Convocation November 2012

Doctor of Education (Educational Leadership and Policy)

• Dr. Stephen William Kozey: "Dr.Kozey examined historical,colonialist, and professional practices that have contributed to a high rate of Aboriginal children being placed in the protective custody of the state in Canada. His research demonstrates that the inclusion of local Indigenous knowledges and cultural practices can transform child welfare services to Aboriginal children and families."
• Dr. Todd Lee Ormiston: "Dr. Ormiston interviewed Indigenous students, faculty and elders to explore ways in which traditional concepts of Indigenous leadership are applied within post-secondary institutions. He identified the importance of centering Indigenous knowledge, commitment to building relationships, and self-determination of Indigenous people, communities and Nations."
• Dr. Christine Margaret Perkins: "Dr. Perkins interviewed principals and vice-principals about their understanding of, and responses to homophobia. Her human rights, arts-based research resulted in a play titled: "Do We Really Need to Discuss This?" The play aims to generate professional development and leadership opportunities for those seeking to make our public schools more socially just."
• Dr. Aruna A Gore: "Dr. Gore explored the educational experiences of Aboriginal former inmates of federal prisons. The findings highlighted the importance of providing support, educating staff on Aboriginal perspectives of justice, and incorporating culture. Dr. Gore concluded that making education mandatory and changing the curriculum for Aboriginal inmates, will lead to a transformation in prison education."
• Dr. Patricia Christine Rosborough: "Dr. Rosborough studied the relationship between language and Indigenization through stories of individuals engaged in Kwak'wala revitalization. Conducted through an Indigenous methodology, the research deepens understandings of Kwak'wala learning and finds that Indigenous language revitalization must take into account the impacts of colonization."
• Dr. Madeleine Karen MacIvor: "Dr. MacIvor studied BC Aboriginal post-secondary education policies. She examined ways in which policies were influenced by changing political, economic and social circumstances from 1986 to 2011. Her work highlights the influence of Aboriginal Affairs, the privileging of First Nations and the importance of relationships, leadership and ownership."

Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy

• Dr. Heather Lynn Heine: "Dr. Heine conducted research into stem cells and the way blood vessels regenerate. She implanted a device, similar to a petri dish, which allows the study of cells within the living body. Her work revealed that there are subtle and complex relationships between cells under different conditions. The findings will contribute to advancements in stem cell research."

Doctor of Musical Arts

• Dr. Colin Bradley Pridy: "Dr. Pridy's new method of composition involved translating into musical ideas the most important aspects of writer C. S. Lewis's personality. He then used the symphony orchestra to evoke the emotional drama of Lewis's early years. This approach offers audiences a new way to understand and experience notable lives."
• Dr. Mark Takeshi McGregor: "Dr. McGregor's thesis explores the collaborative relationship between performers and composers in the creation of new music, with a focus on the careers of Severino Gazzelloni and Robert Aitken."
• Dr. Alexander Cannon: "Dr. Cannon analyzed the trumpet music of composer Anthony Plog in the brass chamber music setting. His dissertation is a guide that assists performers in understanding and successfully presenting Plog's brass music."

Doctor of Philosophy (Animal Science)

• Dr. Elisabeth Helen Ormandy: "Dr. Ormandy's research explores the changing landscape of animal-based research. She developed a novel method to examine public acceptance of research involving different species and procedures. She argues for the importance of representing diverse views when developing animal research policy, and concludes with recommendations for national and international policy."

Doctor of Philosophy (Anthropology)

• Dr. Robin O'Day: "Dr. O'Day examined the ways in which part-time workers in Japan are organizing into new types of labour unions. Through fieldwork, he looked at how several unions were attempting to gain higher wages and improve job security. His research contributes to greater appreciation of how culture influences labour politics."
• Dr. Kyung Hyo Chun: "Dr. Chun researched the ways national identity and consciousness are represented through exhibits and programs at two national museums in South Korea. This study illuminates how experiences and memories of Japanese colonial rule have shaped strong anti-colonial nationalist discourses in and around the museums, based on the alleged ethnic-homogeneity of Korean people."

Doctor of Philosophy (Art History)

• Dr. Asato Ikeda: "Dr. Ikeda used the framework of fascism as a lens through which to understand art and visual culture in wartime Japan. Her study highlighted Japan's intellectual and artistic dialogues with Germany and Italy during the period of extreme nationalism and military conflict and showed how fascism was disseminated through art production and cultural institutions."

Doctor of Philosophy (Asian Studies)

• Dr. Gergana Entcheva Ivanova: "Dr. Ivanova studied 11th century Japanese women writers, and how their work was adapted in the 16th to 19th centuries. She found the images of those women were transformed as political contexts, readerships, and socio-cultural conditions changed. She demonstrated the role of genre and gender in the canonization of Japanese women's literature."
• Dr. Si Nae Park: "Dr. Park studied stories written in Classical Chinese which are included in Korean story collections from the 17th- to the 19th century. Her research highlights the diversity of the historical contexts of that period, challenges existing nationalistic scholarship, and opens up new possibilities for studying Korean literary culture."
• Dr. Tak Pui Sze: "Dr. Sze studied the ways in which Chinese people in early medieval times understood and built Buddhist st�pas, the monuments housing sacred relics. She found they did not adopt the unique symbolic meanings narrated in Buddhist scriptures, but considered them to be just like other Buddhist buildings, and often linked them with political dignitaries."

Doctor of Philosophy (Astronomy)

• Dr. Ramandeep Sunny Gill: "Dr. Gill investigated the existence of Axion-like particles, that are strong contenders for the dark matter in our Universe. He developed a novel method for measuring the mass of these particles by studying their signature in the light observed from strongly magnetized stars."

Doctor of Philosophy (Atmospheric Science)

• Dr. Atoossa Bakhshaii Shahrbabaki: "Dr. Bakhshaii used Gene Expression Programming to improve forecasts of precipitation and speed-up calculation of how atmospheric stability affects thunderstorms. She devised new forecast methods for electric load to enable more efficient operation of electric-power generation. Her innovation has been beneficial for meteorologists, hydrologists, the power industry and the general public."

Doctor of Philosophy (Audiology and Speech Sciences)

• Dr. Monique Joanne Charest: "Dr. Charest's doctoral research investigated the ways in which children of different ages plan and produce sentences. Her research examined how the time needed to call up words from the lexicon affects the grammatical planning of young children.. This is one of few existing studies to explore these processes in very young speakers."

Doctor of Philosophy (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)

• Dr. Hau Wing Chan: "Dr. Chan investigated the enzymes from which sugar molecules in bacterial cells are built. Using a special type of technique known as an NMR spectroscopy, he discovered that these enzymes are very flexible, which is crucial for their catalytic functions. Dr. Chan's research into how enzymes work will assist in developing drugs for treatment of gastro-intestinal diseases."
• Dr. Derek Michael van Pel: "Dr. van Pel used the genetics of baker's yeast to identify new protein targets for cancer drugs. He used this knowledge to identify chemicals that could selectively kill human tumor cells, which may lead to the development of new drugs to treat a wide variety of cancers."
• Dr. Yu Zi Zheng: "Dr. Zheng used various proteomics methods to study cell membranes, especially lipid rafts on those membranes, which carry many biological functions. One of her findings was that the presence of lipid rafts may provide an entry point for life-threatening bacteria like Salmonella. Her research contributes to our knowledge of the function of membranes and the way bacteria affect them."
• Dr. Ganna Mykolaivna Vashchenko: "Dr. Vashchenko studied the way the human body absorbs iron using a protein called hephaestin. By using genetic engineering techniques, she showed that hephaestin is able to oxidize iron. New details about the structure and function of hephaestin revealed by Dr. Vashchenko's research advance our current knowledge of the iron metabolism in humans."
• Dr. Chia-yu Angel Yu: "Dr. Yu solved the crystal structure of an enzyme that is critical to the spread of infectious E. coli bacteria, such as those found in the beef that was recalled last month. The crystal structure provides insights into how this enzyme attacks and disrupts host proteins that provide a defence against the bacteria. It is hoped this work will lead to the design of new treatments for E.coli."

Doctor of Philosophy (Bioinformatics)

• Dr. Meeta Mistry: "Dr. Mistry examined gene expression patterns in the postmortem human brain. Using statistical methods, she looked at which genes are turned on and off in healthy brains compared to the brains of people with schizophrenia. Her findings contribute to our knowledge of gene function in the brain and offers insight into the underlying cause of schizophrenia."
• Dr. Olena Morozova: "High-risk neuroblastoma is an aggressive cancer that affects nerve cells and is hard to cure in children over 1 year of age. Dr.Morozova used state-of-the-art technologies to crack the genetic code of neuroblastoma cells. Her research revealed genetic errors that could provide clues for the development of new therapies for neuroblastoma patients."
• Dr. Warren Alexander Cheung: "Dr. Cheung developed computer methods to describe the properties of genes, diseases and drugs in quantitative profiles. In performing billions of computer comparisons, his methods for comparing profiles from different topics reveals new associations between genes and diseases, and new disease applications for existing drugs."

Doctor of Philosophy (Biomedical Engineering)

• Dr. Petcharatana Bhuanantanondh: "Dr. Bhuanantanondh developed a protocol for prescribing upper limb prostheses. This protocol can be used as a tool to objectively select the appropriate prosthesis for individuals with upper limb amputations. The prescription protocol may help to increase the acceptance of prostheses, and improve the quality of life of amputees."
• Dr. Anthony Yuet K Chan: "Dr. Chan studied conventional and newer types of upper limb prostheses for adult amputees. He reviewed design and safety, prostheses performance and usage. He formulated a process for verifying performance and risk assessment, with the goal of enabling patients to return to independent living, reducing service frequency, and lowering the number of patients who abandon their prostheses."

Doctor of Philosophy (Botany)

• Dr. Julia Nowak: "Dr. Nowak completed her doctoral studies in the field of Botany."
• Dr. Cameron Norman Carlyle: "Dr. Carlyle examined how changing climate will interact with plant removal caused by cattle grazing the grasslands of the British Columbia Interior. He detected complex interactions that alter plant species diversity and production. His research demonstrated that ecosystems that are similar may not respond to climate change in the same manner, providing insight into management of BC grasslands."
• Dr. Eric Eugene Johnson: "Dr. Johnson studied the plant Arabidopsis thaliana, the first plant to have a completely sequenced genome. He identified three neighbouring genes that play sequential roles in one of the plant's specialized metabolic pathways. This adds to our understanding of the evolution of these kinds of pathways in plants."

Doctor of Philosophy (Business Administration)

• Dr. Burcu Bulgurcu: "Dr. Bulgurcu investigated information privacy in Online Social Networks, by studying user perceptions and behaviours. Her research furthers our understanding of the vulnerability of social network users to privacy invasions. Her findings help policy makers and technology developers in their quest to create online environments where information privacy is respected."
• Dr. Hamed Hasheminia: "Dr. Hasheminia measured the differences in price sensitivity between single airline passengers and passengers travelling in groups of 2, 3 or 4. He also developed a statistical methodology to decipher valuable information hidden in aggregate level data. Both findings will assist in developing pricing strategies to improve economic welfare."
• Dr. Antoine Sauré: "Dr. Saur�'s research was motivated by the impact of delays on patient health and by inefficiencies in the use of expensive resources. He developed cost-effective mathematical methods for addressing the challenge of scheduling patient appointments in advance, when future demand for service is still unknown. His methods have the potential to improve the delivery of Canadian health services."
• Dr. Michael Mueller: "Dr. Mueller examined how firms choose their sources of financing, and how consistent this choice is with theories of capital structure. While some studies argue for new theories, Dr. Mueller found that existing theories, coupled with more accurate measures of the costs and benefits of debt, may be just as good at explaining a firm's capital structure."
• Dr. Anita Parkinson: "Dr. Parkinson developed mathematical models to be used in the initial planning of block cave mines, in which the ore is mined by tunnelling below the ore body. These models determine where to mine in each year to maximize the return. They assist the mine planner by saving time and effort over their current trial and error method, and may increase the value of the mine."
• Dr. Thomas Ruf: "Dr. Ruf studied how prices of financial derivatives are affected by liquidation risk, defined as the sudden, forced selling by large financial traders. His work helps explain why the prices we observe in derivatives markets do not adhere to standard finance theory."
• Dr. Sameh Al-Natour: "Dr. Al-Natour studied commercial websites that sell products over the Internet. He examined some of the factors that encourage customers to provide personal information online. His findings suggest that the design of a website significantly affects the type of information customers disclose to the website, and the likelihood of disclosure."

Doctor of Philosophy (Cell and Developmental Biology)

• Dr. Maria Newerly Fairbank: "Dr. Fairbank studied the ways in which cells protect themselves against stress and death. She investigated the role of a particular protein known as gp78, and examined previously unknown ways in which groups of proteins known as G proteins interact. This research deepens our understanding of the complex biology of cell survival and adaptation."

Doctor of Philosophy (Chemical and Biological Engineering)

• Dr. Alexandre Vigneault: "Dr. Vigneault developed a new kind of reactor that produces pure hydrogen for use in numerous kinds of vehicles. He built a membrane reactor that extracts hydrogen from water and methane in a compact way which has never been done before. The work will help fueling stations, and companies with large fleets of vehicles, to produce hydrogen efficiently and economically on-site."
• Dr. Mario Alberto Jardon: "Dr. Jardon studied factors that affect the ability of genetically-engineered cells to produce proteins to treat diseases such as cancer or stroke. He showed that by inhibiting the process called autophagy, which causes cells to "eat" themselves, protein production could be increased, without affecting its quality. This research can benefit patients in need of modern biotechnology products. ."
• Dr. Ekaterina Vassilenko: "Dr. Vassilenko studied leukemia in mussels, which is associated with the presence of pesticides and oil in the water, and is similar to leukemia in humans. Dr. Vassilenko studied genetic and cellular transformations in the mussels, to develop leukemia detection methods. The results of the study will contribute to environmental monitoring and testing for carcinogens in our waters."
• Dr. Jidon Adrian Bin Janaun: "Dr. Janaun developed a catalyst, made from sugar, which triggers a chemical reaction to produce biodiesel fuel. This catalyst has several advantages: it is easily prepared, made from renewable resources, and has a high potential for commercial application. This discovery contributes to our efforts in pursuit of a cleaner environment."
• Dr. Ryan William Anderson: "Dr. Anderson studied hydrogen fuel cells with a specific focus on the role of the water produced by the reaction. Understanding the fluid mechanics of air and water in the millimeter sized channels of a fuel cell helps improve overall fuel cell efficiency and performance. Academic researchers and industry can benefit from these results."
• Dr. Nagu Daraboina: "Hydrate inhibitors delay the formation of crystals in oil and gas pipelines. Dr. Daraboina developed a new engineering approach to evaluate and understand the hydrate inhibition mechanism of proteins from fish and plants. These "green" proteins reduce the risk of blockages and harmful chemicals in pipelines. His findings contribute to environmental and human safety, and to reductions in energy costs.."
• Dr. Yizhou Sang: "Dr. Sang proposed a strategy to optimize the use of chemical additives in communications-grade paper, such as the paper used for printing newspapers and magazines. In addition, he improved our fundamental understanding of the processes of wood fibre floc formation and manipulation which are used in high-quality paper production."
• Dr. Yulong Ding: "Dr. Ding investigated a type of fuel cell known as Polymer Electrolyte Membrane or PEM. He developed a model to study the simultaneous flow of gas and liquid in PEM fuel cells and showed how the two-phase flow can be adjusted to improve cell performance. This research advances fuel-cell design, which will benefit industries such as transportation."
• Dr. Norhayani Othman: "Dr. Othman studied the melt and processing behaviour of a promising biodegradable thermoplastic. This could be a solution for the large amount of plastic packaging waste throughout the world. The findings from this study can be used in simulations of various processes and to increase the efficiency of the processing and productivity of this biodegradable plastic."
• Dr. Mahmoud Ansari: "Dr. Ansari studied efficient ways of processing high-density polyethylenes, the most common plastic used in consumer goods. He researched the way the production process can be affected by altering their molecules. His findings lead to more cost-effective processing, and methods of producing plastic parts, with better mechanical properties, at a faster production rate.""
• Dr. Vincent Wai-Sang Lam: "Dr. Lam investigated new materials and component structures for a low emission energy conversion device known as a fuel cell. He also contributed to the understanding of reaction mechanisms occurring within the fuel cell. His findings will help guide future fuel cell developments, and reduce fuel cell system costs."
• Dr. Shahin Goodarznia: "Dr. Goodarznia conducted experimental research in the catalysis branch of Chemical and Biological Engineering. The results of his research unravelled some of the complexities in fuel production. His findings point to new pathways in the formation of oxygenates such as alcohol, and benefit the bio-fuel and petrochemical industries."
• Dr. David Robert Bruce: "Dr. Bruce examined how novel inexpensive composite conductive polymer-titania films can be used to reduce the cost and energy required for solar hydrogen generation. This work has the potential to improve membrane based electrolytic processes and is an important contribution to renewable solar fuel production."
• Dr. Jianghong Peng: "Dr. Peng investigated BC softwood torrefaction, a thermal treatment without air or oxygen at 200-300 o C. He developed a technology for the production of torrefied pellets, which have dense energy like coal. He identified conditions for making pellets economically, which contributes to research into cost-effective energy."
• Dr. Simon Shun Ming Fan: "Dr. Fan developed a vapour-fed device to convert the chemical energy in alcohol into electricity. He studied the performance of the device using both acidic and alkaline electrolytes as conductors. His findings about energy-converting devices at high temperatures help us to understand the relationship between temperature and the electrochemical reaction of alcohol fuel."

Doctor of Philosophy (Chemistry)

• Dr. Maria Zlotorzynska: "Dr. Zlotorzynska studied the chemical behavior of oxygen and nitrogen radical atoms. She devised novel strategies to harness their high reactivity for use in selective carbon-oxygen and carbon-nitrogen bond forming reactions. This research led to the development of new chemical methods applicable to pharmacologically active compounds."
• Dr. Paul Siu: "Dr. Siu focused his research on phosphorus chemistry. He synthesized compounds of varying sizes, both big and small. Some of these compounds are highly reactive, others are not. His investigation helps to broaden the field of phosphorus chemistry and could potentially lead to unique materials and catalysts."
• Dr. Paloma Salas Fernandez: "Dr. Salas-Fernandez studied new drugs for the treatment of malaria. She designed and evaluated a series of ant-imalarial drugs to explore the connections between structure and activity. This research contributes to the understanding of structural features that might help to overcome resistance to anti-malarial drugs. ."
• Dr. Charles Turner: "Dr. Turner investigated methods to make complex drug molecules in the laboratory. This work involved the consecutive "cooking" of chemical mixtures, with unpredictable results. It is conceivable that his research might, some day, lead to new compounds that could be used to develop potent new anti-cancer drugs."
• Dr. Xuefei Zhong: "Dr. Zhong developed an improved capillary electrophoresis-electrospray-ionization-mass spectrometry interface. This technology was proved to be useful for analysis of a variety of chemical compounds, such as small drug molecules, metabolites, peptides, proteins, and carbohydrates."
• Dr. Yasmin Mawani: "Dr. Mawani made a series of compounds for the treatment of bone density disorders, studying their efficacy in cells and bone mineral. From these studies, one compound was identified for the potential oral treatment of osteoporosis and thus requires further analysis."
• Dr. Grant Bare: "Dr. Bare used organic synthesis to study fundamental structural and functional roles of the chromosome ends, the telomeres. Phosphate forming reactions were developed to construct a molecule that could mimic telomere drug interactions. The resulting discoveries may be useful for chemists designing new anticancer therapeutics or studying DNA structure."
• Dr. Stephanie Amber Moore: "Dr. Moore investigated the optical and electronic properties of late-transition metal complexes. The properties of those complexes are related to the way compounds, or conjugated ligands, bind to the metal. Dr. Moore observed three different ways in which the ligands bind, and the resulting new hybrid complexes demonstrate potential for use in light-harvesting applications, such as solar cells."
• Dr. Labros George Meimetis: "Dr. Meimetis's research was devoted to medicinal chemistry. He focussed on the synthesis of biologically-active, natural marine products taken from sponges. The findings from his work will contribute towards curing diseases of the blood and prostate cancer."
• Dr. Kevin Shopsowitz: "Dr. Shopsowitz's research focussed on making new nano-materials from wood pulp. This led to the discovery that wood-based nano-particles can be used to create highly porous materials that mimic iridescent insect shells. It is anticipated that the properties of these materials will make them useful for colour-changing sensors and energy storage devices."
• Dr. Anantasak Loonchanta: "Through his research, Dr. Loonchanta identified the structure of gelsolin, a protein involved in the regulation of cell movement. The findings contribute to our understanding of how cells "walk", and can be applied to the design of drugs which help to prevent the spread of cancer cells."
• Dr. Sergey Vyacheslavovich Alyabyshev: "Dr. Alyabyshev studied the effects of electromagnetic fields on the dynamics of atoms and molecules at low temperatures, and suggested a new method for detection of electromagnetic fields. This research can benefit different areas of science and technology, ranging from fundamental physical measurements to medical imaging and detection of explosive materials."
• Dr. Felipe Herrera: "Dr. Herrera opened new possibilities for scientific and technological applications of molecules prepared at ultracold temperatures. He developed simple but robust theoretical schemes that will allow experimentalists to tackle in a controlled way some of the outstanding problems in chemistry and physics."
• Dr. Paul Robert Bichler: "Dr. Bichler developed a procedure for the formation of carbon-sulfur bonds, which finds application in the synthesis of molecules with therapeutic properties. Currently, the work is being applied towards the development of medications for the treatment of parasitic illnesses including Chagas disease and malaria."
• Dr. Terry J. Parolin: "Dr. Parolin investigated the response of the element Palladium to an applied magnetic field by using a specialized technique that employs radioactive impurities. The studies were conducted using the beta-detected nuclear magnetic resonance facility at TRIUMF, located at UBC. The results provide further insights into the origin of Palladium's unique magnetic properties ."
• Dr. Fathima Aidha Shaikh: "Dr. Shaikh conducted research on enzymes which remove the A and B antigens from red blood cells. Her work, in collaboration with research performed at the Blood Research Centre, has generated universal red blood cells. These studies contribute to the understanding of enzymes that are useful for the conversion of A/B/O blood types into universal blood."

Doctor of Philosophy (Civil Engineering)

• Dr. William McAdam Johnstone: "Dr. Johnstone developed an approach for assessing the effectiveness of plans to reduce loss of life, in the event of extreme natural and technological hazards. The methods have been used to analyse dam failure in Europe and the United States, and to support tsunami emergency preparedness on Vancouver Island."
• Dr. Mojtaba Mahsuli: "Dr. Mahsuli developed a new methodology, and a comprehensive computer program, for evaluating risk to buildings and infrastructure due to natural and manmade hazards. His research provides a rational basis to prioritize the buildings in a given region for retrofit, with the goal of reducing seismic risk."

Doctor of Philosophy (Classics)

• Dr. Karen Ann Aberle: "Through studies of excavations and comparisons with Roman, Greek and Punic houses, Dr. Aberle demonstrated that Sicily did not just passively absorb ideas in the years 211-70 BC, but instead actively manipulated them. She challenged a prevailing opinion that Sicily has had little influence on Mediterranean culture and has contributed to our knowledge of Sicilian history."

Doctor of Philosophy (Computer Science)

• Dr. Steven John Yohanan: "Dr. Yohanan examined the role of touch in the communication of emotion between humans and social robots. His foundational research provided insights into the manner of expressing emotions through touch, while also demonstrating that this form of interaction can influence the human's emotional state."
• Dr. Aiman M Erbad: "Dr. Erbad studied new techniques to improve the quality of multimedia using available resources, such as computer hardware and network bandwidth. He improved the transfer time and ensured more consistent quality in video games and streaming applications. His findings will contribute to the next generation of multimedia development."
• Dr. Pooja Viswanathan: "Dr. Viswanathan designed an intelligent, powered wheelchair system for cognitively-impaired older adults in nursing homes. She demonstrated, through user studies, that the system increased safety and assisted users in navigating along the shortest route to their destination. These studies help us in understanding the mobility needs of the target users."
• Dr. Tyson Andre Brochu: "Dr. Brochu conducted research on computer-assisted techniques to be used in making feature films. He developed new techniques for simulating moving surfaces, such as cloth and liquid surfaces. His research helps improve the realism of computer-generated visual effects for feature films, from splashing water in a glass, to plumes of smoke, to clothing for virtual characters."
• Dr. Flavio Miana De Paula: "Debugging computer-chip defects consumes more than 50% of the chip design process. To address this problem, Dr. De Paula defined a formal framework called BackSpace, which methodically and correctly extracts information from chips. His experiments show that BackSpace is successful in practice and is promising to contribute significantly to the computer industry."
• Dr. Scott Helmer: "Dr. Helmer developed algorithms for object recognition that combines information from images from multiple viewpoints and stereo vision. His work improves not only object localization in 2D images but also can infer 3D position as well, which is useful for many robotic applications requiring visual navigation."

Doctor of Philosophy (Craniofacial Science)

• Dr. Bruce Barclay Wallace: "Dr. Wallace explored the expansion of community dental clinics in British Columbia, and their potential to respond to oral health inequities. He found that the clinics are helping to provide dentistry to underserved populations. However, the services are limited, and Dr. Wallace recommends government policy that integrates dentistry within health equity agendas."

Doctor of Philosophy (Cross-Faculty Inquiry in Education)

• Dr. Alyson Wendy Hoy: "Dr. Hoy's research performed an inquiry into the future of queer theory after the death of preeminent scholar Eve Sedgwick. Dr. Hoy juxtaposed Sedgwick's writings on cancer and depression with her own experience of illness. The thesis was a means to intervene into medicalized accounts of trauma and sexuality, and to engage in and write queer memoir as a form of collective witness."
• Dr. Valerie J. Triggs: "Dr. Triggs' research was in the area of teacher education. Using arts-based inquiries she examined a variety of teacher education situations, and identified ways to raise awareness of ecological issues. Through her study, she has identified methods for sensitizing teachers to their capacities to affect and to be affected by our changing world."
• Dr. Lian Judith Beveridge: "Dr. Beveridge combined queer theory and children's literature criticism to analyse lesbian and gay picturebooks and a censorship challenge to them. She argued that the books and debate reinforce understandings of childhood as ignorant and asexual. Such picturebooks would better meet the needs of children if they were less politically conservative and more aethetically daring."
• Dr. Patricia Anne Fraser: "Dr. Fraser conducted research while she was an artist-in-residence with a community of Seniors. She helped them use their life stories as a way to learn about communication and digital technologies. Her research showed that working creatively with life stories can create deeper levels of awareness, a greater sense of a shared world, and stronger communities."
• Dr. Maria Cristina Delgado Vintimilla: "Dr. Delgado conducted research in the field of Education, specializing in Curriculum and Instruction. She explored particular conceptualizations of what it means to live well with others in educational contexts. She theorized about ways in which particular understandings of community limit the possibility of teaching, and of thinking education anew."
• Dr. Donna Michele Lester-Smith: "Dr. Lester-Smith studied the Warriors Against Violence Society, which seeks to diminish Aboriginal family violence through traditional practices. She created an Indigenous Collaborative Research framework to investigate ways in which holistic healing practices assist Aboriginal peoples. This study provides a basis for further research on culturally-based ways of dealing with disease."

Doctor of Philosophy (Curriculum Studies)

• Dr. Mindy Roberta Carter: "Dr. Carter's arts based research led to understandings that include the connections between developing consciousness and having a noetic experience; the new a/r/tographic rendering of residue used to describe the way that having an illuminating experience in theatre school affects individuals; and how an immanent curriculum can be understood by theatrical engagement."
• Dr. Steven Kamaluddin Khan: "Dr. Khan critically analysed the film "All is Number". The study raised concerns regarding representations of mathematics, the learning of mathematics from film, and the work of ideology in the popularization of mathematics. This findings from this research offer a way to re-conceive mathematics education."

Doctor of Philosophy (Economics)

• Dr. Shun Wang: "Dr. Wang studied the importance of formal and informal institutions in economic development in China. He found that social capital play important roles in voluntary mutual aid and community management of common pool resources in rural China, and the then-existing family class identities still affect households' current economic status in urban China."
• Dr. Changhua Yu: "Dr. Yu examined how inflation indexed bonds help to explain home bias in equity portfolios. She studied ways in which international financial development affects risk-sharing across countries. These studies assist us in understanding how international financial markets help to share income risk across borders."
• Dr. Guido Matias Cortes: "Dr. Cortes studied the labour market experience of individuals working in blue-collar and clerical occupations, where many workers have been replaced by machines and computers over the past 30 years. His findings reveal the extent to which these workers switch jobs, the types of jobs that they switch to, and the wage changes they experience in the short and long-run."

Doctor of Philosophy (Educational Studies)

• Dr. Stephanie Skourtes: "Dr. Skourtes investigated everyday practices of working-class, teenage girls, living on the urban fringe. She studied ways in which classist, racist, and sexist institutions work to reproduce the negative social positioning of the girls, and keep them in poverty. This research shows how the symbolic and tangible elements of social class affect the lives of young people."
• Dr. Isabeau Anisa Iqbal: "Dr. Iqbal studied departmental practices that contribute to professional growth in teaching among tenure-track university professors. She found that, although summative peer review of teaching makes little contribution to professional growth, there are numerous informal and formal departmental practices that are conducive to a culture that values teaching."
• Dr. Hiroko Hara: "Dr. Hara examined the significance of art in the identity of Cambodian people living in the global, digital age. Her research methodology combined interviews, writing, filmmaking, calligraphy and performance. Her study contributes a critical, post-colonial lens to education and research dealing with issues of diversity and diaspora."

Doctor of Philosophy (Electrical and Computer Engineering)

• Dr. Kuiyuan Wu: "Dr. Wu worked with industry to develop a more efficient way of bidirectional electrical power conversion and revolutionized the world-famous Lyapunov method for power converter stability analysis. This development has many applications including storage of wind energy and solar energy, and power conversion in electrical vehicles and aircraft."
• Dr. Mohamed Sultan Mohamed Ali: "Dr. Mohamed Ali developed a new method to wirelessly control "smart" materials that respond to heat, such as shape-memory alloy micro-actuators. He successfully applied this technique to biomedical instruments, including implantable devices and surgical tools. The results suggest many opportunities to use wireless micro-actuators in biomedical areas and beyond."
• Dr. Ali Shahidi Zandi: "Dr. Shahidi-Zandi developed novel, real-time methods to detect and predict epileptic seizures, using scalp Electro-encephalo-grams, or EEG. He tested these methods on EEG data from patients with epilepsy, and showed that the proposed techniques could be applied for diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy, and for improving a patient's quality of life."
• Dr. Shahab Kaynama: "Dr. Kaynama developed mathematical theories and algorithms that provide a guarantee of safety in safety-critical systems, such as anesthesia automation, to ensure an adequate depth of patient hypnosis. The adaptability of these techniques to large systems is a key contribution, and is critical for their application to real-world situations such as in health care and aviation."
• Dr. Wing Kwan Ng: "Dr. Ng developed resource allocation algorithms for facilitating energy- efficient "green" wireless communication systems. The proposed algorithms are able to reduce the energy consumption of the communication networks, while maintaining high data rates. They are expected to have a great impact on both industry and academia."
• Dr. Angshul Majumdar: "Dr. Majumdar worked on methods to increase the speed of Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans. His methods do not require any alteration in the hardware of the scanner; the acceleration can be achieved by modifying the software associated with it. His methods can be used to speed-up existing scanners with minimal cost."
• Dr. Farhad Faradji: "Dr. Faradji designed and developed a brain-computer interface device to receive signals from electrodes attached to the scalp. The device improves the quality of life of motor-disabled individuals, for example those with brain injury, cerebral palsy or MS. The successful design enables them to control their environment, from opening an automated door to working on a computer."
• Dr. Chi En Huang: "Dr. Huang's research focused on improving the quality of service in next generation wireless communication systems. Efficient and flexible methods for allocating system resources were developed to enable better utilization of the radio spectrum. Dr. Huang's work aims to meet the growing demand for always-on, seamless and ubiquitous wireless communication services."
• Dr. Wei Shi: "Dr. Shi conducted research in the field of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He developed a number of filters for next-generation, on-chip applications. His innovations are expected to revolutionize computation and communication technologies."
• Dr. Kaveh Shafiee: "Dr. Shafiee proposed wireless communications mechanisms and protocols to improve road safety. He developed intelligent systems to reduce traffic congestion. His research is expected to make automobile operation safer and more efficient, and to provide info-tainment which bridges the gaps between automobile, transportation, and communications sectors.""
• Dr. Joydip Das: "Dr. Das's research focussed on ways to improve computer devices, especially a chip known as a Field-Programmable Gate Array, or FPGA. An FPGA has a number of properties, and this study aimed to help manufacturers explore those properties quickly. The findings will assist manufacturers to make the FPGA chip smaller, so that it operates more quickly and consumes less power, resulting in less expensive computers."
• Dr. Zicong Mai: "Dr. Mai has developed processing methods for next generation cameras and displays that support images and videos of an ultra-high contrast. Dr. Mai's solutions ensure that these new-generation images and videos can be transmitted efficiently from cable carriers to individual households, while providing viewers with life-like visual experience."
• Dr. Nick Chng: "Dr. Chng developed a method to uniquely distinguish between radioactive seeds during the post-implant verification of prostate brachytherapy. He used this technique to study how seed positions change as swelling subsides, and showed that using seeds of different strengths may result in better cancer control, and a lower risk of side-effects."
• Dr. Xinmei Shi: "Controlling and eliminating defects in die casting processes is an on-going challenge for manufacturers. Dr. Shi developed an original, advanced control methodology for die casting processes, to improve the operational conditions and minimize the defects that arise. The paper based on her research won an award from the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum."
• Dr. Xin Yi Yong: "Dr. Yong developed an assistive technology system for users who have difficulties using a standard computer keyboard and mouse. New algorithms were developed to remove noise in human brain signals and allow the system to adapt to changes in those brain signals. This system allows the users to control a computer with the eyes, and human intention."

Doctor of Philosophy (English)

• Dr. Daniel Chaskes: "Dr. Chaskes argued that the fiction of American, postmodern author Donald Barthelme is a critique of the violence and political corruption of the late twentieth century. Barthelme's writings have often been deemed trivial, but Dr. Chaskes finds that Barthelme belongs to a tradition of radical writing that offers ways of understanding one's world"
• Dr. Tiffany Taylor Elise Johnstone: "Dr. Johnstone studied turn-of-the-20th century adventure texts that portray western Canada as the last North American frontier. She argues that Canadian and American feminist, adventure writers of the time use metaphors of physical movement in western Canada, to debate ideas of cultural identity, and to broaden women's horizons on both sides of the border."

Doctor of Philosophy (Experimental Medicine)

• Dr. Megan Elizabeth Himmel: "Dr. Himmel examined the role of T cells and T regulatory cells in the human immune system and particularly in the setting of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Dr. Himmel's work will further the development of clinical therapy using T cells or T regulatory cells for the treatment of chronic immune disorders."
• Dr. Erin Jacquelyn Frohwerk: "Dr. Debruin's research revealed a new role for the gene podocalyxin in blood vessels. She uncovered that podocalyxin is required on cells that line the blood vessels to maintain normal lung structure and vascular permeability. This work establishes an important role for podocalyxin in lung vascular health and function."
• Dr. Alicia Nicole McMurchy: "Dr. McMurchy studied the function of a protein called FOXP3 in human white blood cells and investigated ways to prevent rejection of transplanted organs using regulatory white blood cells. This research expands our knowledge of the immune system and could improve the health of organ transplant recipients"
• Dr. Dennis Dick-Hang Wong: "Dr. Wong discovered a long-sought causative mechanism behind tuberculosis. His studies revealed that a key protein from the tuberculosis-causing bacteria blocks the ability of human immune cells to defend against infection. His research contributed to our understanding of tuberculosis and promoted the development of new antibiotics against the re-emerging disease."
• Dr. Kathleen Vee Fong Lisaingo: "Dr. Lisaingo studied telomeres, which are structures that protect the ends of chromosomes. She showed how a core telomere protein plays an important role in the resolution of telomeres during cell division. This study provides insight into the role of telomeres during cell division in stem cells and cancer cells."
• Dr. Adele Yuan-Hsiang Wang: "Dr. Wang examined the factors that control the molecular function of a type of immune cell called a T regulatory cell. When the activities of these cells go awry, diseases such as auto-immunity and cancer can result. This research has revealed potential tactics to better use T regulatory cells for treatment of those diseases."
• Dr. Victor Wing Heng Ho: "Dr. Ho discovered that low carbohydrate, high protein diets slow cancer growth and incidence in mice. His research suggests that low carbohydrate, high protein diets could be used both to reduce the risk of cancer and as an adjunct treatment for cancer in humans."
• Dr. Bevin Brent McMullin: "Dr. McMullin pioneered the use of nitric oxide gas against a wide range of germs, specifically demonstrating its ability to make the influenza virus less infectious. Dr. McMullin also demonstrated that nitric oxide gas can be safely administered to patients. His findings hold great promise in treating infectious diseases."
• Dr. Erica Catherine Clark: "Dr. Clark studied a school based intervention for elementary school students with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. The year-long intervention encouraged teachers to develop ways to accommodate students by making the school environment fit the unique strengths and challenges of each student. She found the program may help students be more successful in school."
• Dr. Scott Russel Garrison: "Dr. Garrison used linked BC Ministry of Health databases to show that three commonly used medications are strongly associated with the development of nocturnal leg cramps. Replacing or discontinuing these potentially cramp promoting drugs is now a treatment option physicians can consider for some sufferers of frequent night-time leg cramps."

Doctor of Philosophy (Food Science)

• Dr. Andrea Michelle Goldson: "Dr. Goldson studied enzyme activity in a micro-organism, specifically a form of yeast. She investigated the way in which the enzyme known as PAL reacts with two specific amino acids. Dr. Goldson's findings contribute to our understanding of the enzyme's ability to react with both, which has implications for how the enzyme is able to differentiate between them."

Doctor of Philosophy (Forestry)

• Dr. Kathryn R. Kirby: "Dr. Kirby worked with three ethnic groups in Panama to explore how farmers from different cultures manage crop choices and farming practices when faced with new market opportunities. She demonstrated that farmers incorporate cultural norms into their practices, which in turn increases crop diversity and food security within the country."
• Dr. Andrea Rose Norris: "Dr. Norris examined responses to insects in populations of chickadees and nuthatches. She showed that the reproduction and behaviour of those cavity-nesting birds changed in response to mountain pine beetle outbreaks in British Columbia. This suggests that adaptability in foraging and nesting can make wildlife more resilient in changing forest environments."
• Dr. Michael Ryan Donaldson: "Dr. Donaldson studied the physiology, behavior, and survival of migrating Pacific salmon captured by fisheries. Laboratory and field studies revealed that even a brief fisheries capture resulted in a high stress, prolonged recovery and delayed mortality. Fisheries managers are using these results to enhance survival estimates for migrating Pacific salmon."
• Dr. Sang Seop Lim: "Dr. Lim studied the value placed on the aesthetics of forests. He compared how people in Korea, China, Japan and Canada, and experts in Korea and Canada, rate the aesthetic importance of forests. From his findings, he developed ten forest aesthetic indicators that can be used in future Sustainable Forest Management schemes at an international level."
• Dr. Kenneth Michael Jeffries: "Dr. Jeffries studied the effects of high water temperature and rapid aging on wild adult Pacific salmon, at a genome-wide scale. This research was the first to characterize the cellular changes involved in mortality in wild fish. The study has enhanced our understanding of the effects of future climate warming on Pacific salmon."
• Dr. Jill Adelle Hamilton: "Dr. Hamilton examined the genomic and phenotypic architecture of a Sitka and white spruce hybrid zone spanning maritime to continental climates in British Columbia. Her research provides insight into the mechanisms underlying adaptation across ecologically transitional hybrid zones, providing new tools for managing these important tree species."
• Dr. Vicente Andres Hernandez: "Dr. Hernandez studied the aesthetic disfiguration that reduces the value of wood products when they are exposed outdoors. His work revealed that weathered wood surfaces are grayed by the interactive effects of solar radiation and fungal colonization. This knowledge can be used to develop new and less toxic treatments to stop the graying of weathered wood."
• Dr. Faustino Hilario Chi: "Dr. Chi studied the effects of hurricanes on mangrove vegetation on Turneffe Islands, Belize. He showed that, unless humans have intervened, vegetation re-establishes in the same general location after catastrophic hurricanes. He developed a model for formation of islands, or cays, to demonstrate the effects of storm energy on vegetation and coral reefs."
• Dr. William Charles Floyd: "Dr. Floyd studied what happens when rain falls on snow in recently harvested and regenerating forests on Northern Vancouver Island. He compared these rain-on-snow events using a sophisticated model and a new method he developed to observe snow melt. Results from his research are being used to help minimize the effects of forest harvesting on floods and landslides."
• Dr. Faride Grace Unda: "Dr. Unda investigated the role of a group of carbohydrates in poplar trees. Changes in these carbohydrates resulted in trees with increased cellulose content. Enhancing the characteristics of the wood produces trees which can store carbon more effectively and therefore produce better biofuels."

Doctor of Philosophy (Geography)

• Dr. Elizabeth Lee: "Dr. Lee conducted her doctoral studies in the field of Geography."
• Dr. Carmen Monica Wong: "Dr. Wong showed how high-elevation whitebark pine trees have become endangered due to an introduced fungal disease and native insects. She discovered irrecoverable shifts in species composition due to poor pine regeneration, decreased competition among adult trees, and increased growth of alternate tree species. Her research shows how global environmental change, such as introduced diseases, puts native species at risk."
• Dr. Sara Genia Koopman: "Dr. Koopman conducted 15 months of fieldwork in Colombia with international accompaniers who protect human rights activists under threat. Together they theorized about how they enact their slogan: "Make space for peace." Her findings will help all peace workers use race, class and passport privilege in ways less likely to reinforce domination."

Doctor of Philosophy (Geological Engineering)

• Dr. Cynthia Ann Starzyk: "Dr. Starzyk investigated the controls governing the interaction of surface water and groundwater along a stream. Through a combination of field work and numerical modelling, her work improves our ability to understand and predict the interaction between groundwater and streams."

Doctor of Philosophy (Geological Sciences)

• Dr. Elizabeth Denise Stock: "Dr. Stock investigated and defined the chemical variations preserved in the rocks surrounding the Red Lake Gold Mines in Northwestern Ontario. Through the documentation of both mineral and rock chemistry, she was able to identify the influences on gold formation and construct a new exploration tool"

Doctor of Philosophy (Geophysics)

• Dr. Kirsten FitzGerald Hodge: "Dr. Hodge studied how magma, or melted rock, moves within underground magma chambers. She developed a technique to use features in solidified magma, or rocks, to understand how the magma moved prior to solidification. Her work explains how new injections of magma interact below volcanoes, affect magma chamber growth, and increase the potential for volcanic eruptions at the Earth's surface."
• Dr. Elliot Mark Holtham: "Dr. Holtham developed geophysical methods to image the sub-surface of the earth. Measurements due to electomagnetic sources from lightning and solar events, were modelled to understand the physical properties of the earth. The research results can be used for resource exploration and environmental applications."

Doctor of Philosophy (Germanic Studies)

• Dr. Jeremy Kenn Redlich: "Dr. Redlich investigates how Yoko Tawada's German literary texts can be read as politically charged cultural criticisms. In particular this research reveals how the unstable production and perception of 'race' is a central literary theme in nearly all of Tawada's literature."

Doctor of Philosophy (History)

• Dr. David Nanson Luesink: "Dr. Luesink demonstrates the rapid shift, in China, from a cosmology centered in Confucian orthodoxy toward a scientific worldview based on material practices like anatomical dissection and bolstered by a vast technical terminology. The establishment of these practices led to regulation of the profession and attempts to abolish Chinese medicine."
• Dr. Laura Madokoro: "Dr. Madokoro explored ways in which settler societies of the British Commonwealth responded to refugees from the People's Republic of China between 1949 and 1989. She demonstrated how Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa resisted humanitarian appeals to assist refugees and instead, forced migrants to overcome persistent barriers to entry."
• Dr. David Andrew Meola: "Dr. Meola evaluated the contributions of German Jews within the German press over the period 1815-1848. Through actions and words, German Jews transformed local newspapers into public spaces, where they destabilized the status quo and strove for a society where they would be equal to German Christians."
• Dr. James Burnham Sedgwick: "Dr. Sedgwick explored the trial of Japanese leaders after World War II. He provides a behind-the-scenes, experiential history of a groundbreaking judicial undertaking and multilateral institution. His work reinterprets modern internationalism and global governance as a messy and negotiated process, rather than a staid set of promises and ideals."
• Dr. Anna Belogurova: "Dr. Belogurova studied the history of the Malayan Communist Party in the 1920s and 1930s, leading to a devastating anti-British insurgency in the 1950s. She explored unintended consequences and contingencies of the revolutionary connections between China, Southeast Asia and the Third Communist International in Moscow, and showed that those connections resulted in the rise of Malayan nationalism among the Chinese communists in Malaya"
• Dr. Meng-Hsuan Yang: "Dr. Yang examined one of the largest instances of political migration in modern Chinese history: one million soldiers and civilian refugees who followed Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalist regime from mainland China to Taiwan, after the Chinese civil war in the late 1940s and early 1950s. This study of displaced communities in Asia during the Cold War offers new perspectives on exile, displacement, and Chinese diaspora."

Doctor of Philosophy (Human Development, Learning, and Culture)

• Dr. Lisa Michelle Colling: "Dr. Colling used photos and stories captured by research participants to develop a model of acculturation to explore Canadian identity and culture change processes. Her framework for examining cross-cultural transitions explored culture change among Canadians, as well as newcomers to Canada. Narratives voiced by participants hold potential implications for Canada's multiculturalism policy."

Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated Studies in Land and Food Systems)

• Dr. Stephen Peplow: "Dr. Peplow studied the relationship between agricultural productivity and climate in Britain during the first part of the nineteenth century. He developed new approaches for the analysis of data from entirely different sources, and his work will be used in the forecasting of the impact of climate change on agriculture."

Doctor of Philosophy (Interdisciplinary Studies)

• Dr. Jose Manuel Zamorano Meza: "Dr. Zamorano developed a comparative reading of Octavio Paz's poetics in light of existential philosophy. His reading shows that Paz's belief in the poetic essence of being has links to the tenets of Martin Heidegger and Jos� Ortega y Gasset. Such comparisons help to clarify Paz's ambiguous statements on Mexican identity, the poetic existence of individuals and his critique of modernity"
• Dr. Vivian Wing Yan Chan: "Dr. Chan used Organization Theory to study professional practice change in health care. She examined the role of physician engagement and inter-organizational collaboration in bringing about practice change among family physicians. Her case study showed that professional boundaries were able to shift among family physicians involved with the Division of Family Practice in BC."
• Dr. Nigel Haggan: "Dr. Haggan demonstrated a broad-based demand for the immeasurable values of love, cherishing and protecting, in our relationship with the sea. A concept of the secular sacred can ensure that basic human values of gratitude, generosity and renewal are as well-represented as science and economics in dialogue about farmed salmon and the Enbridge pipeline."
• Dr. Kavita Sarwal: "Dr. Sarwal examined ways in which International Cancer Control Congresses affect the way cancer, a key global health challenge, is being addressed. Through her investigations, she developed and applied a method for evaluating the impact of such capacity-building efforts. Initial findings show that the Congresses facilitated change, fostered communities of practice and aided in knowledge transfer."
• Dr. Alice Kate Hawkins: "Dr. Virani examined barriers to predictive testing facing individuals in rural communities who are at risk for the inherited brain disorder, Huntington disease. She developed a novel telehealth testing protocol for predictive testing and showed that this model improves access to testing, without compromising quality of care and support."
• Dr. Thomas Leslie Green: "Dr. Green examined how sustainability commitments made by BC universities have influenced introductory economics curriculum. The economy depends upon the environment, but Green found the economic theory taught in first year economics is oversimplified and neglects this dependence. He showed that such courses do little to help students understand sustainability."

Doctor of Philosophy (Language and Literacy Education)

• Dr. Lauryn Marie Oates: "Dr. Oates studied the uses of Information Communications Technology, or ICT tools, by school teachers in post-conflict northern Uganda. Her study in the district of Gulu identified conditions that either enable or inhibit the successful use of digital tools for language and literacy. Her recommendations include a proposed design for using ICT for teacher education."

Doctor of Philosophy (Law)

• Dr. John Ferguson: "Dr. Ferguson investigated the inconsistency between the claims that international human trafficking is wide spread in Canada and the small number of prosecutions that have taken place following a decade of anti-human trafficking enforcement. His research expands our collective knowledge and understanding of international human trafficking in Canada"
• Dr. Chilenye Nwapi: "Dr. Nwapi examined the feasibility of bringing a criminal or civil suit in Canada, against Canadian companies, for wrongs allegedly committed overseas. He focused on the bases that Canadian courts use for exercising jurisdiction over conduct outside of this country. He found that Canada holds prospects for success in such litigation."
• Dr. Robert Marc Russo: "Dr. Russo studied the unionization of migrant workers in the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program. The unionization of farm workers in Canada is relatively recent phenomenon. Dr. Russo argues that the unique position of these workers in Canada and the framework of the program itself hampers the effectiveness of unionization."
• Dr. Matthew Au: "Dr. Au developed a theory to explain the development of Chinese socialist institutions from 1978 to 2011, based on case studies of Chinese legal reforms. He argues that change arose from the interplay between traditional socialist ideas and local practicalities. The research contributes to our understanding of past reforms and future policy considerations in China."

Doctor of Philosophy (Materials Engineering)

• Dr. Ahmad Ghahremaninezhad Gharelar: "Dr. Ghahremaninezhad studied the kinetics of copper extraction from its most abundant mineral, chalcopyrite. He found that the low copper extraction rate from chalcopyrite is strongly linked to the formation of sulphide surface films. Dr. Ghahremaninezhad subsequently applied a catalyst to increase the copper extraction rate."

Doctor of Philosophy (Mathematics)

• Dr. Ignacio Rozada: "Dr. Rozada conducted his research in the field of Mathematics. He studied the mathematical theory behind pattern formation in biological organisms. His work focused on the instabilities that give rise to variation in the patterns. It is expected his findings will contribute to this area of study."
• Dr. Yuri Mejia Miranda: "Dr. Mejia's research concerns probability theory and combinatorics, the mathematics of counting. She studied mathematical models of polymer molecules. Her work adds to the understanding of the shapes that these molecules can adopt. Her solution solves a fascinating mathematical open problem and can be extended to related combinatorial models."
• Dr. David Christopher Steinberg: "Dr. Steinberg studied the intricate ways in which surfaces can sit inside certain highly curved six-dimensional spaces. He developed a new theory to study the case where the six-dimensional space is not smooth but has singularities. The results of his research shed light on existing conjectures, and have applications to algebraic geometry, as well as to the physics of string theory. ."
• Dr. Eva Hang Koo: "Dr. Koo studied solutions to equations which model physical processes. Using analytic techniques, she proved results regarding the long-term behaviour of these solutions. These results can be applied to further our understanding of areas such as nonlinear optics, condensed matter physics and ferromagnetism."
• Dr. Erick Wong: "Dr. Wong studied various problems in the field of number theory. His work sheds light on statistical properties of random matrices, and provides an explanation for certain patterns that had been empirically observed in the integers represented by a quadratic form."

Doctor of Philosophy (Mechanical Engineering)

• Dr. Xiaoliang Jin: "Dr. Jin investigated the micro-cutting process in UBC's Manufacturing Automation Laboratory. He developed models to predict the cutting forces and tool vibrations of metals, for example brass, steel, aluminum and titanium. The models provide guidance for engineers to select the optimum cutting conditions for manufacturing miniature parts."
• Dr. Mohammad Mahdi Salehi: "Dr. Salehi developed computer models for simulating a type of flame which releases chemical energy inside fuel, with minimum production of toxic gases. These models are intended to be used by industry to improve the design of stationary gas turbines and internal combustion engines, especially with respect to the emissions of pollutants."
• Dr. Haoxiang Lang: "Dr. Lang developed a scheme for controlling the movements and activities of a mobile robot without using direct human intervention. The methodologies and technologies which were developed can be applied to providing assistance to individuals in home environments, as well as rescuing people in disaster situations."
• Dr. Nir Ben-Oved: "Dr. Light's field of study is Mechanical Engineering and he conducted research in the field of hydrocarbon fuels. In particular, he focussed on a process known as plasma spraying. His findings will contribute to advancements in the research into hydrocarbon fuels, with the promise of developments for industrial applications."

Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Genetics)

• Dr. Jakub Minks: "Dr. Minks studied inactivation of X chromosome, which is one of the chromosomes that determine gender. In almost every woman cell, genes from only one of the two X chromosomes are utilized to produce proteins. The work of Dr. Minks helps to explain the relationship between sequence, structure and function of XIST, the key RNA molecule that regulates X chromosome inactivation."

Doctor of Philosophy (Microbiology and Immunology)

• Dr. Shaan Lae Gellatly: "Dr. Gellatly conducted her doctoral research in the field of Microbiology and Immunology."
• Dr. Sarah Lauren Svensson: "Dr. Svensson studied how Campylobacter jejuni, a bacterium that causes food poisoning, adapts to stressful conditions. She discovered that Campylobacter forms stress-tolerant communities called biofilms, and two particular genes allow it to sense and respond to environmental challenges. This work will help control C. jejuni in the food chain."
• Dr. Costanza Casiraghi: "Dr. Casiraghi studied how viruses can trigger auto-immunity, which causes body cells to attack each other. She found that Epstein-Barr virus infection, which typically causes mononucleosis, can also leave a patient more susceptible to multiple sclerosis and lupus. This research sheds light on the causes of these diseases and reveals targets for the development of new treatments."
• Dr. Laurence Madera: "Dr. Madera examined ways in which synthetic proteins can strengthen the human immune response. These proteins were found to enhance the beneficial activity of immune cells taken from the blood of human participants. These findings are valuable since they contribute to the development of new medicines against infectious diseases."

Doctor of Philosophy (Neuroscience)

• Dr. Katherine Laura Pettem: "Dr. Pettem conducted her research in the field of neuroscience. She characterized two new molecules that modify connections, or synapses, between brain cells. Her work sheds light on how synapses form in healthy brains and may also help us to better understand disorders like autism."
• Dr. William Jonathan Speechley: "Dr. Speechley examined decision-making processes in patients with schizophrenia. He found that patients have a diminished capacity to activate the logical reasoning parts of the brain when faced with conflicts between intuition and reasoning. This discovery aids doctors in comprehending why patients with schizophrenia maintain delusional beliefs."
• Dr. Jennifer Megan Gray: "Dr. Gray discovered that, during stressful experiences, a neurotransmitter in the brain called vasopressin assists by restricting the release of stress hormones. This suggests that vasopressin is an important regulator of stress, and that low levels of vasopressin may be a factor in mental illnesses like depression, particularly in senior citizens and women."
• Dr. Jingfei Zhang: "Dr. Zhang discovered novel mechanisms in which inflammatory stressors alter communication between neurons in the brain. Her findings assist us in understanding cognitive dysfunction in various brain disorders, including stroke, traumatic injuries, Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia."
• Dr. Philip T Ly: "Dr. Ly studied the molecular events that lead to Alzheimer's disease. He identified the mechanism by which a protein called GSK3 aids in the production of senile plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. He also demonstrated that suppressing the activity of GSK3 prevented Alzheimer's disease and improved memory in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease."
• Dr. Simon Chen: "Dr. Chen studied the causes of autism in children. He showed that a mutated protein affects early brain development by limiting the growth of nerve cells. This mutation limits the ability of nerve cells to process information. These findings provide insights into how autism-associated mutations may produce abnormal brain development, resulting in persistent cognitive dysfunction. Dr.Chen's work contributes to the body of research into autism, its prevention and treatment."
• Dr. Kevin She: "Dr. She investigated the function of receptors that facilitate the transmission of information in the brain through a process called neuro-transmission. He focussed on a family of neuro-transmitters called the NMDAR receptors. These studies add to our understanding of the roles these receptors play in many diseases including stroke, epilepsy, addiction, and psychiatric disorders."
• Dr. Jason Ryan Plemel: "Dr. Plemel tested several strategies that focused on replacing a biological substance known as myelin following injury to the nervous system. Loss of myelin is a common occurrence after Multiple Sclerosis and Spinal Cord Injury and strategies improving myelin replacement should provide new treatments for these conditions."
• Dr. Timal Saman Kannangara: "Dr. Kannangara used mice to study how new memories can be formed in the brain. He specifically examined how a protein, called the NMDA receptor, is involved in the way brain cells grow and communicate with each other. This work assists us in understanding how learning and memory is accomplished in the brains of all animals."

Doctor of Philosophy (Pathology and Laboratory Medicine)

• Dr. Tse Yuan Wong: "Dr. Wong studied the causes of cardiac dysfunction caused by the coxsackie virus. By examining the disease at the molecular level, he showed that the virus interferes with cardiac muscle protein production, which weakens the cardiac structure and contributes to its contractile dysfunction. This research reveals new approaches to treating viral heart disease. ."
• Dr. Loraine Helena Bischoff: "Dr. Bischoff investigated a novel approach to preventing the auto-immune response in Type 1 diabetes. She demonstrated that specific immune cells can be directed to particular locations in the body, to protect tissues from inflammation. Her findings offer new insights into immune processes and have implications for treating Type 1 diabetes and organ transplant rejection."
• Dr. Corinne Andrea Krentz: "Dr. Krentz's research on drinking water safety showed that some bacteria can act as early warning indicators of a system failure, and others can be used to trace contamination back to a particular source. These findings will contribute to the development of better water protection measures for small water systems."
• Dr. David Chia-Hsiang Lin: "Dr. Lin identified and examined molecules in the blood of heart transplant patients. Those molecules can help indicate when patients are having acute and chronic immune rejection episodes. His work demonstrated the potential use of these molecules, known as biomarkers, in a clinical setting, as well as their value in helping us understand the biology behind transplant heart rejection."
• Dr. Heather Lynn Heine: "Dr. Heine conducted research into stem cells and the way blood vessels regenerate. She implanted a device, similar to a petri dish, which allows the study of cells within the living body. Her work revealed that there are subtle and complex relationships between cells under different conditions. The findings will contribute to advancements in stem cell research."
• Dr. Wendy Anne Boivin: "Dr. Boivin studied Granzyme B, an enzyme that breaks apart proteins, to determine its role in blood vessel and skin diseases. She identified proteins outside of cells, specifically broken down by Granzyme B, that contribute to those diseases. Dr. Boivin's work resulted in several articles being published in scientific journals, as well as patents licensed to a local biotechnology company."

Doctor of Philosophy (Pharmaceutical Sciences)

• Dr. Hesham Ahmed Fawzy Ismail Soliman: "Dr. Soliman showed how the proteins Rho A and Rho kinase are over-activated in the diabetic hearts of animals, and how this contributes to diabetes-related damage of the heart. This research highlights the Rho A/Rho kinase pathway as a novel therapeutic target for treating diabetic heart disease."
• Dr. Samuel Edward Gilchrist: "Dr. Gilchrist conducted research in the areas of physical pharmacy and drug delivery. His research contributes to the understanding of drug phase separation from polymer carriers, and has developed an antibiotic-loaded nanofiber formulation, which provides a preclinical proof-of-principle for the prevention of implant-associated infections."
• Dr. Stephen David Lee: "Dr. Lee studied the removal of excess cholesterol from the body. He researched a transporter protein that is produced in the liver and in the intestinal tract and found that it contributes to regulation of cholesterol . This finding may impact our understanding and treatment of cardiovascular disease."
• Dr. Vivian Wing Yan Leung: "Dr. Leung investigated the effectiveness of hormonal emergency contraceptives in a large cohort of women who received these medications under real usage conditions. Her research findings will help women and health providers make more informed clinical decisions about using these medications as a method of family planning."

Doctor of Philosophy (Pharmacology and Therapeutics)

• Dr. Maen Fuad Sarhan: "The rhythmic beat of the heart relies on electrical signals. Dr. Sarhan studied ways in which a specific electrical signal is regulated when it is conducted along pathways known as sodium channels. Through his research he uncovered a new pathway which was found to be disrupted in patients with cardiac arrhythmia, and this confirms its physiological relevance."
• Dr. Anat Fisher: "Dr. Fisher used British Columbian health databases to compare how long patients with rheumatoid arthritis are treated with drugs from a new group: biologic anti-inflammatory drugs. She studied ways in which patient and physician characteristics and study design influenced treatment duration. Her findings contribute to the body of research on rheumatoid arthritis.."

Doctor of Philosophy (Philosophy)

• Dr. Gemma Celestino Fern: "Dr. Celestino defended an original semantic and metaphysical account of mental states such as beliefs and desires, their reports and fiction. She provided a new understanding of how we talk about things with words. Her research thus contributes to the understanding of how language works."
• Dr. Roger Stanev: "Dr. Stanev developed a theoretical framework for decision making, together with guidelines that provide important considerations for deciding on clinical trial conduct. These considerations include principles addressing the complexity of interpreting and evaluating interim decisions, based on epistemic and ethical factors, e.g. health, intervention, efficacy, and harm."
• Dr. Joseph Stephen Topornycky: "Dr. Topornycky argues that moral responsibility does not require that choice originates outside the natural web of cause and effect. Choice is of moral concern because it partially constitutes our personhood. When we treat each other as persons, we are concerned with each other's will, which we protect by affording rights, and also holding one another responsible."

Doctor of Philosophy (Physics)

• Dr. Raveen Kumaran: "Dr. Kumaran searched for ways to improve laser technology by pursuing research in the field of crystal growth. He showed that promising new materials could be created by growing laser crystals as thin films. His sapphire-based films are ideal for making compact and efficient lasers which have broad application, including materials processing and surgery."
• Dr. Gilad Amir Rosenberg: "Topological insulators are materials which are insulating in the core but not on the surface. Dr. Rosenberg studied four exotic effects in three dimensional topological insulators. These materials were recently discovered and have been shown to be a new phase of matter. This research advances our basic understanding of this new class of materials."
• Dr. Brian James Kirby: "Dr. Kirby participated in experiments at J-PARC,the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex. He contributed to the T2K particle physics experiment and measured the rate at which subatomic neutrino particles passed through a detector. This measurement confirms that the recent T2K research findings are reliable, and advances research in this field."
• Dr. Daniel Grant Brook-Roberge: "Dr. Brook-Roberge measured the ratio in neutrino interaction probability between oxygen and carbon using a novel statistical subtraction method. This result will help improve the measurement of neutrino oscillations to better understand the fundamental mechanisms of the universe."
• Dr. Daniel Paul Mazur: "Dr. Mazur used numerical simulations to explore the behaviour of empty space in some of the most extreme environments in astrophysics, such as the early universe and the intense magnetic fields of neutron stars. His results contribute to our understanding of astronomy and fundamental physics."
• Dr. Robert Anthony Stead: "Dr. Stead developed new, high-efficiency, laser-based methods for the generation and detection of light at long optical wavelengths. Such radiation is of particular interest for the accurate characterization of gas mixtures and atmospheric samples due to the highly unique way in which molecules absorb this long wavelength radiation."
• Dr. Anand T. Anand Thirumalai: "The stellar winds of nearly half the dying stars in the universe have remained a mystery for almost four decades. As a result of his research, Dr. Thirumalai has been able to propose a mechanism that promises a resolution of this outstanding problem. His work brings together two hitherto disparate areas of physics into a single cohesive theory, with implications for dying stars as well as for stars that are still forming in the universe."
• Dr. William Joseph Mills: "Dr. Mills participated in the ATLAS particle physics experiment on the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research. He made record-setting new measurements of a class of subatomic particles. The techniques he developed will benefit the particle physics community by allowing them to make high-precision measurements, using cheaper and more compact detectors than previously thought possible."
• Dr. Tony Teke: "Dr. Teke developed new techniques for complex radiation therapy treatments. He used those techniques on total body irradiation, in particular. His work provided information on patient-specific organ dosage, and he identified key factors to improve this type of treatment."
• Dr. Tyler John Hughes: "Dr. Hughes developed a software-based method for medical imaging, with the aim of improving the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Dr. Hughes's technique resulted in improvements in diagnosis, compared with a leading commercial method. This has led to an interest in future clinical development and implementation."
• Dr. Brad Ramshaw: "Dr. Ramshaw studied the electronic behaviour of materials that exhibit the unique characteristic of high-temperature superconductivity. He provided key insights into the puzzling behaviour of electrons, which carry electricity in these materials with no energy loss. His work has narrowed the theoretical field and has provided clear guidance for future experiments."
• Dr. Sergey Zhdanovich: "Dr. Zhdanovich studied ways in which atoms and molecules are controlled by light. In his experimental work he developed robust and effective control methods using ultra-short laser pulses. These methods can be used to study collisions between molecules, enable control of chemical reactions and assist in understanding behaviour of chaotic systems."
• Dr. Ryan Christopher Wicks: "Dr. Wicks developed a method to prepare new magnetic materials. Using this method, he prepared two different magnetic semiconducting systems. This work is important because it furthers our understanding of magnetic interactions. The technique and materials studied may be used in future electronic devices to overcome the current physical limits in computing speed."
• Dr. Mathew Alexander Martinuk: "Dr. Martinuk investigated several strategies for promoting students' use of their everyday knowledge in university physics class. He also showed that rigidly structured problem solving strategies fail to activate students' conceptual knowledge in the intended way. This research will inform development of improved techniques for teaching university-level physics."
• Dr. Michael Nicholas Hoff: "Metals create disturbances in Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI. Dr. Hoff exploited the physics of the MRI signal to obtain medical images that are free of the aberrations typically found in images taken near metallic implants in patients. These innovations will result in faster imaging of tissue surrounding implanted screws and joint prostheses."
• Dr. Masrur Hossain: "Dr. Hossain conducted his research in the field of Superconductors. He made accurate measurements of four materials in virtually zero electrical resistance, and produced results which differed significantly from the existing literature. His findings will help to increase our understanding of superconductivity."

Doctor of Philosophy (Planning)

• Dr. Cornelia Gerda Sussmann: "Dr. Sussmann assessed the planning process and sustainability outcomes of Vancouver's Southeast False Creek neighbourhood. Her study highlights the need for scientifically credible measures of sustainability in urban planning. She also shows how sustainability perspectives of central actors in a planning process influence its outcomes."

Doctor of Philosophy (Political Science)

• Dr. Daisaku Higashi: "Dr. Higashi conducted research on peace-building initiatives in Afghanistan and East Timor. His findings and recommendations factored into the decision of the Japanese government to support the reconciliation efforts in Afgahanistan. Because of his outstanding research, Dr. Higashi received an appointment as Associate Professor in the University of Tokyo, and has subsequently been assigned to be Minister-Counsellor for the Japanese mission to the United Nations in New York."
• Dr. Kaija Lynne Belfry: "Dr. Belfry-Munroe examined why many Canadian firms and associations supported a national carbon price, either a cap-and-trade program or a carbon tax, after 2006/07. Her work helps us understand why businesses adopt preferences for particular government policies, and sets the stage for future research into business influence on government policy choices in Canada."
• Dr. William Claus Bendix: "Dr. Bendix identified the factors that encourage majority-party leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives to seize control of bill development and, as a result, prevent the minority party from participating in deliberations. He also examined the policy consequences of this one-party control and demonstrated that it tends to produce substantively problematic legislation."
• Dr. Catherine Anne Hecht: "Dr. Hecht examined the evolution and roles of inclusive institutions and democratic status, or hierarchies based on democratic governance, in international organizations. Her work showed how these factors affect cooperation or discord among states, by analyzing democratic norm development and policy implementation in the UN and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe."

Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology)

• Dr. Matthew Byron Ruby: "Dr. Ruby investigated the reasons why people either consume or avoid eating meat, taking into account various environmental and internal factors. Drawing on participants form diverse cultures, his inquiry focussed on the role of emotion, social influence, perceived animal quality and moral intuitions. His conclusions will contribute to research in the field of Psychology."
• Dr. Elizabeth B.A. Nosen: "Dr. Nosen's investigated whether the way people think about nicotine cravings affects smoking cessation experiences. She found that people who accept cravings as a natural part of quitting smoking experienced less distress and fewer cravings during cessation. This research supports mindfulness-based approaches to treating addiction."
• Dr. Hannah Milena Caroline Schreier: "Dr. Schreier randomly assigned adolescents to volunteer activities, to examine whether this could improve their physiological health. She found that, following her intervention, volunteers had lower levels of cardio-vascular risk markers than control participants, suggesting novel ways to improve health among youth while contributing positively to society."
• Dr. Will Martin Gervais: "Dr. Gervais studied the psychological causes and consequences of religious belief and disbelief. His dissertation work explored the psychological foundations of prejudice against atheists. His findings demonstrated that the prejudice mostly stems from moral distrust."
• Dr. Cindy Barha: "Dr. Barha found that certain estrogen replacement therapies alleviated age-associated cognitive decline and stimulated production of new brain cells in older female rats. The effects were dependent on factors such as the type of estrogen and previous reproductive experience. Results indicate that hormone replacement therapy for women should be individually tailored."
• Dr. Anna Yudit Levin: "Dr. Levin investigated ways in which individuals with prostate cancer cope, psychologically, at a time of having to make critical treatment choices. Patients struggle with uncertainty, in particular, and Dr. Levin's work strongly supports the idea that each patient has unique information and support needs that health professionals need to uncover and respect."
• Dr. Jillian Robyn Satin: "Dr. Satin demonstrated that yoga practitioners and runners show similar advantages over inactive individuals on both physical and psychological determinants of cardiovascular health. Her research suggests that yoga has the potential for significant health benefits and deserves additional rigorous research."
• Dr. Carl Francis Falk: "Dr. Falk examined how culture shapes motivation towards pursuing a positive self-image. His research provides insights for better measurement and conceptualization of individuals' automatic thoughts regarding their own self-esteem, and highlights the need for mainstream psychology to recognize important cross-cultural variability in basic human motivations."

Doctor of Philosophy (Rehabilitation Sciences)

• Dr. Mineko Wada: "Dr. Wada explored how dual-income parents with young children conceive life balance, and identified two competing conceptions: managing life as being collective-needs based, and participating in a mix of occupations, which is based on the individual needs of the parents. Findings advance theories about life balance and social support that promote the health of parents and the family."
• Dr. Shalini Lal: "Dr. Lal explored how youth recently diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder develop resilience, that is the capacity to cope with adversity. Her research showed that participants restore, maintain and enhance their resilience through the types of stories they tell in relation to their illness and the types of activities in which they engage."

Doctor of Philosophy (Resource Management and Environmental Studies)

• Dr. Margaret Siobhan O'Shea: "Dr. O'Shea studied sustainability practices in small communities, engaging participants in theatre and photography activities. Dr. O'Shea's research expands the field of sustainability studies with new understandings of how sustainability emerges from the collective social practices of people in their everyday lives."
• Dr. Julia H. Freeman: "Dr. Freeman studied genetically engineered crops in India and the social debates they have inspired. She investigated the divergent positions of farmers, civil society groups and regulators, and identified their important contributions to the meaning of biosafety and its regulation in an emerging economy grappling with problems of risk."
• Dr. Brian Devin Gouge: "Dr. Gouge developed models of the climate and health impacts of emissions from public transportation buses. He used these models to develop new approaches to optimizing operations, to enable transit agencies to reduce the adverse impact of emissions. This research is currently under evaluation by transit agencies in both Vancouver and Seattle."
• Dr. Megan Elizabeth Mach: "Dr. Mach assessed and advanced knowledge of ecosystem management, focusing on non-native species in estuaries. She documented he distribution of non-native species in northeast Pacific sea grass beds, and pinpointed research gaps in the study of the impact of invasive non-native species."
• Dr. Dawit Tesfamichael: "Dr. Tesfamichael examined the coral reef ecosystem of the Red Sea, with a focus on fisheries. He used different methods with varying data requirements, and found that all methods gave similar results at different levels of detail. He demonstrated that fisheries management can be achieved even with limited data."
• Dr. Megan Lynn Bailey: "Dr. Bailey analyzed how tuna fisheries are currently managed across the global oceans. Her research indicated that economic and ecological benefits could be realized through reduction of harmful subsidies, better oversight by fishing nations, and improvements in the way international management bodies currently award access to tuna resources."

Doctor of Philosophy (School Psychology)

• Dr. Theresa Mary Andreou: "Dr. Andreou`s research in a British Columbia school district identified elements that support positive behaviour interventions. Elements include team effectiveness, involvement of administrators and staff, community of practice, use of data and recruitment of new personnel. This research helps school systems target resources to create a positive environment."
• Dr. Suretha Swart: "Dr. Swart studied caregivers of school-aged children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). She developed a theory that explains how caregivers stay intertwined with their children to help them fit in. Caregivers work with school personnel to help children succeed and try to keep up appearances so they are accepted as parents. Her theory contributes to parenting, FASD and School Psychology literature."

Doctor of Philosophy (Sociology)

• Dr. Ren-Hung Wu: "Dr. Wu studied migrants from Taiwan who settled in the Vancouver region in the 1960s. Their distinctive shared language and culture generated hostility from the Taiwan government, which considered them a political threat. They formed a vibrant community, deeply committed to Canadian values, and were central to the democratic movement in Taiwan in the 1990s."
• Dr. Shelly Dee Ikebuchi: "Dr. Ikebuchi conducted a study of Chinese and Japanese women who were placed in the Chinese Rescue Home in Victoria, BC, between 1886 and 1923 because they were at risk of being forced into prostitution. She found that while the white Methodist women running the Home aimed to domesticate and transform them into Christian wives, mothers and servants, the Home was a space where both white and Asian women pursued their aspirations."

Doctor of Philosophy (Special Education)

• Dr. Richard Allan Stock: "Dr. Stock examined the outcomes of pre-school children with autism in two Early Behavioural Intervention programs in BC and Nova Scotia. Both programs used strategies to reinforce the children's motivation to communicate, but one was group-based while the other was conducted on a one-to-one basis. Both appear to be feasible options that are clinically effective and help the children."
• Dr. Stephanie Grace Jull: "Dr. Jull examined the impact of a training program designed to teach community recreation instructors to support children with autism who were learning to swim. Results indicated that staff learned key instructional skills and the children's swimming skills improved as a result."

Doctor of Philosophy (Statistics)

• Dr. Luke Carey Bornn: "Dr. Bornn developed statistical methods to study the environment, including air pollution and crop yields. His work shows that models used to understand these systems can be greatly simplified. These simpler models are not only more robust, but also easier to interpret. This helps researchers as they seek to understand the environmental process."
• Dr. Chen Xu: "Dr. Xu developed novel and efficient statistical methods for extracting important features from massive amounts of data. His methods are widely applicable in contemporary scientific fields such as computational biology, internet applications, and finance. His fundamental research assists us to discover new knowledge hidden from the noisy world"
• Dr. Lei Hua: "Dr. Hua studied statistical models that improve on classical methods for modelling risks. He can better quantify and bound the risk of simultaneous occurrence of rare events such as large financial losses in different markets. This research is relevant to insurance practice and financial risk management."
• Dr. Liangliang Wang: "Dr. Wang studied computational statistics and how they can be used in analyzing genetic data. She specifically developed more efficient statistical methods for inferring how species evolve through time, and how closely species are related to each other. This research can improve the efficiency of large-scale genetic data analysis."

Doctor of Philosophy (Theatre)

• Dr. Nicholas John Harrison: "Dr. Harrison explored the origins and development of stage fighting in Canada. He examined how the British and American influences in the art of stage combat affected Canadian theatrical violence, and how fight directors have developed as professional artists since the inception of Canada's Stratford Shakespeare Festival."

Doctor of Philosophy (Women's and Gender Studies)

• Dr. Sanzida Zohra Habib: "Dr. Habib explored ways in which the systems, structures and policies in Canada shape access to reproductive cancer screening services for South Asian immigrant women. Her research echoed the importance of addressing socio-economic, historical and structural inequities in Canadian society, to ensure equitable access to health care for all."
• Dr. Rupa Bagga: "Dr. Bagga studied adoptions from South Korea to the United States, adding a comparison with adoptions from Korea to Canada. Using a feminist framework, this study examines the historical, political, and personal complexities of transnational, transracial adoptions, bringing together the competing perspectives of birthmothers, adopters, adult adoptees, and agencies."

Doctor of Philosophy (Zoology)

• Dr. Steven Osborne McAdam: "Dr. McAdam showed that the chronic absence of juvenile white sturgeon in some populations is the result of fine sediment accumulation in spawning habitats within dammed rivers. His findings are already being applied to improve the quality of white sturgeon spawning habitat and restore successful wild reproduction."
• Dr. Ben Speers-Roesch: "Dr.Speers-Roesch explored the reasons some fish can maintain heart function during periods of low environmental oxygen, when lack of oxygen causes heart failure in most animal, including humans. He found that continued heart function greatly relies upon optimized oxygen supply and the ability to decrease the heart's energy demand."
• Dr. Cosima Sandra Porteus: "Dr. Porteus used laboratory studies to investigate the cellular mechanisms used for oxygen-sensing in the Bowfin, an air breathing fish. She determined the role these receptors play in helping the Bowfin survive for extended periods in low oxygen. This research provides insight into the evolution of oxygen sensing in vertebrates."
• Dr. Iain Robertson Caldwell: "Dr. Caldwell discovered, first, that fishes that move less are more vulnerable to habitat loss and, second, that European seahorses may be able to cope with, or flee harmful changes. This research sheds light on huge declines in seahorse populations in a Portuguese lagoon and could help with conservation efforts."
• Dr. Richard Gareth FitzJohn: "Dr. FitzJohn has developed statistical methods to ask why there are more species in some groups of mammals than in others. Common explanations for this unevenness in biodiversity centre on the traits of the species concerned. His methods allow us to rigorously test long-standing hypotheses for differences in speciation and extinction rates."
• Dr. Andrea Elizabeth Alice Stephens: "Dr. Stephens explored the ecological bases underlying successful biological control of invasive weed species, particularly the rangeland weed, diffuse knapweed. Using a range of methods, she has advanced the understanding of how the characteristics of, and interactions among herbivorous insects, help to naturally control the spread of their host-plant."
• Dr. Xiaojun Xie: "Dr. Xiaojun Xie examined the roles of integrins in different types of glial cells in the fruitfly nervous system development. His studies expanded our knowledge on how glial development is regulated by enviornmental information and cooperates with neuronal development."
• Dr. Adam Dennis Warner: "Dr. Warner conducted research using a species of roundworm to identify genes required for normal muscle function. He characterized the role of two genes in muscle, and added to the model of how muscle adhesions are organized. This research assists us in understanding how muscle tissue is built and maintained."
• Dr. Junxia Zhang: "Dr. Zhang studied in depth an extremely diverse group of jumping spiders, the subfamily Euophryinae. She inferred its evolutionary history, clarified its taxonomy, and explored its biogeography and evolution of genital organs. Her work provides the foundation for further understanding the biodiversity and evolutionary processes of this spider lineage."
• Dr. Brett Theodore van Poorten: "Dr. van Poorten estimated changes in growth, abundance and survival, following experimental depletions of wild fish in mixed-species lakes. The models and ideas he developed will help ecologists and fisheries scientists to estimate and understand changes in these vital rates, especially in ecosystems at risk of economic collapse."
• Dr. Aleeza Cara Gerstein: "Dr. Gerstein examined evolution at the genomic level. She showed that the number of chromosome sets, known as ploidy, influences the rate yeast populations adapt to stressors, such as high salt. She found that specific genetic changes during adaptation are influenced by both ploidy and environmental challenges. Her findings provide insight into the genetic basis of evolution."
• Dr. Joanne Alison Young: "Dr. Young developed a vaccine against West Nile Virus, and subsequently vaccinated two species of wild birds. As well as production of a potentially effective vaccine that may be used to ensure the survival of endangered species, this research contributes to the development of vaccination methods for all species of wild birds."