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 NID
2011 Dr. Marchand used computer simulations to study models which describe polarons, objects composed of one electron and a surrounding cloud of sound waves. He discovered that the properties of polarons can be significantly modified in those models. This work extended previous techniques to allow these more complex models to be investigated efficiently. Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (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. Vanden Hoek investigated how a vital blood clotting protein also plays a subsequent role in dissolving the clot. Her research suggests a novel target for the development of safer and more effective therapeutics for heart attack and stroke due to thrombosis. Doctor of Philosophy in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PhD)
2011 Dr. Johnson explored the educational supports and barriers experienced by urban Indigenous children in BC's provincial child protection system. She developed an Indigenous educational model to wrap around their Western and Indigenous educational needs. This research illuminates transformative Indigenous education and Indigenous self determination. Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy (EdD)
2011 Dr. Wong investigated the role of a protein called Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in the thickening of blood vessels, particularly in heart transplants. His research highlighted the abnormal presence of VEGF in human disease, showed its effect on cholesterol accumulation, and explored potential treatments targeting this protein. Doctor of Philosophy in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PhD)
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. McLellan studied cancer genetics. Her work focused on developing smart cancer treatments by using what we know about a cancer's genetic background to target malignant cells more effectively. Her most significant contribution was the finding that a new treatment for breast cancer may be effective in treating a much wider variety of cancers. Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Genetics (PhD)
2011 Dr. Verreault has contributed to define strategies to improve chemotherapeutic drug delivery and efficacy in one of the most aggressive form of brain cancer, glioblastoma. Doctor of Philosophy in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PhD)
2011 Dr. Forrest examined the three dimensional nature of physical transport processes in lakes with specific interest in horizontal temperature variability of the water column. His use of unmanned submarines as data collection platforms in this effort allowed unique observations to be made in ice-covered environments that would be otherwise near-impossible. Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering (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. Leung formulated several models for the cardiovascular system, and developed corresponding identification methods. She subsequently applied her models and methods to minimally-invasive monitoring of the heart's output in post-surgical infants in the intensive care unit and non-invasive measurement of the arterial pulse wave velocity in children. Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (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. Pirmoradi developed a miniature implantable device for drug delivery. Using this device, physicians can deliver precisely controlled dosage of highly potent drugs, thus avoiding adverse side effects. A novel application of this device is through implantation behind the eye to treat retinal damage caused by diabetes. Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD)
2011 Dr. Madani's studies were in the field of Mechanical Engineering, and he developed a novel technique for separating and classifying particles. His technique can be applied to a vast range of particle sizes. It has application in pulp and paper industry, mining and biomedical science. Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD)
2011 Dr. Moayeri explored how teachers and students use the web in participatory ways. She extends New Literacies Theory, literacies that combine technology and ethos, by proposing that no one form of literacy supersedes or holds more value than another. Her research recommends refraining from devaluing existing forms of literacy when integrating new forms. Doctor of Philosophy in Language and Literacy Education (PhD)
2011 Dr. Erlebach studied immigrants who are doing well with integration into Canadian society. Previous achievements, personality, home culture, positive regard by Canadians and connecting with other immigrants were factors in their success. She concluded that helping immigrants to explore these factors, not just focus on problems, will help them adapt. Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD)
2011 Dr. Zahir has studied the genetic basis for disease in children born with intellectual disability. She has identified previously unknown causative genes, recognized new syndromes, and has highlighted the contribution to neurodevelopment of an important class of proteins. This work has bridged the scientific and clinical understanding of cognitive disease. Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Genetics (PhD)
2011 Dr. Biron examined how the blood vessels that feed the brain become damaged during Alzheimer's disease. Understanding how this damage occurs will allow for the development of future treatments for this disease. Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology (PhD)
2011 Dr. Miao studied the synthesis of the novel ligands for their use in supramolecular systems. By properly designing the ligands, the metallo-supramolecular complexes can be obtained through self-assembly processes. These complexes have potential application in molecular electronic, host-guest chemistry and gas storage. Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD)
2011 Dr. Mendelsohn researched and developed new types of synthetic organic chemical oxidation reactions. He applied these reactions in a novel synthesis of the core of the potent marine natural product tetrodotoxin. These new technologies are aiding scientists in the chemical synthesis of natural products and potential new human drug entities. Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD)
2011 Dr. Jones developed and implemented an ecological mapping methodology, resulting in unprecedented collection of structural and forest species information for the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. The detail and accuracy of resulting maps are critical to addressing pressing environmental concerns, including quantification of rare Garry oak habitat. Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD)
2011 Dr. De Stefano studied processes of diamond formation in different geodynamic contexts. By analyzing diamonds from Jericho, Nunavut and from Wawa, Ontario in their morphology, nitrogen content, mineral inclusions content and stable isotopes, she contributed to the understanding of the role of subduction and metasomatism in the formation of diamond in the earth's interior. Doctor of Philosophy in Geological Sciences (PhD)
2011 Dr. Seraj studied the use of water jets for cooling metal plates. In large industrial-scale experiments, he investigated the effect of parameters like jet velocity and number of jets on cooling efficiency. Many numerical models of jet flow conditions were conducted to find suitable turbulent models for industrial water jets. Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD)
2011 Dr. Rivera Vasquez researched ways to improve the dissolution of refractory copper sulfides using wet processes. Combining single-particle electrochemical and microscopic strategies, he identified possible passivation mechanisms and proposed novel techniques to improve copper extraction using different catalysts. The findings provide a path to enable future hydrometallurgical processes for the treatment of arsenic-bearing copper sulfides. Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Engineering (PhD)
2011 Dr. Stavness developed a state-of-the-art 3D computer model of human jaw and tongue biomechanics. He used the model to investigate the coordination of muscles during chewing and speaking movements. He also analyzed jaw surgery and rehabilitation to illustrate how computer models can be applied in medicine. Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD)