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
2011 Dr. Alaqqad developed a method of studying the way fluid flows through wood-chip reactors which produce pulp for paper. In particular, he looked at the chemical digester used in the Kraft production process. This research will assist in designing future digesters in order to reduce operational cost and produce high quality and yield of paper. Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical and Biological Engineering (PhD)
2011 Dr. Hui studied the mixing operation used in pulp and paper industry. He developed an approach to estimate the mixing volume in a cylindrical chest and examined a mathematical model for the analysis of chest performance. This research can aid the design of industrial chests for effective pulp mixing. Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical and Biological Engineering (PhD)
2011 Dr. Moseley-Giannelli developed and tested a model which shed light on the roles that Hope and Benefit-Finding play in the emotional adjustment of caregivers when children have cancer. This research offers new insights into how caregiver hope develops, how it can be screened for, and how it may be nurtured within a context of profound uncertainty. Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)
2011 Dr. Kim studied the poorly understood outer pollen wall of flowering plants and mosses. He examined genes and enzymes which generate the building blocks of the pollen wall, and discovered male-sterile mutants related to the pollen wall formation. This work has contributed to the understanding of the construction of pollen walls. Doctor of Philosophy in Botany (PhD)
2011 Dr. Jankovic investigated new ceramic materials for proton conducting fuel cells operating at an intermediate temperature of 200-500 C. Her study of the relationship between material composition, properties and performance, and development of a material with enhanced properties, are a significant contribution to this important clean energy area. Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical and Biological Engineering (PhD)
2011 Dr. Kramer proposed the evaluation of segmental neurological outcomes to replace global measures as primary endpoints in different phases of clinical study after spinal cord injury. This work represents important progress towards addressing the priority of individuals with tetraplegia to improve arm and hand function. Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience (PhD)
2011 In a carefully-controlled study, Dr. Oh-McGinnis discovered that reduced levels of a gene called Ascl2 led to severe placental abnormalities in pregnant mice and reduced embryonic size. The mice can serve as subjects to study human placental development and embryonic growth, with the goal of improving the health of newborns. Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Genetics (PhD)
2011 Dr. Al-Mashat examined the narratives of Iraqi refugees and exiles who experienced war in Iraq and migrated to Jordan. He investigated the cultural meaning they made of their experiences and how that helped them cope and adapt. He discovered three themes amongst all narratives: the role of religious beliefs and linguistic expressions, a desire to make a contribution, and a strong attachment to the Iraqi identity. Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD)
2011 Dr. Riche quantified the seasonal circulation of seawater in the Strait of Georgia using sophisticated mathematics and a unique set of monthly observations taken over the years 2002 to 2005. He also quantified the seasonal growth and abundance of marine microscopic algae and showed that some of their nutrient requirements differed from estimates made in previous studies. Doctor of Philosophy in Oceanography (PhD)
2011 Dr. Lai found new ways to develop drugs for treating stroke. His new inventions conferred fewer side effects than traditional treatments, and remained effective even when the treatments were delayed for hours. Aside from stroke treatments, these new strategies can be implemented for the development of drugs for other diseases. Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience (PhD)
2011 Dr. Labbe examined the transformation of a rural village into an urban neighbourhood on the edge of Hanoi, Vietnam. She found that local people and government officials mitigate official policies through their day-to-day practices and interactions. This research illuminates the relational aspect of planning in a city of the Global South. Doctor of Philosophy in Planning (PhD)
2011 Dr. Musavi developed highly-efficient cost effective battery chargers for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. These new chargers result in increased performance efficiency, lower charge time and decreased utility costs. Dr. Musavi's developments have important implications for the future emergence and acceptance of electric vehicle technologies. Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD)
2011 Dr. Mohammadi developed Atmospheric Fuzzy Risk Assessment (AFRA) software to assess risks at mine reclamation sites. AFRA is a knowledge-based decision-making tool that combines real data and fuzzy information to assess risk in different locations or climates. AFRA is expected to contribute to mine safety and confined space accident prevention. Doctor of Philosophy in Mining Engineering (PhD)
2011 Dr. Wong investigated the cellular response to ultraviolet radiation. He discovered how a tumor suppressor protein protects the human genome after ultraviolet radiation. This leads to better understanding of melanoma development which has implications for designing new treatment strategies. Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD)
2011 Eszter Boros investigated a variety of acyclic chelates for the rapid and efficient coordination of radiometals. One lead compound, H2dedpa, was identified and further investigated for nuclear medicine applications such as myocardiac perfusion and cancer imaging. Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD)
2011 Dr. Burleigh studied the way in which normal mammary cells interact with their environment. This allowed her to identify early changes that are involved in the initiation of breast cancer. Her findings highlight the importance of studying normal biology to better understand how cancers progress. Doctor of Philosophy in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PhD)
2011 Dr. Yang's research indicates that the equilibrium potential of GABA, a major neurotransmitter in brain, is regulated by different receptors, proteins and neuronal activity. Changes in the equilibrium potential, observed in this study, have significant implications for regulating brain activity and implications for promoting health and reducing disease. Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology (PhD)
2011 Dr. Novak combined basic science and clinical studies to demonstrate that the type of fat a mother consumes during pregnancy and lactation plays a key role in regulating infant liver metabolism. Her research opened a new field to consider the impact of essential fatty acid nutrition for early infant liver development. Doctor of Philosophy in Human Nutrition (PhD)
2011 Dr. Azab studied the drag on aircraft wings, and the implications for how much cargo weight is possible in flight. He researched ways to reduce fuel consumption of aircraft by changing their wing shapes. His findings will potentially have a positive economical impact on airlines, and lead to a reduction in air pollution. Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD)
2011 Dr. Palacios examined learning and knowledge production in the Chilean solidarity movement and its public pedagogy. She argues understanding social movements as learning communities is essential because learning and knowledge production are central to achieving movement aims, the significance of movements and the value and legitimacy of local movement knowledge. Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies (PhD)
2011 Dr. Derakhshandeh studied the flow behaviour of wood fibres in water to optimize the current available in processing machines for the pulp and paper industry. In particular, the outcomes from his study have been used to increase the efficiency of the industrial mixers used to blend chemicals with wood fibre suspensions. Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical and Biological Engineering (PhD)
2011 Dr. Gorgy examined the transport of a group of compounds in biosolids-amended soil and clay lining materials for landfills. These compounds are added to many consumer products as flame retardants and are found in biosolids and landfill leachates. He found that they can potentially move in the soil and clay lining material. The research is helpful in establishing land application of biosolids and waste disposal regulations as well as landfill lining design requirements. Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering (PhD)
2011 Dr. Sember studied problems involving points in the geometric plane, where each point's location has some amount of uncertainty, and developed a number of algorithms for generating figures from such points. These figures can provide a more accurate view of certain types of uncertain data. Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science (PhD)
2011 Dr. Chin investigated generic microchips, such as those used in smartphones and other electronic devices. His research into the specialized computer software used to program the chips led to the discovery of methods to make that software run faster and more efficiently. His findings will result in cost savings and can benefit the electronics industry. Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD)
2011 Dr. Chamberlain developed new computer methods to improve landscape management in areas of high visual quality, such as scenic drives, parks and recreational places. The research led to the creation of new 3D mapping technologies that are being used for forest management in central BC and for research in Clayoqout Sound on Vancouver Island. Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD)

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