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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Dr. Tilton examines feminist critiques of "traditional" epistemology, which is individualistic and assumes that epistemic standards are neutral. She links feminist critiques of traditional epistemology to a creeping anxiety that is undermining feminist epistemology's political possibilities, urging a return to more traditional notions of objectivity. | Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy (PhD) |
| 2024 | Dr. Aleef augmented ultrasound systems with advanced elastography imaging technology to enhance the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Additionally, he developed methodologies employing cutting-edge machine learning techniques to automate, speed up, and improve prostate cancer brachytherapy treatment. | Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering (PhD) |
| 2024 | Dr. Kuang studied the political economy of global 5G governance. Her dissertation, "A Mosaic of Mundane Innovations," shows how a new open and decentralized form of global governance took shape in the 5G technology regime. Her work foregrounds new possibilities for latecomer economies to participate in the making of the international economic order. | Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (PhD) |
| 2024 | Dr. Takemon developed a computer-based method to examine cancer gene functions and identify cancer cell-specific vulnerabilities. Using this method, they found several vulnerabilities that can be exploited to selectively kill cancer cells using existing FDA approved drugs. Dr. Takemon's research illustrates a model for improving future precision cancer medicine. | Doctor of Philosophy in Genome Science and Technology (PhD) |
| 2024 | Dr. Cho explored the transformative learning process among the 'Education Beyond Borders' members in Canada and Kenya in their collaboration. Her research helps to understand how the educators from the Global North and South navigated the issues of power and privilege in the postcolonial setting and adds to the conversation of decolonizing pedagogy. | Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy (EdD) |
| 2024 | Dr. Tung investigated the disease mechanisms underlying heart attacks and cardiac hypertrophy by combining experimental medicine and data science. His study, published in Nature Communications, highlights the importance of timing and spatial considerations of treatment for heart diseases, providing a blueprint for future clinical research. | Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD) |
| 2024 | Dr. Lykiardopoulou contributed to the field of nuclear physics by measuring the mass of short-lived sodium isotopes. The results challenge current theories of nuclear structure and establish benchmarks for new theoretical approaches. She contributed in the development and commissioning of a novel ion trap that aims at higher precision mass measurements of short-lived species. | Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD) |
| 2024 | Dr. Akbari explored DNA methylation in normal and cancerous human samples. He created tools to detect genetic regions with parent-specific methylation and uncovered several novel regions. He also developed a technique that discerns if a child's genetic variations come from the father or mother, without needing any information from parents. | Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Genetics (PhD) |
| 2024 | Dr. Pashaei designed and fabricated novel solar cell devices made with materials as thin as one atom. He incorporated various engineering methods to make them more practical. His work proposes innovative designs to make efficient solar cells. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2024 | Dr. Kwan researches the TATA-box binding protein (TBP), an essential protein that initiates transcription and is the first step in gene expression. Dr. Kwan challenges the dogma of transcription initiation and presents evidence that TBP has evolved from its historical role in governing transcription. | Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PhD) |
| 2024 | Dr. Daly-Grafstein developed new statistical methods for studying cause-and-effect relationships. These methods require fewer assumptions about the nature of the data, making estimates more robust. They are applicable when conducting observational studies or when research data is partially missing. | Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics (PhD) |
| 2024 | Dr. Skinner examined inter-professional collaborative practices of education professionals when the focus of collaboration was to include students with extensive support needs in a general education science unit. Her research illustrates how multi-disciplinary collaboration can promote equitable access to education for students with disabilities. | Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education (PhD) |
| 2024 | Dr. Lane studied changes in tidal marsh vegetation and seed germination potential in coastal conservation areas of BC. She found evidence for loss and limited germination of native species, and high risk of invasion by non-native species. This research highlights a need for active management and restoration in coastal ecosystems in BC and beyond. | Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD) |
| 2024 | Dr. Askelson studied how one species evolves into multiple species over time. He discovered that white-breasted nuthatches, which have been treated as a single species, in fact consist of three distinct species. Dr. Askelson showed that hybridization and gene flow has shaped dramatic patterns of differentiation across these birds' genomes. | Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (PhD) |
| 2024 | Dr. Reeves showed how chaotic phenomena, such as the butterfly effect, can appear in certain quantum systems that can model black holes. By discovering the relationship between chaos and symmetries in these systems, Dr. Reeves furthered the understanding of these systems and their connection to black holes. | Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD) |
| 2024 | Dr. Winter-Billington showed that wind-blown snow and rainwater contribute to the accuracy of predictions of the melting of glaciers that are covered in the rock debris from landslides. This research contributes to improved accuracy of forecasts and projections of the retreat of glaciers and regional hydrological impacts due to increased air temperature. | Doctor of Philosophy in Geography (PhD) |
| 2024 | Dr. Oswald's doctoral research focused on developing a coastal zone management framework for BC coastal nations which incorporates economic valuation of ecosystem services. His research will help address environmental impacts that are traditionally not accounted for in decision making, leading to more environmentally sustainable outcomes. | Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD) |
| 2024 | Dr. Wu explored composite nanofibers for creating smart and flexible yarns that can generate electrical signals in response to mechanical and optical stimuli. The yarns can be assembled into electronic textiles for sensing body movement or identifying intense light exposure. | Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Engineering (PhD) |
| 2024 | Dr. Song explored how plants communicate with the microbial community surrounding their roots, known as the rhizosphere microbiome. She identified novel genetic mechanisms plants employ to interact with beneficial microbes. Her findings will help enhance crop resilience and productivity, offering important advancements in agricultural practices. | Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology (PhD) |
| 2024 | Dr. Jiang's concise teaching guide for early Chinese National opera is easily accessible for non-Chinese speaking opera singers. Through this guide, singers can rapidly acquire the skills needed to perform early Chinese national opera works. This study paves the way for non-Chinese opera singers to interpret early Chinese national opera works. | Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice (DMA) |
| 2024 | Dr. Jafaryrabanybastany devised a method to capture and extract features of scalp SD, noting its precursor role to seizures and proximity to the epileptic brain lesion. This work aids in intractable epilepsy diagnosis, paving the way for studies on stroke, traumatic brain trauma, and migraines. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2024 | Dr. Loughnan studied climate change impacts on the timing of life history events, including the start of spring in forests. She found important relationships with environmental cues, like temperature, and evolution in how native woody species are responding. Her work has applications in conservations and management of forests across North America. | Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD) |
| 2024 | Exploring global midwater zooplankton, Dr. Egorova identified key biodiversity hotspots and unique biomass patterns. Dr. Egorova's findings enhance marine models and deepen understanding of ocean ecosystems. These insights benefit environmental scientists and policymakers, enhancing global conservation. | Doctor of Philosophy in Oceanography (PhD) |
| 2024 | Dr. Ho created an imaging technique to observe real-time communication between blood cells and their microenvironment. He provided fundamental insights of how intercellular signals synchronize blood cell behavior, regulate blood cell production, and maintain blood system homeostasis. | Doctor of Philosophy in Cell and Developmental Biology (PhD) |
| 2024 | Dr. Zhao developed ecological models to predict forest tree species' fundamental climate niche and productivity. Her innovative studies offer essential insights into forest adaptation strategies such as conservation or assisted migration in response to climate change. | Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD) |