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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Dr. Tuysuz studied virtual process modeling of machining complex thin-walled components used in the aerospace industry. He developed novel mathematical models and algorithms for digital manufacturing of jet engine rotors. His work helps identify manufacturing related defects so they can be solved before the actual part is produced. | Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Hibbert examined how current mood state impacts ratings of self-reported personality traits. Her findings help clarify the interplay of emotion and self-perceptions, and increase confidence in the use of self-report measures of personality across varying affective contexts. | Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Fabris developed a simulation-based framework to encourage the systematic integration and aggregation of the composites manufacturing science base. Known as Knowledge in Practice, this framework formalizes knowledge use to enable the composites industry to adopt science-based practices to minimize production risk, cost, and development time. | Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Engineering (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Gilmour completed his doctoral studies in the field of Chemistry. He investigated new catalytic methods to functionalize polymeric materials, for example to allow them to self-heal or bio-degrade. This work may contribute to the replacement of traditional plastics with advanced materials that are sustainably produced. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Hsu studied trade politics and its relations with historical development of nationalism and populism in Taiwan. Her research unravels multiple drivers and complex forms of discursive mediation that contributed to trade and economic liberalization. It challenges conventional understanding of neoliberalism and indicates space for social change. | Doctor of Philosophy in Geography (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Li characterized a new-in-class NMDA receptor positive allosteric modulator. The new drug has applications as a research tool and potential therapeutic in psychiatric and neurological disorders. | Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy (MDPhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Martinez-Covarrubias developed compression algorithms for very large databases of high-dimensional vectors. The compressed database can be used to speed up search using a variety of similarity measures. These algorithms can be used in image search engines, recommender systems, or machine learning algorithms. | Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Chern studied the chemotherapy resistance mechanisms in colon cancer. She found that HSP47 proteins promote drug resistance, and the interaction between SPARC and GRP78 proteins enhances the stress level and increases cell death in cancer cells under chemotherapy. Her findings provide insights into overcoming chemoresistance in colon cancer. | Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Oncology (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Lanthier studied how people use a speaker's eye gaze, hand gestures, and vocal signals to infer, tune out or be attentive to what a speaker says. This knowledge will aid in the design of more effective learning environments, and will help us to develop a better understanding of human communication and social interaction. | Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Ruocco developed a new analytical model for exploring the effects of quantum coherence in macroscopic systems. He found that in certain photosynthetic systems, quantum mechanics can play a significant role in facilitating highly efficient energy transfer. | Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Ugarte examined the evolution of Indigenous policy in Chile, and how it has enabled Indigenous dispossession and ignored Indigenous legal orders. Her research suggests that the tensions between the state and Indigenous peoples today are the visible face of different legal orders clashing, making a call for planners to engage in legal pluralism. | Doctor of Philosophy in Planning (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Hu developed several novel analytical techniques to rapidly and accurately determine food adulteration. The methods developed in her studies can be applied by governmental laboratories and the food industry to better guarantee the authenticity of food products and protect consumers from economic loss and potential health risks. | Doctor of Philosophy in Food Science (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Parappilly assessed the determinants of a healthy life-style profile of stroke survivors. Her study revealed that many patients lack knowledge about stroke and those with better stroke knowledge have better health-related behaviours. These findings demonstrate the importance of strengthening current stroke prevention programs. | Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Sciences (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Belley studied how the gemstones sapphire, spinel, and lapis lazuli formed on Baffin Island. He identified key metamorphic and geochemical factors that lead to gemstone genesis, and their relation to large-scale geologic processes. His findings contribute to our understanding of gem deposits and informs exploration strategies. | Doctor of Philosophy in Geological Sciences (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Stewart studied the origin and growth of fibre misalignments during carbon fibre composite manufacturing. He developed automated strategies which regressed data sets several orders of magnitude larger than those found in the literature. Using these datasets, he created new models which should lead to less expensive and lighter planes and cars. | Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Engineering (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Kozicky studied the mechanism of action of the widely used drug intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). She found that IVIg causes immune cells called macrophages to become anti-inflammatory and produce the cytokine IL-10.This knowledge will help in using IVIg more effectively and designing replacement therapies, as IVIg is a limited blood product. | Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Tadaki examined the implementation of an ambitious freshwater policy in Aotearoa New Zealand. By analyzing how different actors influenced the implementation process, his research shows that there is space for political struggle over policy outcomes, even after a policy has been written. | Doctor of Philosophy in Geography (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Sola explored how modifications of carbohydrates influence plant cell wall function. He discovered a novel mechanism that reinforces the connections between the walls of adjacent cells. His results provide insight into how plants can provide strength in specialized tissues. | Doctor of Philosophy in Botany (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Sherbo studied ways to perform common chemical transformations by using renewable electricity. Utilizing a specially designed reactor, she explored how to perform hydrogenation reactions with electricity and water rather than with pressurized hydrogen gas. This method decreases the energy, and carbon intensity of these routine reactions. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Becker dos Santos discovered that essential genes for human fetal lung development are being reactivated in lung cancer. By exploring the downstream consequences of such reactivation, she identified a novel biomarker for lung cancer aggressiveness and patient outcome. | Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Oncology (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Barrus examined gambling behaviour. His work demonstrated that gambling cues such as flashing lights cause rats to make risky choices, and that gambling and normal decision-making rely on different networks of brain regions and brain chemicals. This research helps us to understand why gambling becomes addictive for some people. | Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Carter studied the role of art education after student revolt between 1968 and 1972 in the United States and France. She argued that at a moment when the traditional vehicles of activism failed, the university classroom became one place where artists and students alike could negotiate new forms of political resistance. | Doctor of Philosophy in Art History (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Bravo explored and designed the prospectus for a Knowledge Exchange Unit at UBC to connect ideas, evidence and expertise from research to practice. He applied the Strategic Design Method to co-design a broader Knowledge Exchange framework that will improve UBC's research impact capacity. His contribution supports the expansion of knowledge mobilization research in Canada and in the world. | Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD) |
| 2019 | Geosynthetics are synthetic sheets that can be used to reinforce soil to improve the stability of earth retaining walls. Dr. Rouse proposed a numerical model that helps to have a better understanding of the factors that influence the soil-geosynthetic interaction for design purposes. | Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Yousefi developed mathematical tools for formal safety verification of autonomous systems. Using this technique, he demonstrated the safety of automated anesthesia drug delivery systems. The proposed tools may facilitate the process of obtaining regulatory approval for automated drug delivery systems and their emergence in hospitals | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |