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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Dr. Lau investigated the channels in our cells that release calcium, allowing for the contraction of the heart and muscles. He found that a protein binds to them differently depending on where they are found in our bodies, and he created a 3D model of the channels. These findings help to explain how proteins and mutations may cause disease. | Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PhD) |
| 2014 | Dr. Bsoul designed computer chips that consume less power. His research opens the door to using these chips in applications such as mobile phones and wearable devices, and helps reduce the carbon emissions of large systems. Ultimately, this innovation will lead to better systems, and greener computing. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2014 | Dr. McKee conducted ethnographic fieldwork among the horse people of Bluegrass Kentucky in order to understand the cultural and historical connections between horse racing, animal slaughter, equine rescue, and prison educational programs. | Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology (PhD) |
| 2014 | Dr. Conte studied how species adapt to their environments and how this can occasionally lead to the formation of new species. In particular, she focused on the genetic changes that occur during adaptation and speciation, finding that they are somewhat predictable. Her work helps us understand mechanisms that generate and promote biodiversity. | Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (PhD) |
| 2014 | Dr. Jetha characterized the physics of DNA transport through nanometre-scale pores for application in optimizing the design of nanopore-based DNA sequencing technologies. He also developed methods to extend nanopore technology for protein and small molecule analysis. His work will benefit groups developing nanopore-based biomedical technologies. | Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD) |
| 2014 | Dr. Warner found that, in patients with asthma, the cells that line the airways do not undergo normal repair, leading to the formation of an abnormal barrier. Her work defined several biological mechanisms that might cause this defect. It is hoped that modification of these pathways will help prevent the progression of asthma. | Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD) |
| 2014 | Dr. Xiang studied the physics of interacting particles at ultra-cold temperatures. He explored new mechanisms to control quantum dynamics and developed a numerical tool for calculating the properties of systems of interacting particles. His work will help people to design experiments to discover new physics at ultra-cold temperatures. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD) |
| 2014 | Dr. Dyce examined the historical role of archives in Canada, between 1867 and the present. Studying the circulation of geographical knowledge in maps, photographs, atlases, and school textbooks, he advanced the argument that Canadian interpretations of environmental change are deeply vested in the archival and spatial histories of the country. | Doctor of Philosophy in Geography (PhD) |
| 2014 | Dr. Chehal's doctoral studies revealed the degree to which breast cancer can impair the development and function of the immune system. Her discoveries improve our understanding of how breast cancer manipulates anti-tumor immunity. They also suggest new treatment strategies to energize the immune system in the fight against cancer. | Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology (PhD) |
| 2014 | Dr. Chan conducted her doctoral research in genetics and molecular biology. She investigated a novel mechanism by which cells respond to environmental factors by modulating the way they interpret genetic information. Her research highlights the role of genetic mutations in the growth of cancer cells. | Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PhD) |
| 2014 | Dr. Oliver examined how child protection workers interpreted strengths-based practice, an approach focussing on client strengths and goals. Study outcomes included recommendations to help child welfare agencies support this approach and a model for making strengths-based relationships with mandated clients. | Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (PhD) |
| 2014 | Dr. Fang studied how damaged proteins are eliminated in a cell, and discovered key players in this process. Since the accumulation of damaged proteins is linked to many human disorders like Alzheimer's disease, this research contributes to our scientific insights into potential treatments for Alzheimer's and other related diseases. | Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PhD) |
| 2014 | Dr. Mokmeli studied selenium and tellurium chemistry and kinetics in UBC's Hydro-metallurgy Research Group. He developed a model which determined the time needed for removal of selenium and tellurium from solutions. His research helps the metal extraction industries to increase their production rate in the treatment of sulfide ores and residues. | Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Engineering (PhD) |
| 2014 | Dr. Kramer worked with Iraqi children to study how writing, poetic imagination, and creative processes are all integral to the building of peace. She revealed that peace-building is supported by intellectual and creative processes that invite us to listen with the heart. Dr. Kramer's research contributes new perspectives on transformative education. | Doctor of Philosophy in Language and Literacy Education (PhD) |
| 2014 | Dr. Collie examined work-related well-being and motivation among teachers. Her research showed that contextual factors, such as the support of school principals, play a key role in positive teacher functioning. She also found that teacher well-being and motivation play an important role in the teachers' commitment and job satisfaction. | Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development, Learning, and Culture (PhD) |
| 2014 | Dr. Ilumoka analysed the evolution of colonial law in Nigeria, taking a case study of the development of land law and women's land rights. She notes that the colonial classification of law as "customary" and "modern" persists today and is misleading. She argues for law reform focusing on substantive issues of justice and access to land. | Doctor of Philosophy in Law (PhD) |
| 2014 | Dr. Gaitan-Ospina's work in climatology used different techniques to statistically refine future projections of temperature, precipitation and wind speed in the Canadian Global Climate Model. The results show that nonlinear methods are preferred over linear ones. These findings benefit engineers, biologists, land and forest managers and policy-makers. | Doctor of Philosophy in Atmospheric Science (PhD) |
| 2014 | Dr. Kerr conducted her research as a Settler-Scholar, meaning she considered the implications of her scholarly work as a person who has settled on lands that are the longstanding home of Indigenous peoples. Dr. Kerr developed a theory to help teachers in K-12 schools and in programs of teacher education who prioritize social equity in education. | Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies (PhD) |
| 2014 | Dr. Hill wrote a series of stories tracing his development as a student, teacher and writer. Using auto-ethnography, he not only tells these stories but also analyzes the reasons for telling them. Dr. Hill's focus is on author intention and narrative truth in storytelling. | Doctor of Philosophy in Language and Literacy Education (PhD) |
| 2014 | Dr. Khurana has developed a numerical method for solving the Boltzmann equation used in chemistry and physics. This numerical method can be used for theoretical calculations in aerodynamic studies and protein analysis. From those calculations one can obtain the properties, such as the size or the distribution of the particles that make up the system. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD) |
| 2014 | Dr. Karimi investigated the corrosion of orthopaedic implants, such as replacement hips and knees, in a simulated human body. Her research findings are helpful in developing new reliable materials for orthopaedic implants with a longer life time. These new materials could reduce the risk of implant failure as well as the cost of additional surgeries. | Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Engineering (PhD) |
| 2014 | Dr. Tabatabaei studied auto-immune diabetes and showed that changes in an immune factor contribute to disease. She also developed a graft of insulin-producing cells containing an enzyme named IDO for transplantation in type 1 diabetes. These studies open new avenues for protecting insulin-producing cells in diabetes, and following transplantation. | Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD) |
| 2014 | Dr. Alamouti studied fungi that have destroyed more than 18 million hectares of pine forests in western North America. She used evolutionary genomic approaches and identified variations in genes that help fungi attack trees. This provides important insights into how fungi evolve and adapt to different pine trees and to changing environment condition. | Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD) |
| 2014 | Dr. Au studied ways in which an insect virus known as Baculo-virus can be used in health research and medical treatments. Her research is the first to demonstrate how baculo-viruses have evolved unique and efficient ways to enter the control centre of a cell. This work will help to design efficient viruses that can be used for gene therapy. | Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (PhD) |
| 2014 | Dr. Lefebvre studied how the structure of stainless steel evolves during production. He identified ways to prevent the formation of detrimental surface roughness during forming, in order to manufacture smooth, shiny steel. The findings will help steel producers provide improved materials for a variety of household utensils and industrial installations | Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Engineering (PhD) |