columbia using ground surveys and spectral reflectance indices calculated from aerial images. This research ensures long-term productivity by incorporating measures of forest health into traditional tree growth monitoring, ultimately helping to advance forest management. | Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD) |
| 2016 | Background noise is one of the biggest challenges for people with hearing loss. Dr. Chong examined the effects of hearing aid noise reduction on Mandarin speech sounds. She found that noise reduction did not impede novel speech sound identification. Her findings have implications for the widespread use of noise reduction systems in hearing aids. | Doctor of Philosophy in Audiology and Speech Sciences (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Westwood explored the processes involved when clients and therapists worked with clients' positive emotional experiences in psychotherapy sessions. Her research highlighted how paying attention to positive affect in therapy has important impacts on therapy members, as well as the therapeutic relationship itself. | Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Togman's research provides us with an in depth and historical account of why governments tried to control the growth and decline of their populations. His research illuminates how we have linked childbirth to issues of poverty, war and wealth for the last three hundred years. This knowledge will have an impact on future policymakers. | Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (PhD) |
| 2016 | Plants possess defense mechanisms against microbial pathogens. Dr. Dong studied how defense responses are regulated in plants to ensure effective immunity. He discovered novel defense regulators and demonstrated their crucial functions in plants. This study contributes to our growing knowledge in plant immunity, providing guidance for the development of natural crop protection strategies. | Doctor of Philosophy in Botany (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Hall examined the psychological barriers to women's success in science and engineering workplaces. He found that accepting workplace conversations with male colleagues were key predictors in lowering gender stereotyping and burnout for women. This research furthers our understanding of how to increase women's success in male dominated careers. | Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Barr examined how community planners and public health professionals are working together to improve health and foster social equity within BC communities. Her work focused on the best ways to support collaboration among diverse fields. This research is useful to policymakers seeking to build healthier and more vibrant communities for all. | Doctor of Philosophy in Planning (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Rabideau studied how space and time can emerge in quantum mechanical systems and found constraints on the space-times which can emerge. This will help guide future efforts to understand the nature of space and time at the smallest scales. | Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Liang investigated the relationship between liberal trade policies and the domestic employment of workers. She found that opening up trade induces workers to change jobs and encourages firms to adjust hiring. These studies have important policy implications on issues about globalization and labor distribution. | Doctor of Philosophy in Economics (PhD) |
| 2016 | Dr. Cheung studied how an anti-inflammatory protein (IL-10) inhibits immune cells activation and the development of immune disorders. She showed how a specific drug candidate could interact with its target and mimic the action of IL-10. This work provides insight on the development of similar and better drugs for treating immune disorders. | Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PhD) |
| 2016 | To report hazardous rockfalls, railway operators currently use trip wire alarm systems which are prone to frequent and prolonged false triggers that delay traffic. Dr. Nedilko developed an autonomous seismic rockfall monitoring system that helps to reduce the number of delayed trains. | Doctor of Philosophy in Geophysics (PhD) |