Convocation May 2012

Doctor of Education (Educational Leadership and Policy)

  • Dr. Michael John Simmonds: "Dr. Simmonds studied the ranking of secondary schools in British Columbia from 1998 to 2010. Using critical discourse analysis, he examined how the school-ranking rubric-shaped public and media discourses on schools, and the accountability regime that emerged in the process."
  • Dr. Deborah Doreen Canada: "Dr. Canada's work critiques the BC provincial child welfare system's use of the term "Aboriginal" in policies, legislation, and practices. She proposes an alternative, culturally-safe child welfare model called The Metis People's Model. Based on a Metis worldview, it will contribute to transformative change for Metis people in the province of BC."
  • Dr. Patricia Sackville: "Dr. Sackville showed that storytelling is a powerful method for capturing everyday struggles with current language policies at a Canadian post-secondary institute. For her, dialogue is central to educational leadership, and her dialogic exercises will be useful tools for the reconstruction of language practices that are more equitable and humane."
  • Dr. Beatrice Marie Anderson: "Dr. Anderson's research examined, documented, and contributed to knowledge about how generations of Indigenous Nlakapmux Grandmothers from the Interior of British Columbia carried out their responsibilities to transmit Nlakapmux educational and socio-cultural knowledge to their family and community members."
  • Dr. Verna Billy Minnabarriet: "Dr. Billy-Minnabarriet examined how an Aboriginal Public Institution achieves self-determination through its leadership and programs. This research articulated how Indigenous leadership takes an anti-hegemonic stance to confront forms of hegemonic control. Indigenous teachings are sustained and shared with others through this transformative process."
  • Dr. Janine Maria Hadfield: "Dr. Hadfield used the philosophical lens of Hans George Gadamer to reinvigorate the notion of praxis in nursing curricula. Working through narratives of her teaching practice, Dr. Hadfield points to the centrality of dialogue to praxis, which Gadamer viewed as acting morally in response to particular situations while drawing on general frameworks."
  • Dr. Kathryn Anne Michel: "Kathryn Michel gathered stories of language regeneration from Chief Atahm School, a Secwepemc language immersion school in the Interior of BC. Through a theoretical and methodological approach based on Secwepemc storytelling, she illuminated areas of agency and resiliency within Indigenous language revitalization."

Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy

  • Dr. Suze Gillian Berkhout: "Dr. Berkhout examined the role of social identity in gender-based disparities to using antiretroviral therapy in Vancouver's inner city. Her work demonstrated how social interests, institutional authorities, relations of power, and strategies of social control are resisted and internalized by women negotiating HIV/AIDS care. Using feminist philosophy and social studies of medicine, Dr. Berkhout reframes adherence issues using agency and autonomy."
  • Dr. Arezoo Astanehe: "Dr. Astanehe studied the molecular mechanisms involved in breast cancer pathology and chemotherapy resistance. His studiescontribute to describing breast cancer disease processes. He has also identified novel therapeutic targets to improve outcomes for women with breast cancer pathology with poor prognoses."
  • Dr. Michael Gregory Kozoriz: "Dr. Kozoriz examined how gap junction proteins play a role in cellular damage. His work furthers our understanding of how these proteins can protect the brain during injury."
  • Dr. Brennan Daniel Eadie: "Dr. Eadie investigated brain plasticity in a model of Fragile-X syndrome, the most common form of inherited intellectual disability. He discovered abnormalities in neuronal morphology and physiology in a brain region associated with learning and emotion, thereby identifying a novel therapeutic target."

Doctor of Musical Arts

  • Dr. Maisie Sum: "Dr. Sum investigated the music and ritual practices of the sub-Saharan diaspora in Morocco, referred to collectively as the Gnawa. Her research proposes that music as human expression offers insight into the cognitive processes of performance in both traditional and new global contexts. Her work also demonstrates the resilience and agency of some marginalized groups."
  • Dr. Sergei Nikolaevich Saratovsky: "Dr. Saratovsky's research deals with Sergei Lyapunov's Douze études d'exécution transcendante for piano. He uncovered cultural references in the music and suggested how these might guide the performer. He also translated and discussed the composer's little known pedagogical comments on the performance of his work."

Doctor of Philosophy (Animal Science)

  • Dr. Pretheeban Thavaneetharajah: "Dr. Thavaneetharajah compared the expression levels of candidate fertility genes in the embryo, the corpus luteum, and the uterus of lactating cows and heifers to understand the reasons of decreasing fertility in dairy cows. His data provides useful information to develop methods to improve dairy cow fertility."
  • Dr. Robert Donald Marshall: "Dr. Marshall examined the influence of various environmental and nutritional factors on Pacific geoduck clam reproductive and larval development. His results identify suitable conditions for commercial farming of this species."

Doctor of Philosophy (Anthropology)

  • Dr. Jesse Daniel Morin: "Dr. Morin used new techniques to analyze the mineralogy of artifacts from across British Columbia, especially those made of jade. He used this information to identify pre-contact patterns of First Nations trading relationships, and the social role of these tools."
  • Dr. Marie-Eve Carrier-Moisan: "Dr. Carrier-Moisan conducted an ethnographic study of sex tourism in Natal, Brazil. She showed that foreign men and Brazilian women blur affect and interest in ways that challenge common understandings of sex tourism as exploitation. She also revealed that for Brazilian women, sex tourism is a means to achieve social and spatial mobility."

Doctor of Philosophy (Art History)

  • Dr. April Shih-yuan Liu: "Dr. Liu studied the resurgence of the popular woodblock printing industry in China dating back to the 1980s. In challenging folk art discourses that relegate Chinese printmaking traditions to the past, Dr. Liu examines the prints in their lived contexts, as tied to ritual practices, lineage identities, and livelihood."

Doctor of Philosophy (Asian Studies)

  • Dr. Dong Kyu Kim: "Dr. Kim examined multiple images of Korean shamanism, both positive and negative. His goal was to discover how those images affect the shamans' view of themselves, and influence their rituals. It is hoped this study will contribute to overcoming criticisms against various shamanic practices which are not regarded as following the traditional way."

Doctor of Philosophy (Astronomy)

  • Dr. Laura Kasian: "Dr. Kasian used large radio telescopes to study the properties of two binary pulsar systems. She used timing models to measure the orbital parameters of these systems and constrain the pulsar and companion masses, allowing her to probe their evolutionary histories and to verify the self-consistency of general relativity."
  • Dr. Kelsey Llyn Hoffman: "Dr. Hoffman investigated the compositional and mechanical properties of the extremely dense matter found in the outer layers of neutron stars. Her studies indicate a different composition than expected and that the mechanical properties depend on the structure of the outer layers. This research has implications for the interpretation of observations of neutron stars."

Doctor of Philosophy (Atmospheric Science)

  • Dr. Thomas Nils Nipen: "Dr. Nipen developed a system for creating and improving probabilistic weather forecasts. His system provides risk information about adverse weather which is usefulfor guiding decision-making for enhanced efficiency and safety of hydroelectric and other industries."

Doctor of Philosophy (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)

  • Dr. Kush Dalal: "Dr. Dalal investigated the secretion of proteins and ions across the cell membrane of bacteria. He showed that twin copies of a specialized membrane channel, termed SecY, are likely the functional unit of this basic and essential process that is common to all living cells."
  • Dr. Jenna Capyk: "Dr. Capyk investigated oxygenases that degrade cholesterol in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and explored the diversity of the Rieske oxygenase superfamily. This research contributes to understanding of the mechanisms used during mycobacterial infections and provides a new perspective on industrial and environmental applications for Rieske oxygenases."

Doctor of Philosophy (Bioinformatics)

  • Dr. Yvonne Yiyuan Li: "Dr. Li applied and developed bioinformatic methods to find new therapeutic uses for existing drugs. By modeling interactions between known drug targets and approved drugs, she identified novel potential for existing drugs in breast cancer and inflammatory diseases. This research helps find drug candidates that could be fast-tracked for clinical use and approval."
  • Dr. Ryan David Morin: "Dr. Morin used new tools for reading the genome of human cancer cells, to find mutations previously unknown to be relevant to disease. Some mutations may offer new options for developing lymphoma drugs. Others should allow us to treat about 5% more children with leukemia who would not previously have been considered candidates for drug treatment."
  • Dr. Leon Hayes French: "Dr. French provided new perspectives on brain structure and function by employing computational methods to analyze large-scale genomic and anatomical data."

Doctor of Philosophy (Biomedical Engineering)

  • Dr. Timothy Scott Nelson: "Dr. Nelson co-invented a novel sporting helmet to prevent neck and spinal cord injuries from head-first crashes. The helmet keeps the head in motion throughout an impact to reduce the neck exposure to torso momentum. His work helped secure intellectual property rights and the formation of a UBC spin-off company."

Doctor of Philosophy (Botany)

  • Dr. Hardy Craig Hall: "Dr. Hall engineered a system of time-lapse photography and growth analysis of plant stems to examine their development with unrivalled precision. His cell wall studies have revealed dynamic patterns in plant cell wall formation that will guide future research relevant to the bioenergy sector."
  • Dr. Nyssa A. Temmel: "Dr. Nyssa Temmel investigated the genomics of gender regulation and the genes involved in unisexual flower development in Populus trichocarpa. She discovered novel, gender biased gene expression for nine genes involved in flower development, and investigated gender biased gene expression in the Poplar genome."
  • Dr. Tabea Weihmann: "Dr. Weihmann is a geneticist who discovered two genes contributing to the natural defence of plants towards disease. She intends to use this knowledge for the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices over current approaches with pesticide intense methods."
  • Dr. Hannes Dempewolf: "Dr. Hannes Dempewolf examined the process of domestication of several crops in the Compositae family. He explored why some crops appear semi-domesticated and focused much of his work on the East-African oil-seed crop Noug. He also studied the influence of mating systems on the domestication process more generally."

Doctor of Philosophy (Business Administration)

  • Dr. Seung Dong You: "Dr. You studied the strategies of real estate developers when the business environment is uncertain. In particular, he examined the effects on development when real estate developers obtain construction loans. By doing so, Dr. You concluded that as debt capital is more available for developers, development activities increase in the housing market."
  • Dr. Kin Ying Lo: "Dr. Lo studied how liquidity shocks interact with disclosures by banks and corporations. Using events such as the emerging market financial crises in the 1990s, he found that higher quality financial reports allow firms to better cope with liquidity shocks. These findings have important implications for the current financial crises."
  • Dr. Isaac Holloway: "Dr. Holloway investigated how barriers to international trade affect the entry decisions, timing strategy, and volume of exports for firms in the cultural and service sectors. He found product quality and country cultural distance to be important drivers of international trade patterns."

Doctor of Philosophy (Cell and Developmental Biology)

  • Dr. Lyubov Veverytsa: "Dr. Veverytsa studied nerve cell development in the brain. She discovered a novel timing mechanism that is built into some neurons to trigger their functional maturation at a specific time, to change the brain circuit in which they operate. This has profound implications for understanding mental disorders such as schizophrenia."
  • Dr. Kevin Thomas Eade: "Dr. Eade used the fruit fly as a model in order to develop a method of disrupting the function of genes in the adult brain. He discovered a distinct mechanism that regulates genes and maintains the function and identity of brain cells throughout life. This work has implications for the treatment of age-related degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's."

Doctor of Philosophy (Chemical and Biological Engineering)

  • Dr. Caroline Roxanne Cloutier: "Dr. Cloutier studied the effect of electrochemical promotion on the electrochemical and chemical reforming of methanol for hydrogen production. She demonstrated that electrolysis may be achieved by using less-expensive, non-precious electrolyser anode materials and improved electrolyser performance. Her research may open new doors to the development of electrochemical technologies."
  • Dr. Seyed Majid Hosseini Amin: "Dr. Hosseini Amin developed a numerical model to simulate the behaviour of malaria-infected red blood cells. This model and the results of the simulation can shed light on the current understanding of disease progression, and help to design more effective antimalarial drugs and more accurate detection devices for early diagnosis of malaria."
  • Dr. Seyed Mohammad Taghavi: "Dr. Taghavi experimentally, computationally, and analytically studied the phenomenon of pushing a fluid by a heavier one inside an inclined duct. He classified various possibilities and developed models for these flows. The many applications include flows that occur during the construction of oil and gas wells, and in processing industries."
  • Dr. Nayef Mesnad Al-Saifi: "Dr. Alsaifi's research in the field of Chemical and Biological Engineering focussed on the very complex interactions among molecules. The results of his work have been tested successfully and are contributing to improved industrial processes."
  • Dr. Patrick Francis: "Dr. Francis developed, through the construction of comprehensive mathematical models, a novel technology for the purification of biologically derived pharmaceuticals. These models were used to optimize and scale up the technology to make it applicable industrially where it has the potential to significantly improve productivity in pharmaceutical production."

Doctor of Philosophy (Chemistry)

  • Dr. Ying Li: "Dr. Li identified and developed new PET imaging agents based on aryltrifluoroborates. Her work provides new understanding for the preparation and labelling of these compounds. The expansion and further elaboration of this new imaging technique is significant to the development of fluorine-18 labelling methods for use in PET imaging."
  • Dr. Chenguang Jiang: "Dr. Jiang investigated structures and functions of the gelsolin superfamily of actin-regulatory proteins. Using X-ray crystallography, he determined the structures of domains C2-C3 of CapG and of domain V6 of villin. His biochemical studies uncovered novel calcium-sensitive behaviours of CapG and gelsolin fragment G2-G3."
  • Dr. Rashidat Omolabake Ayinla: "Dr. Ayinla developed early transition metal complexes such as zirconium complexes that serve as efficient catalysts for the preparation of molecules that contain nitrogen. She prepared molecules that contain nitrogen including amines which are common structural part of naturally occurring and biologically relevant compounds using methods that do not produce unwanted products."
  • Dr. Yang Kang: "Dr. Kang used mass spectrometry to study the structures and stabilities of gas-phase, noncovalent protein complexes. This research provides a better understanding of the properties of gas-phase protein ions and also illustrates the relation of these properties to solution properties."
  • Dr. Thomas Colin Preston: "Dr. Preston studied the optical properties of conducting and non-conducting particles. He explored the relationship between particle shape and spectra using both modelling and experiments. This work is important for understanding how solar radiation interacts with planetary atmospheres and the fabrication of novel nanostructures."

Doctor of Philosophy (Civil Engineering)

  • Dr. Otton Lara: "Dr. Lara studied damage accumulation, in reinforced concrete columns which occurs during earthquakes. Based on lack on inclusion of this failure mechanism in actual design codes, Dr. Lara proposed a mathematical model that allows estimatation of the mechanism so designers can incorporate damage accumuation in their column designs."
  • Dr. Yehya Imam: "Dr. Imam studied how wind excites large-scale internal waves in lakes by linking wave excitation to lake bathymetry, stratification, and wind-forcing characteristics. The findings are important to understanding dispersion of nutrients and contaminants in lakes, to designing selective withdrawal facilities for reservoirs, and to sustainable management of our water resources."
  • Dr. Alireza Ahmadnia: "Dr. Ahmadnia studied the response of underground power transmission cables subjected to earthquake induced permanent ground deformation. Using advanced numerical simulations calibrated and validated with experimental data, he proposed a methodology to assess the seismic response of underground power transmission cables."

Doctor of Philosophy (Computer Science)

  • Dr. Habil Zare: "Dr. Habil Zare discussed important challenges in data analysis that lead to improvements in medicine and biological research. In particular, he applied advanced mathematical theories to enhance lymphoma diagnosis by analyzing flow cytometry using his novel computational techniques."
  • Dr. Parisa Shooshtari: "Understanding the mechanism of neonates' immune system is crucial, as they are highly susceptible to death caused by infection. Dr. Shooshtari developed mathematical techniques and designed a computational pipeline to efficiently analyze neonatal immune responses to infection. She also derived a formula to measure immune cells functional responses."
  • Dr. Cheryl S Lau: "Dr. Lau developed a method for enhancing contrast in images. It is used for converting color images to gray, creating images for different displays, creating images for colorblind people, and combining images."
  • Dr. David Isaac William Levin: "Dr. Levin developed computer methods for observing the structure of a person's muscles and making computer animations using this information. These algorithms reveal the architecture of muscle using magnetic resonance imaging, and allow its simulation. His research has applications in areas ranging from medical science to computer graphics."
  • Dr. Wei-Lwun Lu: "Dr. Lu developed an accurate and efficient system to automatically track and identify players in broadcast sports videos. This system will greatly reduce the effort of collecting game statistics and enhance a user's viewing experience."
  • Dr. Allan Gilbert Rempel: "Dr. Rempel developed new algorithms to improve the display of legacy content on emerging LED-based, high dynamic range display devices. He also studied humans' colour sensitivity and perception of high-contrast imagery. The results of his work can be used in the design of new generations of displays including televisions, computer monitors, and medical displays."
  • Dr. Xin (Albert) Jiang: "Dr. Jiang developed techniques for modeling large systems with multiple self-interested parties and designed efficient algorithms for predicting the likely outcomes of such models. He implemented software packages that have allowed researchers to do computational analysis of real-world systems such as auctions for search-engine keywords."
  • Dr. Peng Li: "Dr. Li studied dynamic analysis approaches for traditional Graphical User Interface editors.He first identified two major defects of traditional GUI editors. Then he augmented static analysis with dynamic analysis approaches to solve the two major defects. Finally, Dr. Li evaluated the dynamic analysis approaches and proved improvements for traditional GUI editors."
  • Dr. Mark Anthony Crowley: "Dr. Crowley developed a method for automated planning under uncertainty in spatial domains such as forestry and other environmental planning fields. He showed that systems of simple, local policies can be used to build complex, landscape policies. Furthermore, these systems can be used to evaluate ways of making these landscape policies most effective."

Doctor of Philosophy (Counselling Psychology)

  • Dr. Marianna Joy Terrett: "Dr. Terrett explored how older adults narrate and understand their experiences of being vitally engaged in living. With her participants, she collaboratively constructed ten common themes in living vitally. This research adds to the psychological and gerontological literature on positive growth and development in later life."
  • Dr. Brenda Lee Dyer: "Dr. Dyer investigated the processes of learning mindfulness through dialogue in the mindfulness-based stress reduction group. She found that the internal actions of mindfulness were externally enacted through several relational projects. This research illuminates how mindfulness is learned and experienced relationally and contextually, with implications for counselling and teaching."
  • Dr. Meris Andree Lineham Williams: "Dr. Williams investigated the professional ethics experiences of eating disorder psychotherapists who, themselves, had experienced an eating disorder. She identified significant challenges for therapists who disclose their eating disorder histories in professional environments, and explored the ethical risks associated with the profession's silence on this issue."

Doctor of Philosophy (Craniofacial Science)

  • Dr. Ajit Auluck: "Dr. Auluck studied human-papillo-maviral or HPV. He showed that incidence of HPV-related oral cancers have surpassed tobacco-related oral cancers among men in BC, particularly among South Asian men who chew tobacco. It is expected that this research will result in changes to screening methods, detection, treatment and management of oral cancers."
  • Dr. Leeann Rachel Donnelly: "Dr. Donnelly explored the influence of oral health, body image, and social interactions of elders living in care facilities. Her findings expanded our understanding of how personal and environmental factors influence the social impact of oral conditions."

Doctor of Philosophy (Cross-Faculty Inquiry in Education)

  • Dr. Nane Ariadne Jordan: "Dr. Jordan's arts-based, narrative dissertation explores the educational innovations of a graduate degree program in Women's Spirituality. Through documentation of faculty and students' experiences and practices, her poetic research weaves stories and imagery to enlarge understanding of the intersections of spirituality, feminism and transformative education, where "love is the answer.""

Doctor of Philosophy (Curriculum Studies)

  • Dr. James Douglas Adler: "By interviewing elementary teachers before and after their practicum, Dr. Adler's research discovered how teachers' pedagogical content knowledge is transformed while in teacher education."
  • Dr. Viviane Gosselin: "Dr. Gosselin demonstrated how two frameworks associated with scholarship on the pedagogy of historical thinking help conceptualize experiences of exhibition makers and museum visitors. Her research underscores the need for museums to consider their role as promoters of historical consciousness in fulfilling their educational mandate and maintaining their social relevance."
  • Dr. Julia A Nolan: "Dr. Nolan investigated the lives, careers, and pedagogies of three eminent artist-teachers of saxophone that illustrate different paths to artistry in music performance and teaching. Her dissertation contributes to the burgeoning research in the pedagogy of music education and the intellectual heritage of mentors across generations."

Doctor of Philosophy (Educational Studies)

  • Dr. Maryam Nabavi: "Dr. Nabavi engaged in a critical analysis of social citizenship in Canada. Focusing on the experiences of young Iranian immigrants,she demonstrated that citizenship learning is tied to the social,cultural,spatial, and political contexts of immigrants' lived experiences.Her research offers practical recommendations for the reform Canadian citizenship education models."
  • Dr. Dilek Kayaalp: "Dr. Kayaalp's dissertation explores the experiences of social, cultural and educational inclusion and exclusion of Turkish immigrant youth in Vancouver. The findings of the study indicate that Turkish youths' experiences change according to their immigration and socio-economic status, gender, and religious affiliation."
  • Dr. Genevieve Creighton: "Dr. Creighton explored the experiences of young men following the accidental death of a friend. Her findings provide new insights into the way that masculinities, space, place and social discourse intersect to frame men's grief and risk practices."

Doctor of Philosophy (Electrical and Computer Engineering)

  • Dr. Ehsan Bayaki: "Dr. Bayaki designed and evaluated the performance of novel free-space optical (FSO) telecommunication systems. With the increasing demand for applications in need of high data rates, Dr. Bayaki's research will contribute to the next generation of communication systems."
  • Dr. Mohammad Mohammadnia-Avval: "Dr. Mohammadnia worked on the next generation wireless networks. He proposed new formulas to evaluate the performance of such systems. He also introduced new techniques to increase the data rate and reliability of these systems. The results of his research can be used in cell-phone networks for a better user experience."
  • Dr. Conrad Rizal: "Dr. Rizal studied ferromagnetic nanostructures. He subsequently developed highly sensitive magnetic sensors and high-moment biocompatible nanoparticles. The magnetic sensors and nanoparticles have significant potential for application in biomagnetic sensing for the early detection and treatment of chronic diseases such as prostate and lung cancer."
  • Dr. Parham Yaghoobi: "Dr. Yaghoobi has demonstrated a unique light-induced heating mechanism in a carbon-based nanomaterial. This is much more efficient than heating of traditional materials such as metals. Dr. Yaghoobi has also shown the use of this unique phenomenon for electronic and solar cell applications, which could lead to a new generation of electronic devices."
  • Dr. Jane Huang: "Dr. Huang studied game theory and its various applications in wireless communication networks. She proposed several approaches which help to improve system performances. The main contribution of her work is to demonstrate how artificial intelligence and cognitive technology can be applied in modern wireless communication systems."
  • Dr. Man Hon Cheung: "Dr. Cheung studied the medium access control problem in wireless networks, which include the communications among vehicles and roadside access points. His mathematical modeling and analysis provide guidelines on how to design efficient communication protocols for the next generation wireless networks."
  • Dr. Sina Chiniforoosh: "Dr. Chiniforoosh has developed a methodology for dynamic average-value modeling and efficient computer simulation of advanced high power electronic converters that enable transformation of the present power systems into the future smart energy grid."
  • Dr. Joyce Hsien-Yin Chiang: "Dr. Chiang developed new methods to study the way different parts of the brain and muscles interact during movement. She demonstrated that changes in interaction patterns are related to movement difficulties seen in Parkinson's disease patients. Her methods can be useful for assessing the progression of brain diseases and the effects of medication."
  • Dr. Colin Ray Doutre: "Dr. Doutre developed methods for correcting common problems that occur when capturing and displaying 3D videos. His contributions improve the picture quality of 3D videos viewed on displays such as home 3D-TV's and 3D projectors in theaters."
  • Dr. Ali Soltanzadeh: "Dr. Soltanzadeh studied the process of mixing wood pulp with water to discover whether it was possible to improve the performance of pulp mixers that are currently being used in industry. He developed a new mathematical model for mixer systems which adds to our understanding of micro-fluidics and has potential benefits for the pulp and paper industry."
  • Dr. Bernard Yat Hin Ng: "Dr. Ng developed innovative computational methods for analyzing functional neuroimaging data. Through novel integration of prior knowledge in extending existing machine learning and sparse optimization techniques, Dr. Ng's thesis addressed a number of critical challenges hampering our understanding of the functional organization of the human brain."
  • Dr. Neda Nouri: "Dr. Nouri studied the design of high-speed radio transceivers. She investigated ways to reduce the noise emitting from electronic circuits, known as oscillators, used in those transceivers. It is expected that simulations used in this study will assist in the production of more power-efficient components for high-security radio transmission equipment."

Doctor of Philosophy (English)

  • Dr. Mark Vincent Diotte: "Dr. Diotte's research explored connections between labour narratives and discourses of power, gender, patriarchy, tourism, and history in the literature of British Columbia. His research expands our knowledge of literature written about British Columbia and demonstrates how stories of labour connect to larger social and economic concerns."

Doctor of Philosophy (Experimental Medicine)

  • Dr. Grace Lee Kam: "Dr. Kam studied how a demonstrated neurotoxin influences the progression and neuropathology of familial adult-onset ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. She found that environmental agents contribute to disease onset and progression, resulting in more pronounced disease pathology. Her findings will help us find ways to prevent ALS in individuals at risk."
  • Dr. Alexander Harper Henderson: "Dr. Henderson developed novel antibodies to G-quadruplex nucleic acids that may play a key role in cancer. Dr. Henderson has provided the first direct evidence of the existence of G-quadruplex nucleic acids in human cells. His research has provided the tools to explore the natural biology of these unique nucleic acid secondary structures."
  • Dr. Suze Gillian Berkhout: "Dr. Berkhout examined the role of social identity in gender-based disparities to using antiretroviral therapy in Vancouver's inner city. Her work demonstrated how social interests, institutional authorities, relations of power, and strategies of social control are resisted and internalized by women negotiating HIV/AIDS care. Using feminist philosophy and social studies of medicine, Dr. Berkhout reframes adherence issues using agency and autonomy."
  • Dr. Andrew Noel Ming-Lum: "Dr. Ming-Lum investigated how the anti-inflammatory protein, Interleukin-10, inhibits the activity of immune cells. His research led to the development of a novel class of therapeutics, potentially applicable for treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, such as sepsis and inflammatory bowel disease."
  • Dr. Melanie Lehman: "Dr. Lehman's integrative analysis of large-scale genomic data has identified androgen and anti-androgen regulated RNAs expressed in prostate cancer cells. The expression of the previously overlooked RNAs may be involved in the failure of androgen deprivation therapy and ultimately the death of prostate cancer patients."
  • Dr. Melisa Hamilton: "Dr. Hamilton studied the relationship between the immune system and cancer. She identified a subpopulation of immune cells that promote tumour growth by preventing the rest of the immune system from detecting and destroying cancer cells. This research will enable the development of novel cancer therapies that promote anti-tumour immunity."
  • Dr. Arezoo Astanehe: "Dr. Astanehe studied the molecular mechanisms involved in breast cancer pathology and chemotherapy resistance. His studiescontribute to describing breast cancer disease processes. He has also identified novel therapeutic targets to improve outcomes for women with breast cancer pathology with poor prognoses."
  • Dr. John Edward McDonough: "Dr. McDonough used micro-CT imaging to examine the airways in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. By discovering that the terminal bronchioles are extensively narrowed and reduced in number before the onset of emphysema, this research shows that small airways obstruction precedes emphysematous destruction in this disease."
  • Dr. Leslie So Alfaro: "Dr. So Alfaro discovered a novel function of the protein in the movement and proliferation of adult muscle stem cells. This research gives new insight to the mechanisms that are required for proper regeneration in cases of myodegenerative diseases."
  • Dr. Anousheh Zardan: "Dr. Zardan studied the mechanism through which prostate cancer cells acquire the ability to survive the conventional cancer treatments. Through finding two new mechanisms that inhibit cancer cell survival, her research paved the way for development of new and more promising strategies to treat advanced stages of prostate cancer."
  • Dr. Jim Sun: "Dr. Sun investigated the subcellular and molecular events in cells infected by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis. His research on specific mycobacterial proteins involved in interfering with the host immune system contributes to the development of potential therapeutics and vaccines against tuberculosis."
  • Dr. Alex Chia Yu Chang: "Dr. Chang showed in the developing heart and adult blood vessels that the Notch pathway regulates the production of nitric oxide. These studies provide a better understanding of how heart valves develop and how blood vessels uses the same signaling pathway for to increase blood flow to tissues."
  • Dr. Blanche Ka Ki Lo: "Dr. Lo has identified CXCR3 as a key growth factor for basal cell carcinoma skin cancer. The finding may lead to the development of new drug treatments as an alternative to surgical excision."
  • Dr. Kevin Wesley Johns: "Dr. Johns investigated the incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular complications arising from HIV and its treatment. His research helped to determine the best possible therapeutic avenues for patients at risk for cardiovascular disease."
  • Dr. Michael Joseph Hiatt: "Dr. Hiatt demonstrated that the kidney collecting duct epithelium plays an important and underappreciated role in the progression of injury and repair following urinary tract obstruction. This work highlights novel features and mechanisms in the pathogenesis of kidney injury, and provides insight into new avenues for therapeutic interventions."

Doctor of Philosophy (Forestry)

  • Dr. Ian Simpson Moss: "Dr. Moss developed a quantitative method for classifying forest structures. Seventeen different classes were used to describe four dominant patterns of forest succession in interior Douglas-fir. Airborne laser scanning data was evaluated for stand structures in class inventory. This work improves our ability to recognize and communicate complex forest stand conditions."
  • Dr. Patrick Olivier Waeber: "Dr. Waeber developed a decision-support system for forest management planning in the Champagne and Aishihik Traditional Territory, southwest Yukon. This tool allows forest managers to assess different strategies and tactics under climate change and natural disturbances such as beetle infestation or fire, thereby making better-informed, long-term management decisions."
  • Dr. Drew De Voe Brayshaw: "Dr. Brayshaw studied the frequencies and magnitudes of flooding and sediment transport in mountain streams. He found that these streams are responding to deglaciation and intermittent sediment supply by downcutting into glacial sediments. Therefore, these streams transport sediment frequently even though flooding is rare."
  • Dr. Amanda Rosa Maria De la Torre Cuba: "Dr. De La Torre's research provides new insights into the evolutionary relationships between two species of spruce trees. By integrating molecular and quantitative genetics with climate modeling, Dr. De La Torre has deepened our understanding of the genomic basis of local adaptation to climate. Her work has significant implications for forest management in British Columbia."
  • Dr. Baozhang Chen: "Dr. Chen has significantly improved our understanding of the terrestrial carbon cycle. By integrating ecosystem modeling, footprint analysis, and remote sensing, his innovative fusion of data and models allows for better understanding of carbon fluxes on scales of the stand, the landscape and the region. This research provides a sound basis for shaping carbon management policies to address climate change."
  • Dr. Saba Vahid: "Dr. Vahid combined agent-based simulation and optimization techniques to model the economic activities of coastal British Columbia's wood products industry. Her simulation model enables us to investigate the long-term impacts of introducing new facilities and alternative forest management policies on the performance of the industry."

Doctor of Philosophy (Geography)

  • Dr. Jonathan Wynne Peyton: "Dr. Peyton examined a series of resource development conflicts in the Stikine watershed in northwest BC, a region that is currently the site of intense mining exploration and controversy over energy projects. He situated the current conflicts against the legacies of previous megaprojects -- both failed and realized -- to understand their social and environmental side effects, as well as their legacies for future development."
  • Dr. Markus Moos: "Dr. Moos analyzed how young adults made housing and location decisions in Vancouver and Montreal between 1981 and 2006. His comparative research informs theory and policy in housing market dynamics, and the relations between housing, generational change and social equity, and the environmental impacts of residential location patterns."
  • Dr. Jessica Dempsey: "Dr. Dempsey studied the ways ecosystems and biodiversity are becoming increasingly entangled with economic logics and practices. She traced the resulting ethical, scientific, and political issues and argues that the changes are creating a new form of nature that is enterprising, one that can compete in the marketplace and within modern state governance."
  • Dr. Luigi Giuseppe Sulmona: "Dr. Sulmona studied the geography of advanced border controls in Canada and the Netherlands from 1985 to 2010. This revealed a "trade with security" partnership strategy among airlines, airports, and border control agencies. Conceptually, this extra-territorial and virtual relocation of state frontiers enhances sovereignty and global mobility."
  • Dr. Patrick Vince Oabel: "Dr. Oabel examined the restructuring of the sugar industry and its effects on workers in a labour market in the central Philippines. Although economic change has intensified existing social inequalities, he found it also afforded workers the opportunity to both sustain and improve their lives through new livelihood strategies."

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

  • Dr. Roseann Marie Larstone: "Dr. Larstone examined the relationships between personality and antisocial and aggressive behaviour among adolescents. Her research highlights the importance of considering both normal and abnormal personality characteristics as well as gender differences in personality in understanding the development of different kinds of antisocial behaviour."

Doctor of Philosophy (Interdisciplinary Oncology)

  • Dr. Hisae Nakamura: "Dr. Nakamura discovered human prostate cancer promoting effects of a soy compound. Her study suggested the need for safer clinical trial planning and tighter regulation of such compounds.She also discovered that anti-estrogen treatment significantly inhibits metastasis, suggesting its therapeutic potential for advanced disease."

Doctor of Philosophy (Interdisciplinary Studies)

  • Dr. Benita Bunjun: "Dr. Bunjun studied organizational power relations at Vancouver Status of Women from 1971 to 2008. Using intersectional feminist analysis, she argues that organizations are not neutral, but rather sites of colonial encounters. Based on her findings, she proposes a nuanced understanding of power and entitlement, and a more ethical Affirmative Action Policy."
  • Dr. Theresa Ann McElroy: "Dr. McElroy studied the impact of war and displacement on early childhood in northern Uganda. Her research illuminates the disruption of traditional strategies for protecting and nurturing children, leaving them exposed to developmental risk even during resettlement. Findings highlight needed interventions for vulnerable infants and young children."

Doctor of Philosophy (Language and Literacy Education)

  • Dr. Dennis Elliott Murphy Odo: "Dr. Murphy Odo compared paper and online versions of an ESL literacy assessment, and found they were equally valid. He also found that test takers' beliefs about their test performances were often different from their actual test scores in each mode. These findings will allow ESL testing specialists to use the online test in place of a paper version."
  • Dr. David Merritt Beare: "Dr. Beare investigated ways to foster positive youth development through a combined theatre education and social and emotional learning program. He examined the developmental stages of secondary theatre students who co-created plays based on the topic of safe and caring schools. His findings will enrich existing literature on this important issue."
  • Dr. Onowa Blue McIvor: "Dr. McIvor studied Indigenous adult language learning through an extensive self-study of one learner's experience. Her research illuminates the possibilities for adult learners to make a more central contribution to the efforts of Indigenous language loss and recovery."

Doctor of Philosophy (Law)

  • Dr. Alison Louise Dempsey: "Dr. Dempsey studied evolving corporate governance regulation and standards of business conduct in multiple regimes. Her research contributes to corporate governance scholarship providing insight into ethical and legal foundations of responsible conduct and informed discourse among market, government and public stakeholders to address both financial and ethical dimensions of business."

Doctor of Philosophy (Linguistics)

  • Dr. James Joseph Thompson: "Dr. Thompson studied the structure of sentences in Halkomelem, a Central Salish language. His conclusions provide insights into the way in which phrases and sentences are built. This work will assist grammarians and contribute to the body of knowledge around First Nations languages."

Doctor of Philosophy (Materials Engineering)

  • Dr. Bethan Ruth McKevitt: "Dr. McKevitt studied the rate of recovery of nickel and copper from solution using ion exchange. Based on data from batch experiments, she was able to combine two engineering models into a new equation, which was verified by using it to predict the performance of a continuous miniplant."
  • Dr. Nidal Khalaf Alshwawreh: "Dr. Alshwawreh studied the way in which copper conductivity changes during the fabrication of electronic devices such as computers and cell phones. He developed a model that shows the effect of temperature on the rate of conductivity change. This model can assist microelectronic companies to produce devices that operate at a faster speed."
  • Dr. Maziar Eghbalnia: "Dr. Eghbalnia investigated the mineral, pyrite, as a catalyst in recovering copper from minerals that resist its recovery. He determined pyrite catalysts were effective, especially when modified with silver and gold nanoparticles. This will enable industry to recover and process copper at a low temperature, with less cost and energy consumption."
  • Dr. Ghazaleh Taghi Nazari: "Dr. Nazari developed a new hydrometallurgical method to recover copper from copper concentrates more effectively than other current processes. Her work proved that miniscule amounts of silver can enhance the galvanic properties of pyrite to greatly accelerate the rate of leaching of copper concentrates in the pyrite-catalyzed Galvanox process."

Doctor of Philosophy (Mathematics)

  • Dr. Andrew James Morrison: "Dr. Morrison studied in the field of pure mathematics, specifically Algebraic Geometry. A new technique known as dimensional reduction was developed to compute the virtual motives of certain moduli spaces. It was applied to give new calculations in agreement with the predictions of string theorists."
  • Dr. Brian Michael Cook: "Dr. Cook studied problems in number theory. He showed the existence of certain types of algebraic regularity in prime numbers. The results add a deeper understanding of the structure of prime numbers, particularly the additive structure. This work builds on recent major advances and has wide application in the field of mathematics."
  • Dr. Simon Charles Florian Rose: "Dr. Rose studied a particular type of counting problem that arises naturally at the intersection of physics, geometry, and number theory. His work helps to provide further clarification of a major unresolved problem in these fields. The findings are of significance for understanding the geometry of surfaces."

Doctor of Philosophy (Measurement, Evaluation and Research Methodology)

  • Dr. Yan Liu: "Dr. Liu demonstrated how outliers can affect the conclusions we make from our data, countering to a commonly held belief among researchers that outliers, although relevant, have little impact. Her studies demonstrated the impact of two types of outliers: errors in the data and unknown subgroups of respondents or participants."
  • Dr. Maria Elena Oliveri: "Statistical analyses often compare groups such as males versus females or Asians versus Latinos. These comparisons ignore heterogeneity within groups (e.g., diversity among women or among examinees from different ethnic backgrounds) leading to largely inaccurate claims. Dr. Oliveri's research addresses the within-group heterogeneity issue in construct comparability analyses to obtain more accurate results when comparing manifest groups."

Doctor of Philosophy (Mechanical Engineering)

  • Dr. Malcolm Shield: "Dr. Shield used laser diagnostic techniques to study the mixing of natural gas and air in internal combustion engines. His novel fuel injection system will speed the development of cleaner burning natural gas engines for trucks and buses, providing a viable alternative to gasoline and diesel that reduces the air contaminants and the greenhouse gas impact of transport."

Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Genetics)

  • Dr. Chi Yeu Leung: "Dr. Leung discovered novel epigenetic pathways employed by mouse embryonic stem cells to silence endogenous retroviruses. His findings have elucidated how stem cells repress parasitic elements in the genome and have significant implications in potential cancer treatments."
  • Dr. Allison Marie Cotton: "Dr. Cotton explored the field of epigenetics, which studies how genes are silenced without direct DNA changes. Her research used the naturally silenced female X chromosome to understand normal patterns of gene silencing. Epigenetic research provides insight into diseases resulting from incorrect gene expression without DNA mutations."

Doctor of Philosophy (Microbiology and Immunology)

  • Dr. Elena Bernadette Monika Breidenstein: "Dr. Breidenstein identified ciprofloxacin resistance mechanisms in the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. She discovered that the Lon protease would be a good target for therapy as this protease influences ciprofloxacin resistance as well as virulence."
  • Dr. Andrea Denisse Olmstead: "Dr. Olmstead discovered new therapeutic targets and agents for inhibiting the hepatitis c virus, one of the leading causes of liver cancer and liver transplantation worldwide. The identified targets control human lipid metabolism pathways essential for the virus life cycle. Her findings may lead to the development of new antiviral drugs."

Doctor of Philosophy (Mining Engineering)

  • Dr. Cristian Caceres: "Dr. Caceres developed a new methodology in tunnel blasting, to determine maximum vibration levels in relation to distance from an explosion. He also measured the relationship of vibration levels to rock quality. His work can be used to assess damage potential in tunnelling operations to help make the working environment safer and more cost effective."

Doctor of Philosophy (Music)

  • Dr. Scott Alexander Cook: "Dr. Cook's research focuses on jazz compositions of the last few decades. As both a music theorist and a practicing musician, the analytical model advanced in his dissertation provides contextually-appropriate analyses, which support the analytic goals of academic music theory while also appealing to the performing musician."
  • Dr. Jennifer Ellen Paulson: "Dr. Paulson investigated methods of humour production in the musical discourse of nineteenth-century French composer Emmanuel Chabrier. Her analyses have revealed a complex and multi-layered humour aesthetic in Chabrier's comic operas, which must be considered in order to attain a more complete understanding of this composer's much-celebrated influence on early twentieth-century French music."

Doctor of Philosophy (Neuroscience)

  • Dr. Marla Joy Sanderson Mickleborough: "Dr. Mickleborough studied visual attention in people who get migraine headaches. She found that migraine sufferers are less able to ignore distracting visual information. Her work suggests the abnormality arises due to heightened sensitivity in the visual cortex."
  • Dr. Shanshan Zhu: "Dr. Zhu discovered the novel function of a transcription factor KLF4 in the central nervous system. Dr. Zhu also identified that progranulin, a protein mutated during frontal-temporal lobe dementia, played a novel role in the context of inflammation and epilepsy."
  • Dr. Andrew Christopher Giles: "Dr. Giles developed a rapid method for testing the role of genes in learning in the model organism, C. elegans. Using this new technique, he characterized the behaviour of over 500 genes, increasing our understanding of how genes function in the nervous system to allow organisms to learn."
  • Dr. Frederick Andrew Dobie: "Dr. Dobie examined how nerve cells make connections with each other by using microscopy to observe synapse formation in real time. He also studied how synapse development is affected by proteins implicated in the presence of autism. His findings provide insight into how the brain forms neural connections,which can possibly lead to novel therapeutics for neurodevelopmental disorders."
  • Dr. Ainsley Thaddeus Coquinco: "Dr. Coquinco created a novel microfluidic based model to study activity dependent neural circuitry formation. The insights obtained from this model further assists us in understanding brain development, learning and memory."
  • Dr. Fiona Dawn Zeeb: "Dr. Zeeb developed a rodent behavioural task, called the Rat Gambling Task. This test provides insight into how the brain contributes to decision making processes. Her findings improve our understanding of decision-making deficits present in patients with psychiatric disorders. The Rat Gambling Task has now been adopted by other research groups."
  • Dr. Blair Jenifer Duncan: "Dr. Duncan studied the role of intracellular signaling pathways in neural development and circuit formation using live cell microscopy to image neuron growth. Her studies uncovered novel molecular mechanisms by which sensory experience can lead to long-term changes in the form, structure, and function of neurons within the developing brain."
  • Dr. Tiffany Anne Timbers: "Dr. Timbers used the nematode C. elegans to identify genes critical for short- and long-term memory and showed where in the nervous system this memory is stored. This work adds to our knowledge of the mechanisms that underlie learning and memory."
  • Dr. Brenda Bingham: "Dr. Bingham showed that testosterone exposure during development in males is essential for normal functioning of neural systems involved in stress regulation in adulthood. Her research indicates that testosterone helps shape stress-related pathways in the brain, and that altering testosterone exposure during development may predispose some individuals to stress-related diseasess."
  • Dr. Brennan Daniel Eadie: "Dr. Eadie investigated brain plasticity in a model of Fragile-X syndrome, the most common form of inherited intellectual disability. He discovered abnormalities in neuronal morphology and physiology in a brain region associated with learning and emotion, thereby identifying a novel therapeutic target."

Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing)

  • Dr. Yuko Homma: "Dr. Homma examined personal and socio-cultural factors associated with sexual activity among East Asian adolescents. Feeling connected to family, school, and culture substantially reduced the probability of sexual initiation even with risks such as alcohol use and sexual abuse. Results suggest sexual health education should be culturally tailored."

Doctor of Philosophy (Oceanography)

  • Dr. Cathryn Lynne Clarke Murray: "Dr. Clarke Murray investigated recreational boats as a source of marine invasive species and found significant potential for initial introduction and regional spread of these species by the recreational fleet. This research will assist in the development of monitoring and management measures to prevent future invasions and protect biodiversity."
  • Dr. Jian Guo: "Dr. Guo studied the physiological role of copper in marine phytoplankton, and elucidated, for the first time, the presence of two copper transport systems (a high and a low affinity). Her research highlights the importance of copper for phytoplankton growth and the complex interaction between iron and copper nutrition."
  • Dr. David Cassis: "Dr. Cassis studied the causes of cadmium levels, stress levels, and mortalities in cultured oysters. He worked closely with BC oyster farmers to improve their culture methods based on a better understanding of the marine environment."

Doctor of Philosophy (Pathology and Laboratory Medicine)

  • Dr. Rossi Billie Velapatino Cochachi: "Dr. Velapatino examined the proteins of persistent bacteria from patients with the tropical disease, melioidosis, and the interaction of two related species of bacteria, with immune cells. His research explored bacterial persistence in chronic diseases and contributes to understanding mechanisms of evasion of people's immune defenses by these bacteria."
  • Dr. Agatha Natalie Jassem: "Dr. Jassem investigated antibiotic resistance in Burkholderia bacteria, highly virulent pathogens in cystic fibrosis patients and other compromised individuals. Her research on the induction of resistance and involvement of outer membrane features provides insight into acquired antibiotic (aminoglycoside) resistance in one such bacterium."
  • Dr. Brian Chung: "Dr. Chung discovered that the expression of a specific protein is required for the development of a unique subset of immune cells, and demonstrated that these cells are important for recognition of early viral infection. These findings improve our understanding of how the immune system recognizes and regulates virus replication."

Doctor of Philosophy (Pharmaceutical Sciences)

  • Dr. Mehdi Najafzadeh: "Recent advances in genetic sciences offer access to tests that can improve prediction, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Dr. Najaf-zadeh evaluated the clinical benefits and costs of using several genetic tests in medical practice. His research will contribute to the selection of genetic tests that are most valuable for patients, physicians and society."
  • Dr. Padmesh Singh Rajput: "Dr. Rajput's research provided new insight for the role of somatostatin receptors in neurological disorders. He demonstrated that lack of somatostatin receptors mimic neurochemical changes observed in Huntington's disease models. Activation of somatostatin receptors dissociates NMDARs complex formation and modulates downstream signaling pathways involved in excitotoxicity."
  • Dr. Geetanjali Kharmate: "Dr. Kharmate discovered a new role for somatostatin receptors to attenuate by epidermal growth factor (EGFR) tumor promotion. This study emphasizes that activation of somatostatin receptors along with inhibition of EGFR will serve novel therapeutic approach in the treatment of EGFR positive tumors."
  • Dr. Laam Pak: "Dr. Pak investigated a family of human enzymes, present throughout our bodies, that transfers chemical groups onto proteins, in order to regulate cell growth and proliferation. Her research has shown how these enzymes can work together in cells, and has provided new therapeutic avenues for breast and prostate cancers."
  • Dr. Mohsen Sadatsafavi: "Dr. Sadatsafavi developed and tested new methods for the analysis of uncertainty in medical decision making and estimating the benefit of future research and the optimal design of randomized controlled trials."
  • Dr. John Clifford Woolcott: "Dr. Woolcott's research was in the area of falls in the elderly. He assessed the care provided to elderly fallers while patients of the Emergency Department compared to current recommendations. His work also estimated the costs of a fall and simulatied hypothetical changes to the care delivered."

Doctor of Philosophy (Pharmacology and Therapeutics)

  • Dr. Ni Bai: "Dr. Bai investigated diesel exhaust and cardiovascular disease to extend our understanding of how particulate matter air pollution causes increased risk for heart attack. She found that exposure to diesel exhaust causes progression of atherosclerosis, a disease in which plaque builds up inside arteries and lead to heart attacks."
  • Dr. Nada Sallam: "Dr. Sallam investigated why certain blood vessels are more prone than others to develop diabetic complications, which reslut in higher morbidity and mortality rates. Understanding vascular heterogeneity will open new venues for developing therapies that target specific vascular beds with minimal systemic side effects."
  • Dr. Ramakrishna Tadavarty: "Dr. Tadavarty has found that sleep-deprivation adversely affects synaptic transmission in the central nervous system. His observations enable a better understanding of the deficits associated with sleep loss. The identified changes in neurotransmission help in developing drug targets for ameliorating such effects."

Doctor of Philosophy (Philosophy)

  • Dr. Roger Leslie Clarke: "Dr. Clarke investigated the concept of belief, one of the basic ways in which the mind interacts with the world around us. He developed a theoretical basis for the principle of positive thinking: whatever you truly believe about the future will come to pass. His research will be widely applicable to everything from psychotherapy to entrepreneurship."

Doctor of Philosophy (Physics)

  • Dr. Sanaz Vafaei: "Dr. Vafaei studied the properties of Dark Matter distribution in the Universe. Dark matter does not emit light and cannot be observed directly. She developed efficient methods to infer the dark matter properties in the Universe by studying Dark Matter's effects on the shapes of millions of galaxies."
  • Dr. Thomas John Hammond: "Much of our macroscopic and quantum level understanding of matter comes from spectroscopy, the measurement of the absorption and emission of radiation. Dr. Hammond's research developed a novel, coherent, high-power radiation source operating in the extreme ultra-violet regime that has enabled an entirely new set of spectroscopic studies."
  • Dr. Jeff Mottershead: "Dr. Mottershead performed measurements on the electronic structure of two high-temperature superconductors through angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and constructed a new measurement system. Both the measurements themselves and the technological innovations of the new system significantly advance the field."
  • Dr. Scott Elliott Webster: "Dr. Webster studied the deposition of crystalline yttrium oxide films. By controlling the crystal growth process, he was able to create thin films with a very high degree of structural perfection. The techniques developed in his work will help in the development of new solid state laser technology."

Doctor of Philosophy (Planning)

  • Dr. Silvia L Vilches: "Dr. Silvia Vilches explored the consequences of the 2002 welfare reforms in BC for lone mothers by studying the everyday experiences of the women themselves. Her findings show deepening class and gender divisions and contribute to the global effort to understand how social citizenship is being reshaped through welfare reforms."

Doctor of Philosophy (Political Science)

  • Dr. Clark Scott Edward Banack: "Dr. Banack explored the influence of religion upon Alberta's political development. This study demonstrated an important link between an individualistic and democratic version of Christian-based thought, initially espoused by formative political leaders, and the populist and anti-statist sentiments that set Alberta apart from other provinces."
  • Dr. Michael David Cohen: "Dr. Cohen showed how experience with nuclear weapons moderates the high conflict propensity of weak revisionist new nuclear powers. He developed a psychological model that synthesised extant theories about the consequences of nuclear proliferation and offered predictions and policies to address Iranian and North Korean nuclear proliferation."
  • Dr. Emily Jane Beausoleil: "Dr. Beausoleil examined the possibilities and challenges of democratic engagement through the performative arts. This work has provided a general theory for these practices, isolated key democratic resources within them, and articulated the contribution such practices offer to democratic politics more broadly."

Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology)

  • Dr. Ryan Joseph McLaughlin: "Dr. McLaughlin examined how endocannabinoids in the prefrontal cortex coordinate coping responses to acute and chronic stress. He found that endocannabinoids in this brain region promote recovery following exposure to stress and that maintaining endocannabinoid tone may represent a promising therapeutic strategy to treat stress-related illnesses."
  • Dr. Jennifer Rose St. Onge: "Dr. St.Onge showed how brain regions within a specific neural circuit in the rat help us make decisions among different options that vary in the amount and probability of reward. This research helps explain how interactions between different brain systems shape preferences for larger, risky or smaller, more conservative rewards."
  • Dr. Lara Beth Aknin: "Dr. Aknin studied how everyday spending choices can influence a spender's happiness and well-being. Her research demonstrated that spending money on others leads to higher levels of happiness than spending money on oneself, as well as when these emotional benefits are most likely to occur. Her research helps illuminate that the complex relationship between wealth and well-being."

Doctor of Philosophy (Reproductive and Developmental Sciences)

  • Dr. Wai Kin So: "Dr. So studied novel tumor-suppressing proteins in ovarian cancer. He found that they could inhibit cancer cell invasion through maintaining intercellular adhesion, which is important information for ovarian cancer metastasis and developing therapeutics against ovarian cancer."

Doctor of Philosophy (Resource Management and Environmental Studies)

  • Dr. Louise Siok Ling Teh: "Dr. Teh investigated the discount rates of small-scale fishers and found that, overall, they have high discount rates. This means that they are unwilling to forgo current benefits in order to obtain potentially larger benefits in the future. This finding is important for long term sustainable fisheries management."
  • Dr. Lydia Chi Ling Teh: "Dr. Teh developed a model for prioritising sites for inclusion to marine protected areas. This model addresses the biological and human aspects of marine ecosystems, and can be used to facilitate fisheries management and marine conservation."
  • Dr. Alice Rose Carter Cohen: "Dr. Cohen examined the increasing popularity of watersheds as governance scales. She identified the drivers and governance implications of this scalar change in Canada, and argued that these do not necessarily align. This insight contributes to current understandings of rescaling, and has implications for environmental policy in Canada and elsewhere."
  • Dr. Pramod Ganapathiraju: "Illegal fishing affects the sustainable management of fish, causing annual global losses of $10 to $23.5 billion. Dr. Ganapathiraju's study found inadequate monitoring and low penalties have encouraged distant water fleets to plunder fish stocks in Africa, Asia and the Pacific islands. The findings will aid governments worldwide with fisheries management."
  • Dr. Carie Ann Hoover: "Dr. Hoover examined the effects of climate change, hunting, and fisheries on polar marine ecosystems. Her work highlights past effects of krill, marine mammal, and fish extractions on the ecological food webs of polar ice-edge ecosystems. She alsoanalyzed likely responses to scenarios of future climate change."
  • Dr. Christina Lillian Cook: "Dr. Cook studied the role of legal institutions in jurisdictional fragmentation in water governance in the province of Ontario. Although jurisdictional fragmentation has long been seen as a barrier to improved water management in Canada, Dr. Cook argues its consequences are, in fact, variable and, occasionally, it produces innovation."

Doctor of Philosophy (Social Work)

  • Dr. Louise Ann Stern: "Dr. Stern explored intercultural dynamics as they impacted the care of people with dementia in a long-term care facility. Her findings help to begin the acknowledgment and development of more culturally competent and person-centred dementia care in elder care settings as a priority for an increasingly ethnoculturally diverse aging demographic."
  • Dr. Heather Ione Peters: "Dr. Peters conducted research with social workers which concluded that the use of structural social work theory in practice progresses through a series of six developmental and interactive stages. The framework that she developed has the potential to influence the way this theory is taught and to support social workers in the effective development of their practice."
  • Dr. Sing Mei Chan: "Dr. Chan explored dementia caring in Chinese families and showed how family members draw on different cultures in complex, fluid, and non-thinking ways. The complex co-constitution of culture, emotion, and practice in non-thinking ways suggests alternative modes of knowing and being, such as emotional rationality."

Doctor of Philosophy (Sociology)

  • Dr. Katherine Sophia Woodman: "Dr. Woodman's thesis shows citizenship in China is a local rather than national relationship that means participation and entitlements are connected to membership in the specific place where a person belongs. Her research proposes new theoretical avenues for the study of citizenship focusing on subnational locations of politics."

Doctor of Philosophy (Women's and Gender Studies)

  • Dr. Sally Elizabeth Mennill: "Dr. Mennill examined the social, professional, and technological contexts in which caesarean sections were carried out after WWII in Canada. Her argument, that practitioners and patients gained increased comfort with the operation, exposes this golden era in its development. Dr. Mennill's work also emphasizes the importance of interpreting c-section in its broad social context."
  • Dr. Almas Zakiuddin: "Dr. Zakiuddin showed how male Muslim prayer leaders are newly reconstituted and empowered as religious and secular leaders of authority by international development organizations in Bangladesh. In the Imam Discourse, she illuminates how the West's development mission to "modernize" Islam obscures and erases gender and Muslim women's socio-cultural and political concerns."

Doctor of Philosophy (Zoology)

  • Dr. Jonathan Alan Mee: "Dr. Mee studied the distribution and ecology of an asexually reproducing fish species, and examined processes influencing coexistence of this asexual species with sexually reproducing fish species. His work on this unique component of Canada's biodiversity contributes to a general understanding of the evolution of sexual reproduction."
  • Dr. Anne C. Dalziel: "Dr. Dalziel found that non-migratory populations of threespine stickleback have evolved a reduced capacity for prolonged swimming, and has identified a number of physiological traits that contribute to these differences in performance. This research contributes to our understanding of how animals evolve in response to environmental challenges."
  • Dr. Leanne Margaret Ramer: "Dr. Ramer studied abnormalities in cardiovascular function that occur after spinal cord injury. She identified changes in the nervous system and in the blood vessels that may contribute to cardiovascular problems and premature death in these individuals."
  • Dr. Steven Brian Alfred Machtaler: "Dr. Machtaler studied connexin 43, a protein which normally moves material from one cell to another. He was able to establish for the first time that connexin 43 affects the shape and movement of cells of the immune system known as B lymphocytes. His findings contribute to the understanding of immune system function and tumour biology."
  • Dr. Leithen King M'Gonigle: "Dr. M'Gonigle used theoretical models, namely mathematical analyses and computer simulations, to investigate the complexities of evolution among interacting species. His models cover diverse topics such as host-parasite co-evolution, sexual selection, and species formation. Findings will contribute to our understanding of genetics and how species evolve."