Convocation May 2025

Doctor of Education (Educational Leadership and Policy)

• Dr. Desjarlais-Smith’s research explored wholistic leadership perspectives of Indigenous women in the K-12 education system. Her research shows that Indigenous women leaders struggle to maintain their Indigeneity while navigating decolonizing education systems. The research calls for systematic changes to educational organizations.
• Dr. Warkentin’s research examines how characteristics of place inform curriculum in higher education. Focused on Stó:lō Téméxw, the land commonly known as the Fraser Valley, this project combines historical analysis and conversations with Indigenous leaders and educators to inform unlearning and relationality in specific areas of curriculum.
• Post-secondary student mental health has been well studied, but not much is known about the faculty side. Dr. Westcott’s study helps address this by mapping instructor experiences responding to students in distress. She recommends ways to support instructors in enacting care, while acknowledging instructor wellbeing is important in its own right.
• Dr. Gagnon examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on teaching practices, uncovering a heterogeneous acceleration in digital adoption, a redefinition of pedagogical beliefs, lasting changes in teaching modalities, and shifts in power dynamics over their adoption. His work advances understanding of educational transformation in times of crisis.

Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy

• Dr. An investigated immune system dysfunction in life-threatening diseases such as sepsis and COVID-19. By analyzing gene expression changes, he developed algorithms that detect sepsis in newborns and risk stratify ICU patients with COVID-19. These tools can enable faster diagnosis and more personalized treatment for our most vulnerable patients.
• Dr. Mannar investigated biochemical aspects of SARS-CoV-2 variant spike proteins during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was shown that variant spike proteins possessed enhanced receptor binding properties and displayed evasion of neutralizing antibodies. This work informs our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein evolution.
• Dr. Singla engineered diagnostic methods to assess kidney health non-invasively using ultrasound and machine learning. His work advanced tools for kidney disease detection and management, accurately predicting kidney decline. This benefits people with chronic kidney disease, which affects one in ten Canadians, and those with organ transplantation.

Doctor of Musical Arts (Orchestral Instrument)

• Dr. Trainini's research looks at how an approach that integrates body and mind enhances instrumental learning and music performance, with a focus on bodily awareness and multisensory feedback within the paradigm of embodied cognition.

Doctor of Philosophy (Anthropology)

• Dr. Sacharuk digitally analyzed electron microscopy images of ancient ceramics from early Bronze Age China. Her thesis identified technological differences between sites, provided novel insights into regional identity formation during this period and highlighted the utility of digital image analysis in archaeological research.
• Migrants in Latin America increasingly come from demographically diverse backgrounds. Dr. Yates found that non-Latin American migrants experiences and reception in Latin America differ widely based on the race, nationality, religion, & language of migrants themselves. This research informs hemispheric migration enforcement & protection policies.
• Dr. Daurio's research explores how people make sense of dramatic changes to their lives and the landscapes in which they live as a result of wildfire and post-fire flooding. Understanding sensemaking processes can help society prepare for future wildfires and disasters.
• Dr. Eaton studied the relationship between heritage and disaster recovery planning in Vancouver. His ethnography describes how building community and cultivating a sense of place can help people preserve what they value in the face of uncertain futures – highlighting strategies that communities can apply today to set the stage for future recovery

Doctor of Philosophy (Applied Animal Biology)

• Is it possible for animals to be directly included in institutional decision-making? Dr. Ryan’s research in Applied Animal Biology explored how reframing human–animal relationships and including animals’ perspectives in decisions can lead to more ethical science, policy, and governance, benefiting the billions used by humans each year.

Doctor of Philosophy (Art History)

• Dr. Choi's research examines Korean folding screen primarily produced between the nineteenth and early 20th centuries. Her study explores their materiality, cross-media nature, and their position within art historical categories while challenging conventional boundaries in the field.
• Dr. Caverhill studied Niitsitapi, settler, and European artists who formed an art colony in the 1930s. She explored the new strategies for art and design that emerged from intercultural exchange within the colony. Her research centres past and present. Niitsitapi artists and expands our understanding of artistic modernisms in North America.

Doctor of Philosophy (Asian Studies)

• Dr. Kim examined Korea’s military reform and exile policies from 1863 to 1894. He found that military service was viewed as a social disgrace and reforms remained deeply rooted in traditional values. His work challenges Eurocentric narratives of military history during this period.

Doctor of Philosophy (Astronomy)

• Dr. Raelyn Sullivan investigated two mysteries of the Universe. She explored how Earth's motion affects signals from space, making it hard to detect universe-wide patterns from the Big Bang. She also studied cosmic birefringence, the rotation of polarized light as it travels through the Universe, constraining models of dark matter and dark energy.

Doctor of Philosophy (Atmospheric Science)

• Dr. Chui used weather modelling to explore how human-caused changes to the climate and terrain of BC could have changed the weather of the province. These changes can have impacts on public health across BC, and on local ecosystems around coal mines. His work resulted in a large dataset that will be used by provincial researchers for years to come.
• Dr. Rodell studied wildfire danger and behavior, developing ways to forecast them using hourly weather predictions and machine learning. He created a new model that improves fire danger estimates and enhances wildfire smoke modeling. This work helps fire managers and air quality forecasters make better decisions.

Doctor of Philosophy (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)

• Dr. Chapman studied how viral infection impacts the fertility of honey bee queens. This work helps to define one of many factors contributing to queen failure, which is a significant problem for the beekeeping industry.
• Dr. Lam studied viral and cellular factors that regulate HIV latency. She identified a novel class of inhibitors of HIV expression that may provide a means to permanently silence persistent HIV infection. Her findings expand our understanding of viral latency and bring us closer to a functional cure for HIV.
• Ribosomes are critical molecular machines that carry out the process of translation. Dr. Hay investigated how changes in the ribosome enhance the production of proteins in the interferon response, a critical component of the innate immune response. Her work provides novel insights into our understanding of immunity and viral infection.
• With the goal of expanding the therapeutic utility of platelet transfusions, Dr. Strong developed novel methods to genetically engineer platelets with mRNA-lipid nanoparticles that are compatible with blood banking practices. His research lays the foundation for the development of next-generation platelet products with expanded therapeutic uses.
• Dr. Matsell characterized the function and role of the enzyme ATP8A2, contributing to a deeper understanding of its connection to neurodegenerative disease. This work has strengthened the link between ATP8A2's function and disease mechanism, paving the way for the development of targeted therapeutics to aid patients affected by this condition.

Doctor of Philosophy (Bioinformatics)

• Dr. Luthra studied how to model gene regulation from DNA sequence using machine learning models. Her work advanced our understanding of genome evolution and improved the development of predictive models through a novel evaluation framework. This research drives innovation in genomics and enables advances in personalized medicine.
• Dr. Dada used new DNA sequencing technology to develop all-in-one diagnostic tests for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, including Prader-Willi Syndrome, Angelman Syndrome, and Temple Syndromes. She also developed the use of third generation DNA sequencing for personalized diagnosis in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Doctor of Philosophy (Biomedical Engineering)

• Perthes’ disease is a rare condition in children that can permanently change the shape of the hip joint. Dr. Johnson used advanced medical images and computer models to explore how hip joint shape and movement results in damage to the joint’s cartilage, which can lead to pain, early-onset arthritis, and reduced quality of life during adulthood.
• Dr. Malone explored the use of optical imaging catheters for cancer detection and management. Her work focused on detecting the earliest ovarian cancers where they form in the fallopian tubes. She demonstrated these devices can distinguish disease from normal tissue - the first step towards developing screening tools for ovarian cancer detection.
• Dr. Hickey developed clinically practical methods for studying why knee replacements fail. Traditional study designs tend to be inefficient in studying this phenomenon. He developed new data analysis and medical imaging techniques which show a plausible pathway for the study of how implant placement effects the long-term survival of knee implants.
• Dr. Yavarinasab studied how bacteria can produce electricity. He found a way to measure their electrical activities and created a simple sensor to detect chemicals such bacteria release. His discoveries could support the development of low-cost, bacteria-powered batteries to provide electricity in off-grid areas and during emergencies.
• Dr. Stankiewicz studied how sex-based differences influence T cell development in the human thymus. Using stem cell models, she mapped thymus niches to guide T cell growth, revealing new insights into immune development. Her work offers a novel tool to study and improve T cell therapies.

Doctor of Philosophy (Botany)

• Dr. Na studied the diversity and evolutionary relationships of apicomplexans, an important group of animal parasites that cause serious diseases like malaria. She discovered new species, expanded molecular data availability, and uncovered novel insights changing our understanding of their evolutionary history and biological diversity.
• Dr. Goodwin investigated how climate and herbivory influence plant population and range dynamics. She found that many species exhibit lagged range shifts and that climate influences the outcome of herbivory. Her work offers valuable insights into species' responses to climate change.
• Dr. Alizadeh studied seed germination and found that regulatory proteins help seeds break dormancy and use stored nutrients for growth. His research uncovered how these proteins interact to control genes involved in germination, nutrient use, and environmental responses. These insights could enhance crop growth and resilience.

Doctor of Philosophy (Cell and Developmental Biology)

• Dr. Holland studied the effect of electrophilic stress on macrophages. Their work led to the development of a novel compound, its cellular mechanism, and its demonstrated efficacy in a model of neurodegenerative disease. This provides the groundwork for the compound to be clinically translated to in-human use.
• Dr. Deng investigated the roles of different types of direct talin-mediated actin linkages in cell-ECM adhesion in mice. Her research highlighted the importance of maintaining multiple integrin-actin linkage pathways and shed light on the regulation of integrin-mediated adhesion for tissue development, maintenance and homeostasis in mammals.
• Dr. Loewen explored how genetic mutations contribute to the development of retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited eye disease that results in progressive blindness. His work used novel animal models to uncover a variety of mechanisms associated with the disease and offered new insights for developing targeted treatments.
• Dr. Wong employed super-resolution microscopy to study endocytosis at the nanometer scale within cells. This research demonstrates how small molecule drugs and mutations impact the structure of individual endocytic vesicles and identified a stress-induced trafficking pathway with implications for disease research and drug development.
• How do cells stick together and move around within embryos? Dr. Venkatesh used mouse embryos to study the processes that regulate cell adhesion as the embryo develops into an adult.
• Dr. Zou studied the role of autophagy and transcriptional factor EB in pancreatic β-cell adaptation under stresses associated with diabetes and post islet transplantation. This research will enhance our knowledge of autophagy’s protective role in β-cell and underscore the potential for preserving β-cells via improving TFEB function.

Doctor of Philosophy (Chemical and Biological Engineering)

• Dr. Jbara's worked on modeling systems of particles and fluids. Using computational methods and machine learning, she developed advanced models that enhance the accuracy of predicting particle-fluid dynamics. Her work pushes the boundaries of traditional simulations, offering solutions with profound implications for engineering and industry.
• Dr. Wang focuses on standardizing the procedure for creating digital replicas of real-world systems, particularly in industrial manufacturing. Her work spans from initial modeling to model updating and enabling interactions between the digital replica and the physical system. This research will enhance manufacturing efficiency and productivity.
• Dr. Fleetwood researched biobased, responsive membranes and hydrophobic coatings for waterproof, breathable materials (i.e. rain jackets). Through this work, she developed a plant-based, aqueous, water-repellent spray and a guard cell isolation protocol.
• Dr. Shirvani investigated the use of two-dimensional nano-catalysts for chemical reactions relevant to clean energy. Her work demonstrated that these materials improved catalyst performance in hydrogen storage and transportation and greenhouse gas mitigation technologies — offering efficient solutions for clean energy and environmental protection.
• Dr. Bashir developed clean energy processes for green alkaline peroxide production and carbon dioxide utilization by addressing electrode stability and scale-up challenges associated with two phase electrochemical processes.

Doctor of Philosophy (Chemistry)

• Dr. Zheng explored new efforts in green and sustainable organic synthesis towards creating pharmaceutically relevant nitrogen-containing compounds by leveraging the use of earth abundant metal catalysts.
• Dr. Zhang's doctoral research focused on optical microscopy for biological imaging. He developed a novel spinning disk microscopy technique that enhances resolution and contrast, enabling real-time super-resolution imaging of thick samples such as cardiac cells. This work benefits biologists seeking accessible high-resolution imaging.
• Dr. Rueda-Espinosa studied some of the mechanisms by which platinum, palladium and nickel activate carbon-hydrogen, carbon-sulfur and carbon-fluorine bonds. His research provides insights that will aid in developing more efficient and sustainable methods for bond cleavage in chemical transformations.
• Dr.Nyamayaro explored bioderived materials as replacements for harmful plastics in advanced applications. He chemically tailored the properties of cellulosic materials and used them to fabricate biodegradable electronics and design innovative materials with novel flow properties. His findings advance eco-friendly materials in sustainable technology
• Dr. Thomson investigated the utility of sulfur fluorides as reagents in synthetic organic chemistry. His work exemplified the utility of these reagents through expediting the syntheses of pharmaceutically-relevant motifs.
• Dr. Rothchild is interested in how small molecules are made in nature. They studied how fungal enzymes make a molecule that is toxic to insects and may have applications in agriculture. Knowledge of how these enzymes work can help us develop cheaper and more sustainable ways to make important molecules that we rely on.
• Dr. Nadeau developed sustainable nickel catalysts and methodologies that facilitate inert bond activation reactions for more sustainable organic transformations. His insights are relevant to the conversion of inert waste materials, such as methane, into value-added products.
• Dr. Zhao investigates unknown compounds and emerging pollutants in complex biofluids and the environment. She integrates artificial intelligence with mass spectrometry to facilitate the discovery of new compounds. Her work advances understanding of chemical exposures and health impacts.
• John Ticknor delivered groundbreaking insights into the mobility and transport of dilute-limit lithium ions in van der Waals layered materials. This process is essential in the operation of a lithium-ion battery, and the 'first of their kind' experimental results directly validated computational simulations that underpin modern battery research.
• Ice nucleating substances can initiate ice formation in clouds, affecting cloud properties and climate. Dr. Worthy developed a new technique for studying ice nucleating substances in the environment, which can improve our understanding of their concentrations and identities, and thus their impacts on climate.
• Dr. Grzedowski has developed a new method of making DNA biosensors. Overall, improving the sensitivity of detection of nucleic acids and important disase markers will make diagnosing conditions easier, simpler, and more accesible.
• Dr. Nasseri investigated the molecular mechanism of carbohydrate consumption by bacteria and devised a new strategy for developing antibacterial agents, based on the idea that a sugar-coated antibiotic can selectively target those bacteria that like to consume the specific sugar. His work will contribute to the development of future antibiotics.
• Dr. Hagar discovered antimicrobial compounds from cave soil bacteria. These compounds, named 'caveamides', were found by combining genetic analysis and chemical detection methods. Beyond their pharmaceutical potential, caveamides have rare structural elements that give key insights into a poorly understood aspect of microbial biochemistry.
• Dr. Shi transformed our understanding of cross-coupling reactions through real-time monitoring techniques. By capturing the temporal signatures of all dynamic processes of a reaction, she revealed hidden reaction pathways and developed more efficient synthetic methods that dramatically reduce the manufacturing costs.

Doctor of Philosophy (Civil Engineering)

• Dr. Xiao developed advanced robotics, AI and adaptive control technologies for automated construction. He also established platforms for real-time robotic construction progress monitoring. His study has shaped the next generation of smart construction in Canada and around the world, paving the way for future advancements in AI robotic construction.
• Dr. Berjisian studied how cyclists balance time and energy during daily trips. Using GPS data, she found that road grade, sex, traffic controls, and facility types influence cyclists' choice of speed. Her research supports designing infrastructure for riders of all ages and abilities.
• Dr. Bonneau studied the interactions between ice structures and the ocean in Milne Fiord, Nunavut. His work led to a better understanding of the mechanisms driving the transfer of heat from the ocean to glaciers and ice shelves. This knowledge improves our ability to model and therefore predict sea level rise.
• Building codes in North America currently aim to protect lives, but do not ensure a building is functional after a large earthquake. Dr. Blowes evaluated the risk of long post-earthquake recovery times and identified factors that drive this risk. Her research also proposed methods to include recovery in future seismic design provisions.
• Dr. Graves hiked nearly 1,000 kilometers to study how temperate lakes with weak winds may not fully mix during Fall turnover. Her study highlights the role of surface temperature and the thermal expansion coefficient in convection-driven mixing. Findings impact hydrodynamic models and climate change predictions.
• Dr. Salles Tsay's research focused on improving how important building information is created, shared, and used during construction projects and building operations. By studying real-world examples, he developed tools and a frameworks to help asset owners manage information better, ensuring higher quality and value.
• Dr. Hosseini conducted an assessment of seismic force modification factors for conventional construction reinforced concrete shear wall structures in Canada using the performance-based unified procedure.

Doctor of Philosophy (Classics)

• Dr. Winnick created and tested a new methodology for studying ancient Greek ethnicity. By treating the genealogies of the characters of Greek mythology as networks and using network theory to study them, he advanced scholars' ability to study Greek ethnicity with efficiency and depth.

Doctor of Philosophy (Computer Science)

• Dr. Lavington developed algorithms for training AI systems in simulated environments by leveraging privileged information available during simulation. His methods enabled faster and safer policy learning for complex tasks like autonomous driving and locomotion, advancing the path from simulation to real-world deployment.
• Dr. Cameron developed machine learning methods to automatically improve algorithms and synthesize entirely new ones tailored to specific applications, enabling better solutions for optimizing 5G networks and power grids. He laid groundwork for richer algorithm design by building a unified model that broadly understands such computational problems.
• Dr. Goyal studied data-efficient learning in the area of computer vision. He developed methods which lowers annotation cost for tasks like detecting and localizing objects and actions in both images and videos. His research shows how data can be used effectively to build computational agents that understand visual content of various forms.
• Dr. Tanprasert is a human-computer interaction researcher. Her dissertation focuses on designing personas of AI-driven agents to increase learners’ engagement in online learning environments. Her findings provide a foundational framework for designing agents to meet the user’s social and emotional needs in the educational domain and beyond.
• Dr. Reda developed methods to teach virtual characters to move realistically in physics-based simulations using reinforcement learning. By addressing challenges in exploration, data limitations, and environment design, his work enables robust, adaptable controllers for applications in character animation, humanoid robotics, and virtual reality.

Doctor of Philosophy (Counselling Psychology)

• Dr. Bennett explored how trauma therapists who become vicariously resilient through their work with clients with trauma experience both professional and personal growth. Incorporating vicarious resilience into training and supervision models for therapists has the potential to mitigate the risks for experiencing negative impacts of trauma work.
• Dr. Yu studied parents’ process of seeking mental health services for their children. She developed a theory of help-seeking for parents of children with anxiety. Her results may help to inform policymakers and practitioners by highlighting the role of parental advocacy and mental health literacy when navigating the mental health system.
• Dr. MacKenzie studied caregiver joint goal-directed action in adolescent anorexia recovery using the Action-Project Method with caregivers worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her research explored how caregivers approach meal support to foster recovery and connection during family-based treatment. These findings support caregivers, clinicians, and recovering adolescents.
• Syler compared two interventions to help individuals maintain non-problematic alcohol use. The career-focused intervention had greater outcomes than the identity-focused intervention but his research also highlighted the possibility that individuals’ needs change throughout their recoveries.

Doctor of Philosophy (Craniofacial Science)

• Dr. Ibrahim investigated the mechanisms underlying cleft lip, a common congenital condition. Her research demonstrated that disrupting RhoA signaling interferes with normal lip development. In the future, these findings will inform therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing the frequency and severity of clefting.

Doctor of Philosophy (Curriculum Studies)

• Dr. Athié Martínez studied how non-Indigenous teachers from the greater Vancouver area are integrating Indigenous perspectives and reconciliation acts in their classroom. Her research shares insights on teachers’ perspectives, recommendations and approaches to reconciliation education.
• Dr. Iskander worked with trans and gender nonconforming preservice teachers to study normative gender expectations in Canadian teacher education programs. Their dissertation offered insight into how programs might better welcome gender diversity as well as what trans knowledge and experience might offer programs and the teaching profession.
• Schoolteachers have many overlapping, even conflicting, responsibilities, leaving them to navigate some way in between. Dr. Robertson studied how these tensions influence teachers’ curricular decision-making alongside students. He found a teacher’s individual judgment and style are key aspects of what we generally call ‘The Curriculum’.
• Dr. Royea explored elementary mathematics teacher candidates experiences participating in professional development focused on collaboratively planning, teaching, and revising learning situations. Findings reveal that teacher candidates discerned new relationships between theory and practice in ways that support professional learning.
• As a scholar of gender and international studies in curriculum theory, Dr. Takemura studied shifts in Japanese men’s perceptions of motherhood after World War II, concluding with perspectives of mothers in contemporary Japanese society. Dr. Takemura showed that understanding the self as seen by their mothers is the basis for attaining this perspective.

Doctor of Philosophy (Economics)

• Dr. Corcuera studied how minimum wages affect employment and wages when there is a large informal sector. His research finds that in these cases, raising the minimum wage tends to reduce formal jobs. However, by estimating changes in purchasing power across households, he finds that the least wealthy are not negatively affected overall.
• Dr. Ahn studied the impact of education policy and reforms on the quality of education, school segregation, and labour market outcomes. Her research reveals the long-term benefits of school attendance boundary adjustments on students' outcomes and their neutral effects on school segregation.
• Dr. Ricca studied how racial and ethnic diversity impacts public finances and political representation in U.S. cities. His research highlights how racial disparities persist in governance and markets, with important implications for the political representation of Minorities and the provision of local public goods.

Doctor of Philosophy (Educational Studies)

• Dr. Manoff explored how the experience of error in language learning can transform students’ subjectivity, since it discloses a tension between the requirement for students to learn the conventions of the new language and their need to challenge those very norms to express themselves linguistically. As such, it demands unique ethical attention.
• Dr. Long explored how school leadership practices contribute to fostering a democratic way of life in a Western Canadian public school context. Dr. Long’s research showed that a set of context-dependent distributed leadership practices enacted by all school members brought about the conditions necessary for a democratic way of life to occur.

Doctor of Philosophy (Electrical and Computer Engineering)

• Dr. Jabbarvaziri studied wireless communication for 5G and future networks. He developed new retransmission methods for massive machine type communications and deep learning techniques for robust high-speed communications. His work informs the design of future wireless systems that are more reliable and adaptive.
• Dr. Black developed a novel method for tele-ultrasound exams, to improve healthcare access for remote communities. Instead of using an expensive and complex robot, he built and studied a system in which a novice person is remotely guided with similar precision and efficiency, but much improved practicality, through mixed reality and haptics.
• Dr. Bayasi developed artificial intelligence techniques that enable autonomous medical image analysis systems to continuously learn and improve over time. Her work enhanced the accuracy, robustness and fairness of disease detection from imaging data helping doctors make accurate diagnoses for diverse patient populations and scanning systems.
• Dr. Pratap Ghanathe's research enhances artificial intelligence for tiny, battery-powered devices. His innovations in compact neural networks and hardware optimization enhance speed, efficiency, and reliability. These advances enable smart sensors to operate longer on minimal energy, making intelligent technology more accessible and sustainable.
• Dr. Hammood developed chip-scale optical filters using silicon photonic circuits to advance high-speed optical links for AI, computing, and communications. His research on Bragg gratings and sub-wavelength structures improves filter performance. His work bridges the gap between prototyping and large-scale silicon photonics manufacturing.
• Dr. Tashakori created smart‑textile wearables that sense and analyze human motion. His machine‑learning tools turn fabric signals into precise, secure movement data for therapy, sports, and VR. Patients, clinicians, athletes, and interactive‑tech designers will benefit.
• Dr. Mobaraki applied Artificial Intelligence to the welding industry by developing AI models that allow industrial robots to see and hear, enabling real-time seam tracking and defect detection. Her work in computer vision and multi-modal AI also incorporates explainable AI to build trust in automated manufacturing systems.
• Dr. Bednar developed and investigated devices for actively controlled drug delivery via temperature. His work facilitates future research involving drug delivery systems. Material choices, fabrication, and experimental techniques were carefully determined, hoping to inspire similar environmentally conscientious work.
• In her thesis, Dr. Ma explored the integration of edge intelligence in 6G networks to enable AI-driven applications. She proposed solutions to accelerate federated learning training, enable dynamic content caching, and achieve privacy-aware image transmission, which has the potential to enhace the capacity and intelligence of future 6G services.
• Dr. Chen developed real-time electricity market pricing methods incorporating power system frequency dynamics and uncertainty. His research enhances grid reliability by incentivizing generators to efficiently support renewable energy integration.
• Dr. Ziao Wang's dissertation develops new strategies to analyze structured data like sequences and networks. His work improves how we sort items, find important elements, and match similar structures—advancing tools used in fields from computer science to social science and beyond.
• Dr. Badihi's research focused on improving how developers detect and explain issues in software, known as regression failures, which occur when updates unintentionally break functionality. She developed methods to help developers identify relevant code quickly, saving time during debugging. This work will improve software debugging efficiency.
• Dr. Chou greatly improved GPU ray tracing performance through hardware and software co-design. By overcoming memory and performance bottlenecks, his work advanced real-time photorealistic rendering, enabling significant progress in applications such as gaming, virtual reality, and neural graphics.
• Dr. Ross designed a novel solution for real time collections provenance tracking in gallery, library, archive, and museum institutions using distributed ledger technologies, hardware controllers, and monitoring sensors. Positioned at the intersection of engineering and humanities, this design is currently being implemented in an industry setting.

Doctor of Philosophy (English)

• Dr. Engbrecht investigated the role of romance in 20th and 21st century literary formations of gender and sexuality. Combining literary theory and cultural studies, they developed a theoretical model of the “critical-romance” genre to explore queer intimacy and the genderqueer. Their research contributes to studies of gender and sexuality broadly.
• Dr. Bateman studied how human-animal shapeshifting figures in 21st-century narratives reflect Indigenous American and African diasporic worldviews and resistance. Unlike colonial worldviews, these worldviews value other-than-human beings. Dr. Bateman argues these figures and worldviews resist colonial racist violence and lead to more just futures.
• Dr. Hertwig studied the presentation of grievable life in contemporary war writing. His research focussed on the role of militarism in shaping national attitudes towards war and remembrance in post-9/11 Canadian culture. His use of autotheoretical methodologies will help other veterans and civilians in the study of personal and collective traumas.

Doctor of Philosophy (Experimental Medicine)

• Dr. Kabacinska studied the use of social robotics to improve mental health across lifespan. Her research focused on exploring the perspectives of current and future robot users to improve robot mental health interventions and make them better suited to user needs.
• Dr. Checkervarty examined newborn blood profiles to gain a deeper understanding of early-life immunity and vaccine response. By utilizing various machine learning techniques, he identified key biological markers distinguishing weak from optimal vaccine responders. The research provides new insights into the understudied early-life immune system.
• Dr. Hajipour studied how sleep-disordered breathing impacts individuals' health. He found that those who experience greater drops in oxygen levels and weaker brain and heart reactivity during sleep are more likely to develop cognitive impairment and have a higher risk of mortality. This work could help improve how doctors assess and manage sleep disorders.
• Dr. Robinson's research in Experimental Medicine developed a new Indigenous research methodology and framework called the KIJIKATIG Education Model. His work highlights how narrative inquiry and carving practices restore knowledge, revitalize education, and affirm carving as medicine, benefiting Indigenous communities, scholars, and educators

Doctor of Philosophy (Food Science)

• Dr. Chantapakul studied the use of bacteriophages, viruses that target bacteria, to manage stem gall disease in blueberries in British Columbia. He found that phages can reduce soil-borne bacteria, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical treatments. His research supports blueberry growers and promotes sustainable farming practices.

Doctor of Philosophy (Forestry)

• Dr. Mitchell researched bark beetle and woodborer outbreaks following wildfires in dry conifer forests. She discovered high levels of competition between insects postfire may prevent widespread bark beetle outbreaks, altering expected forest damage patterns as stands recover. Her work informs postfire forest management across western North America.
• Dr. Lahrsen’s research brings forestry into the digital age. By using smart technologies to track and improve how trees move through the forest supply chain, he’s helping us manage forests more efficiently and sustainably, preserving the vitality of today’s forests for the challenges of tomorrow.
• Dr. Zhang developed sustainable methods to fabricate and functionalize xylan nanoparticles from renewable biomass. His works offer sustainable solutions for utilizing hemicellulose by developing eco-friendly functional nanomaterials, benefiting industries seeking innovative biobased materials for advancing circular economy goals.
• Dr. Kanigan studied how bull trout maximize consumption of resource pulses provided by sockeye salmon. He found that bull trout migrate to areas of high salmon density, gorge on salmon juveniles and eggs, and regulate digestive capacity to match salmon availability. His work advances the fields of animal movement ecology and trophic ecology.
• Dr. Xu investigated how climate change influences tree species distributions and developed ecological niche models to support climate-smart forestry. His research provides insights into species selection in afforestation and conservation, helping mitigate climate change impacts on forests.
• Dr. Feujofack investigated the structural behavior of hybrid steel-grout connectors for mass timber panels. High-fidelity models were developed to predict connector performance. The study showed that the presence of a grout layer can increase performance by up to tenfold. These connectors could enable the construction of taller timber buildings.
• Dr. Zhu dedicated her research to developing smart materials by exploring cellulose-water interactions and uncovering their underlying mechanisms. She has engineered high-performance materials and successfully demonstrated their real-world applications. Her work with biopolymers advances sustainability and contributes to a greener future.
• Dr. Owolabi’s research focused on enhancing the comfort of building users with timber-based floors. He examined how the flooring system vibrates due to human activity and developed a method to mitigate annoying vibrations that occupants may feel in such buildings. Insights from the study promote the adoption of timber-based floors in practice.
• Dr. Brown compared health outcomes from guided and self-guided forest bathing in Metro Vancouver parks, measuring mood, nature connectedness, heart rate, and blood pressure. Plant diversity, sound, seasons, and individual traits influenced outcomes. Her research informs public health and park design addressing urban stress and nature disconnection.
• Dr. Baron explored how the legacies of forest management have disrupted fire regimes in interior British Columbia. She identified challenges in the ability of fuel and wildfire modelling systems to manage for departed forest conditions. Her findings are guiding changes to forest management and policy to restore fire-adapted landscapes.
• Dr. Gavilan-Acuña advanced Precision Forestry by integrating ALS and satellite data to optimize plantation management. His research developed models for soil mapping, tree growth, and volume monitoring, creating a framework that enhances sustainable, site-specific forest management practices.
• Dr. Zargar developed an integrated analytical platform to evaluate and optimize forest biorefineries for both environmental and economic performance. Her research identifies production pathways and strategies that balance emissions reduction and economic return, supporting industries and policymakers working toward a sustainable bioeconomy.

Doctor of Philosophy (Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice)

• Dr. Jensen studied experiment and experience through Georges Bataille’s proposal that "inner experience" constitutes the field of transformation as we struggle for social change. In French the word experience also means experiment. Adjoining Bataille, I argue that the experiment of thinking together contributes to our ability to practice transformation.

Doctor of Philosophy (Genome Science and Technology)

• Dr. Indran developed a yeast-based platform using genetic interaction to measure functional effects of human gene variants and mutations. Applying this to TP53, a key cancer gene, revealed how specific mutations alter its activity. This work supports improved classification of uncertain variants in cancer diagnostics.
• Dr. Kehila studied the evolution of social interactions between microorganisms. He discovered novel principles revealing how these microscopic creatures work together to breakdown oceanic debris, as well as manmade chemicals, like pesticides and antibiotics. These discoveries expand our view of how sociality evolves across the tree of life.
• Dr. Fernández Boyano investigated placental DNA methylation to better understand early-onset preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication. Her work revealed distinct molecular features of this condition and informed a science communication initiative to bring placental research closer to the public.

Doctor of Philosophy (Geography)

• Dr. Turley studied landscape changes following glacier retreat over decades to millennia, focusing on the patterns and variability in sediment supply, transport, and deposition. The amount of sediment leaving a single watershed was shown to vary by over five orders of magnitude, influenced by geology, glacial history, and postglacial adjustment.
• Dr.Cervantes-Macías explores the migration journeys of Mexican professionals from Mexico to the United States and Canada. Through a mixed-methods approach, her research examines the role of social class and educational institutions in facilitating the international mobility projects of the global middle classes in a North American context.
• Canada’s federal prison system removes and disappears people, despite the stated aims that prisoners can maintain relations across the prison threshold. The practical realities of this are compounding and harmful. By centering lived expert knowledge of those who have survived women’s prison, Dr. McIlveen’s work moves us beyond academic debates that ignore the processes that isolate and perpetuate harm.
• Dr. Holmberg studied how USAID’s PREDICT program shaped emerging disease response and global health inequalities. She found that it introduced new risks and inefficiencies into public health systems while framing the West as inherently disease-free relative to the rest of the world. Her findings shed light on why global health security fails.

Doctor of Philosophy (Geological Sciences)

• Dr. Steinthorsdottir evaluated three areas in B.C. where there is potential for carbon storage in serpentinite rocks. She developed a framework for early engagement practices and collected surface geological data to assess if the rocks can turn CO2 to stone.
• The energy transition will likely require increased mining of critical metals. Dr. Vanderzee's research can be used to help certain critical metal mines offset their greenhouse gas emissions by using their waste products for CO2 sequestration. The research can also be used to improve mine efficiency by leveraging detailed geological knowledge.
• Dr. Lu conducted groundbreaking research on the intersection of sustainable mining practices and climate change mitigation through carbon mineralization. Her dissertation explores the potential of ultramafic rocks, minerals, and tailings to capture, store, and remove anthropogenic CO2, offering a low-cost, scalable solution to combat climate change.

Doctor of Philosophy (Geophysics)

• Dr. Lensink designed machine learning algorithms that mimic how natural systems change over time. He found that the resulting algorithms are more robust and efficient, enabling analysis of high-resolution medical images. His work helped hospitals analyze CT scans of COVID-19 patients during the pandemic.
• Large earthquakes often draw attention, but most seismic activity consists of more frequent, smaller earthquakes. Dr. Drolet developed and applied numerical methods to analyze small earthquakes across western North America. Her findings advance understanding of seismic source processes and reveal important insights into Earth’s interior behaviour.

Doctor of Philosophy (Hispanic Studies)

• Dr. Cordero studied contemporary Caribbean fiction. She focused on religion, memory, and history while addressing nonlinearity to highlight the coexistence of multiple temporalities. Her research deploys an original, experimental method for literary analysis named archipelagic reading that reclaims Caribbean worldview and its epistemic authority.

Doctor of Philosophy (History)

• Dr. Fox’s research examined patterns in the environmental and cultural histories of residential, industrial, and military waste plumes in Washington and British Columbia. Her dissertation offers a model of these patterns for scholars and communities working on pollution, climate change, public health and environmental policy issues.

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

• Dr. Molyneux’s mixed methods study developed a comprehensive understanding of factors that affect Grade 6-8 students’ school belonging based on their own perceptions. She found that students’ belonging is enhanced through experiences of comfort, care, and connection. The findings can inform school-based initiatives to promote belonging.

Doctor of Philosophy (Interdisciplinary Oncology)

• Dr. Kotapalli studied the function of an epigenetic modulator in luminal muscle invasive bladder cancer. Her research provided a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms critical for development of luminal MIBC. The findings of the research will guide development of new therapies for bladder cancer.
• Dr. Wang transformed the understanding of prostate cancer by identifying lineage-specific transcription factors and a three-phase progression model. Highlighting NFIX as a key regulator of tumor dormancy, this work paves the way for early intervention to control cancer within a patient’s lifespan—bringing a cancer no-fear world closer.
• Dr. Panahi investigated the molecular drivers of high-risk multiple myeloma, a challenging and currently incurable blood cancer. She developed a novel risk classification approach to better identify aggressive cases and support the development of more effective targeted therapies.
• Dr. Im studies a deadly form of leukemia carrying the EVI1 protein, which makes cells highly resistant to treatment. He discovered a target that boosts the release of death signals from mitochondria during treatment, nullifying this resistance. His findings present a vulnerability that could further be developed into a novel treatment approach.
• Dr. Monjaras studies focused on tissue engineering to improve treatment for bladder cancer patients. He developed a tumor model as a tool for drug efficacy testing and transformed stem cells into cells that could potentially be used in organ regeneration. These findings he hopes lead to the improved quality life and outcomes for patients.
• Dr. Wang’s research has been focused on developing new radioactive drugs to help detect and treat cancer by targeting a protein called GRPR. These drugs are designed to reduce normal organ accumulations and to improve stability for better tumor detection and treatment. The best candidate from her study is now being tested in a clinical trial.
• Dr. Shenasa studied immune cells surrounding tumors to identify markers linked to patients’ responses to cancer treatments. She compared methods for detecting these immune markers, from standard tests to novel, cutting-edge techniques. Her work can help researchers optimize treatment options for cancer patients.

Doctor of Philosophy (Interdisciplinary Studies)

• Working with Indigenous Peoples who use illicit drugs in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, Dr. Lavalley co-developed a relational methodology rooted in Cree law. Her work centers experiential knowledge and highlights how IPWUID reimagine the Red Road through acts of care, resistance, and cultural resurgence.
• Dr. Wu’s study demonstrates that trusting relationships accumulate social capital giving access to resources and skills. Actors utilize these resources and skills in social networks to advance knowledge mobilization. Her research broadens the overall understanding of how social factors impact knowledge mobilization for university research projects.
• Dr. Colín Moreno studied Baroque’s repressive system in the 20th and 21st century. This will aid to understand Baroque’s modus operandi as a morbid phenomenon within culture, politics, art, religion, and society. His finding contributes to understand Baroque's legacy from a different expanded field.
• Dr. Krabbe examined the effectiveness of community autoethnographic workshops in generating resistance against colonial violence among white women Research Assistants. Through communal reflection and art making, participants gained skills to face their complicity and confront whiteness. This research equips RAs to do less harm within their roles.
• Health care works best when it centers patients. Yet, it is challenging to include patients and their loved ones in decision-making for health interventions. Dr. Nichols' research explores how to overcome these challenges by integrating implementation science into Research-based Theatre (RbT) to facilitate meaningful collaboration and real-world solutions.

Doctor of Philosophy (Language and Literacy Education)

• Dr. Brass explored the experiences of skilled immigrant women language teachers. Her findings revealed systemic inequities in the Canadian workforce. Her research also highlights how non-humans, such as pets and objects, support these women navigate their lives in Canada, challenging traditional human-centered analyses of immigration and identity.

Doctor of Philosophy (Linguistics)

• Dr. Fuhrman studied the interaction of visual attention and physiological movements during speech production. This work showed that a general principle linking attention and energy can serve as a basis for optimizing visual fixations to predict auditory speech patterns in an AI model, offering insights for both human cognition and AI development.
• Dr. Mellesmoen analysed reduplication across all 23 Salish languages using a combination of novel fieldwork and existing documentation. Her research furthers the understanding of word-building strategies, which allows for the creation of teaching materials for language revitalisation and challenges existing theoretical approaches in linguistics.
• Dr. Liu investigated the role and mechanisms of postural control in speech, revealing that speech postures are universal, robust, and adjustable under perturbation. This work deepens our understanding of postural control in fine motor systems, advancing our knowledge of both speech and motor control.

Doctor of Philosophy (Materials Engineering)

• Dr. Taposhe’s work focused on advancing silicon purification techniques for solar cell applications, emphasizing sustainability and energy efficiency. She explored a combined slag and solvent refining method to effectively remove impurities from silicon. Her work led to the proposal of metallurgical refining steps ideal for industrial-scale implementation.
• Polymeric coatings are the first line of defense in the pipeline industry but are not immune to aging. Dr. Zargar's research showed that while they effectively prevent corrosion in certain environments, irreversible degradation can lead to substrate oxidation. This study also provided fundamental insights for predictive modelling of their failure.

Doctor of Philosophy (Mathematics)

• Dr. Suan studied special geometric structures related to string theory on 6- and 7-dimensional spaces. His research showed that a particular process called a conifold transition is continuous and also gave a long-time existence criterion for extending the Anomaly flow.
• Dr. Zhu examined two applications of oscillatory integral techniques, both analytic and geometric. One area of his research contributes to classifying geometric properties captured by various approaches to measure sets. The other promotes identifying geometric and algebraic patterns in rough sets.
• Dr. Zhang studied the existence, long-time behavior, and singularity formation of solutions to partial differential equations in Euclidean space and on conical singular manifolds. She proved a class of logarithmic nonlinearity is important for solutions to blow up in finite time. Her research advanced our understanding of the behavior of solutions.

Doctor of Philosophy (Mechanical Engineering)

• Dr. Wang’s research focuses on deploying AI on robots by integrating physics into model learning. By leveraging Gaussian processes to incorporate prior knowledge from physics and machine learning, Dr. Wang demonstrates how AI agents can incorporate multiple data modalities and physics-based priors for more adaptable and intelligent systems.
• Dr. Manu investigated critical relationships between measured and perceived indoor environmental quality, occupant well-being, and productivity in home-based workspaces. Her findings underscore the pivotal role subjective IEQ experiences play in shaping occupant health, offering essential guidance to designers, researchers, and policy-makers.
• Dr. Boudina investigated the role of geometry on the flow of viscous liquids and state of drops in elastic narrow channels. His analysis revealed that taper improves the flow and prevents occlusion. The outcome of his thesis can inspire practical and cheap biomedical tools and protect microdevices from damage.
• Dr. Al-Salehi studied how headfirst impacts in vehicle rollovers cause neck injuries. He found that these impacts are much more likely to result in neck injuries and showed how people instinctively adjust their posture before the impact. His work, including a novel rollover simulator, will help design better safer vehicles and reduce neck injuries.
• Dr. Rostam developed a new method to improve the accuracy of control systems, especially in situations with unpredictable factors. This method, tested on a domestic solar energy system, could lead to more efficient energy use
• Dr. Hendy developed computational frameworks to design novel materials for green energy applications. His work advances the optimization of material properties for radiation resistance and catalytic performance, contributing to the development of next-generation materials that support sustainable energy solutions and environmental resilience.
• Dr. Mirzaee developed an accurate and efficient method for simulating three-dimensional turbulent flows, widely seen in aerospace and automotive industries. His work on higher-order finite volume solvers reduces computational costs while preserving accuracy.

Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Genetics)

• Dr. Holme discovered the regulatory mechanisms of the ABHD17 proteins that remove a fat group from important protein messengers, providing a promising therapeutic target for leukemia and melanoma cancers. This work enables the creation of targeted anti-cancer therapeutics, and provides a framework to understand related, uncharacterized proteins.
• XIST is a long non-coding RNA that triggers X-chromosome inactivation, an essential process to compensate for dosage between females and males. Dr. Navarro Cobos tested different transgenes containing human and mouse XIST domains and found a functional shorter XIST version that could be used for chromosome therapy.
• Dr. Anderson investigated genetic and clinical factors linked to severe allergic reactions to a widely used childhood cancer drug. Drawing on data from a national pediatric cohort, he developed predictive models that reliably pinpoint high-risk patients. His work now enables safer, personalized care and improved outcomes for children with cancer.

Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Physics)

• Dr. Malhotra's research focused on severe skin reactions in breast radiotherapy. She developed techniques to model, predict, and decrease the risk of moist desquamation using treatment plans.

Doctor of Philosophy (Microbiology and Immunology)

• Dr. Fettig investigated the role of the intestinal environment in autoimmune neuroinflammation. She investigated how changes in the diet, the gut microbiome, and infection each influenced the immune system and development of multiple sclerosis-like disease. Her research identified new therapeutic strategies to reduce inflammation in the brain.
• Dr. Pichler investigated Mycobacterium abscessus lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients. She redefined clinical understanding by revealing phenotypic diversity in isolates and developing an infection model that predicts disease progression, laying the groundwork for personalised, outcome-driven care for chronic respiratory infections.
• Dr. Black established novel mechanistic insights into how stress response and metabolic adaptation enable the proliferation and virulence of a globally important human pathogenic fungus. His work, along with the suite of molecular tools he developed, informs host-pathogen interactions and the development of antifungal therapeutics.
• Dr. Dexter studied how bacteria break down acetovanillone, a compound in industrial lignin streams. She discovered a new pathway in Rhodococcus rhodochrous that converts acetovanillone into vanillate. Her work expands our understanding of lignin degradation and identifies new enzymes that could be used for biocatalytic applications.
• Dr. Donald explored the role of the antibody IgA, a key component of breastmilk, in guiding infant immune development, demonstrating that IgA controls potentially harmful microbes in the developing gut and protects the infant against allergic disease. This work enhances our understanding of the health-promoting properties of breastmilk.
• Dr. Damoo examined the role of effectors on the virulence of the corn smut fungus. Her work identified a novel mechanism by which fungal pathogen manipulate their host to favour their proliferation. Additionally, she worked on repurposing commercialized herbicides, evaluating their efficacy in managing fungal pathogens and improving crop protection
• Dr. Lee used a genetic approach to study the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, identifying a novel pathway for antifungal drug development. He also highlighted a new class of synthetic proteins with therapeutic potential against Cryptococcus. This research enhances our knowledge of cryptococcal disease and supports a new treatment strategy.

Doctor of Philosophy (Mining Engineering)

• Dr. Yang examined the reliability of integrating machine learning with current rock mass characterization and classification methods. By identifying methodological challenges and developing a guideline for reliable machine learning modelling, her research provides key insights for rock engineers seeking to optimize geotechnical design practices.

Doctor of Philosophy (Neuroscience)

• Dr. Sack studied how electrical activity develops in newly generated neurons as they mature in the brain. She found that critical features of their activity are shaped by proteins called calcium channels at key maturational stages. This provides insights into how calcium channels contribute to processes like memory and disorders like epilepsy.
• Dr. Lee’s research revealed that pregnancy history has opposing effects on various biomarkers of brain health depending on genetic risk for late-onset sporadic Alzheimer’s disease. Her work advances our understanding of women’s health and underscores the importance of considering within-sex factors in research.
• Dr. Wyder-Hodge studied how soft tissue properties shape light touch perception. He developed novel methods to measure friction across body regions, revealing force characteristics and velocity thresholds that define pleasant touch. His work informs clothing design, wearable tech, and identifying clinical populations with diverse touch responses.
• Dr. Hogg studied how neurons shape their dendritic arbors during early brain development. Using in vivo imaging, he discovered new rules for how visual experience reorganizes synaptic connections. These findings improve our understanding of brain wiring and may provide insight into neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Dr. Kim developed a computational tool to categorize the brain’s immune cells by shape and explored how these changes relate to immune memory. Her work introduces new approaches for studying microglial diversity and offers insights into the connection between cell shape and gene expression, advancing our understanding of brain health and disease.
• Dr. Michelson developed methods to study large-scale cortical activity in the mouse during social and innate behaviors. His work has shown that the brains of two mice synchronize during social interaction and that cortical neuron activity represents subcortically mediated behaviors.

Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing)

• Dr. Ndateba studied how team-based primary care impacts patient outcomes. He found team-based care and how team functions matter in improving health outcomes—mental health, general health, and disease management, especially in people with multimorbidity and those with social vulnerabilities. Facilitating team-based care would support health equity.
• Dr. Bawafaa explored women’s experiences and perception of access to reproductive healthcare in rural Ghana. The study demonstrated that treating women as mere recipients of foreign knowledge is patronizing and overlooks existing knowledge systems that can be reconciled with best practices for desired outcomes. Findings call upon nurse leaders to restructure reproductive healthcare in rural Ghana.
• Dr. Thandi's research resulted in the development of a validated electronic frailty screening tool for older adults, the first of it's kind in Canada. This tool is ready for pilot implementation within primary care and provides a tremendous opportunity to detect and manage frailty to improve older adults' holistic health and quality of life .

Doctor of Philosophy (Oceanography)

• Through photosynthesis, phytoplankton provide 50% of the O2 we breathe and are important drivers of marine carbon cycles. Dr. Sezginer addressed several challenges to high-resolution phytoplankton productivity data collection. Her work seeks to expand data coverage and understanding of the tiny green engines that fuel our oceans.

Doctor of Philosophy (Oceans & Fisheries)

• The ocean is crucial for food security. Recent studies suggest that beyond long-term climate change, extreme events, such as marine heatwaves, could profoundly alter the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems. Dr. Guibourd de Luzinais studied the consequences of marine heatwaves on marine communities using numerical models on a global scale

Doctor of Philosophy (Pathology and Laboratory Medicine)

• Dr. Richardson’s research focused on Granzyme K, a previously understudied enzyme now linked to chronic inflammatory diseases. She established a role for Granzyme K in psoriasis, uncovering how it promotes disease development in skin. Her work redefines the biological function of Granzyme K and sets the stage for future therapeutic innovation.

Doctor of Philosophy (Pharmaceutical Sciences)

• In Dr. Oveisi's research, a multi-method approach was used to examine cancer’s impact on adolescent and young adult sexual and reproductive health. Quantitative analysis showed higher risks of early menopause, painful sex, and infertility. Qualitatively, patients discussed impacts on personal, relationship, and community levels, and barriers to receiving appropriate care.
• Dr. Thiombane used chemogenomic CRISPR screens to study a class of widely used cancer chemotherapeutic drugs named anthracyclines. Her research provided a global view of all the drug-gene interactions for several clinically used anthracyclines. Her data supports the renewed interest in the clinical use of aclarubicin for cancer chemotherapy.

Doctor of Philosophy (Philosophy)

• Dr. Diggin developed a theory of the nature of improvisational agency, to understand a way in which human action can be structured in time. He used this theory to make progress on the existential question of how humans can take responsibility for their entire lives by means of creative narration.
• Dr. Cotugno examined the relationship between attention and ethics. He argued that the conscious direction of attention can cultivate habits of moral behavior.
• Dr. Jewell examined lived experience of anxiety and how an individual’s sense of self and reality become altered in anxiety disorders. Her work integrated empirical data and phenomenological insights to reinterpret anxiety disorders and provide a novel framework for understanding self-disorders, or disruptions of self- and world-experience.
• Dr. Gillette’s doctoral studies focused on the role of scientific authority in democracy. He developed criteria for how to balance popular will and expert input in democratic decision-making despite conflicts over science. His research also reframed questions about the causes of public distrust in science.

Doctor of Philosophy (Physics)

• Where did the matter that forms our Universe come from? The answer to this question may lie in elusive properties of particles called electric dipole moments, or EDMs. Dr. Vanbergen's research on ultracold neutrons is part of a decades-long effort to measure the neutron EDM, and has advanced this effort towards an unprecedented level of precision.
• Dr. Derriche studied how electric polarization affects a wide class of solids. He discovered that relaxing common approximations in the treatment of polarization leads to the emergence of interesting behaviors explaining experimental results related to lattice distortions, topological insulators and high-temperature superconductors.
• Dr. Dufresne studied the ultrafast electron dynamics of a novel quantum material, revealing how electronic interactions drive its exotic insulating state. Utilising a developed laser system to and probe ultrathin samples, their work showed how light and dimensionality can tune and control emergent quantum phases.
• Dr. Fleury searched for evidence of new physics affecting white dwarfs, which are stellar remnants whose cooling rate could be altered by the emission of hypothesized particles such as axions. By comparing predictions from stellar evolution simulations to observations, she tested white dwarf cooling models and found new constraints on axion models.
• Dr. Leckenby studied exotic nuclear decay that occurs in the core of stars to understand how the heavy elements were created. The experiment he analysed on thallium-205 was essential in predicting the amount of lead-205 in the first meteorites formed in our Solar System. These meteorites indicate that our Sun took 10 million years to form.
• Dr. Pathak’s research focused on the interplay between topology and unconventional superconductivity in layered, two-dimensional quantum materials. Her research predicted novel mechanisms for topological phase formation, occurrence of Majorana modes and spontaneous edge currents, contributing to the development of future quantum technologies.
• Dr. Kinach studied particle-like objects called 'solitons' which arise in many areas of Nature. Using supercomputer simulations, he showed that electromagnetic fields can significantly alter the behaviour of these objects in some mathematical models. This research advances our understanding of solitons in fundamental theories of physics.
• Dr. Kirmizibayrak developed and applied novel timing methodologies for astronomy to probe astrophysical objects through their timing variability and time lags. She examined black holes, neutron stars and supernova remnants through novel approaches in timing, spectral and polarimetry analyses.

Doctor of Philosophy (Planning)

• Dr. Forouzandeh explored the role of real-world urban sustainability experimentations in addressing urgent challenges like affordable housing. Through diverse case studies across Canada, she identified key dynamics and dimensions shaping their success and developed frameworks to enhance their impact in connection to broader urban transformations.
• Dr. Belkadi's work examines how uncertainty during the transition phase of displacement impacts key actors, from government agencies to displaced households. It highlights financial, spatial and social challenges that shape post-displacement outcomes. The study also offers insights for improving displacement policies and practices.

Doctor of Philosophy (Plant Science)

• Dr. Gowton examined extrafloral nectar, or EFN, production in Faba bean to understand how biotic factors, like rhizobia and herbivory, and abiotic factors, such as elevated CO2, nitrogen, and silicon, affect plant defenses. She found EFN production relied more on biotic interactions rather than abiotic interactions, highlighting its context-dependent role

Doctor of Philosophy (Political Science)

• Dr. Park analyzed three distinct green transition pathways in Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. She found these economies treated climate change less as a threat and more as a rare opportunity to lead green industrial change. Her findings offer insights for policymakers who aim to turn challenges into competitive advantage.

Doctor of Philosophy (Population and Public Health)

• Dr. Soe studied mRNA COVID-19 vaccine safety in groups underrepresented in pre-approval trials: older adults, children, and individuals with autoimmune diseases. Findings confirmed overall safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The results support evidence-based vaccination policies for vulnerable groups.
• Dr. Yusuf used health services data to investigate the period before the first recognized symptoms of multiple sclerosis. She identified different patterns of health service use and investigated the role of several biases. Her findings suggest that people with multiple sclerosis can be identified and treated earlier.
• Dr. Kerai-Sayani created survey in Urdu, in consultation with children in Pakistan, to assess their positive development and wellbeing. She also evaluated aspects of its accuracy and found that the survey effectively captures children's feelings and daily experiences, making it a valuable tool for monitoring- and developing programs to support their wellbeing.
• Dr. Zhan studied biostatistical methods for improving clinical trial design in SPPH. He developed Bayesian adaptive approaches that allow trials to respond more effectively to accumulating data. His research enhances the efficiency and ethical conduct of trials, benefiting researchers and patients alike.
• Dr. Hossain has developed big data predictive analytics and causal inference methods to address limitations in analyzing health administrative data. These methodological advancements have significant implications for the tuberculosis and epidemiology literature in minimizing bias, enhancing prediction accuracy, and generating robust inferences.
• Dr. Jeong found that treating hepatitis C infection with direct-acting antivirals significantly improves health beyond the liver, reducing risks of extrahepatic manifestations. Her research also highlighted the treatment's role in mitigating ethnic health disparities, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis, treatment, and equitable access to care

Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology)

• Dr. Ko studied how perfectionism develops in children and adolescents. Her research showed that psychologically controlling and uninvolved parenting predicted greater perfectionism in children two years later, highlighting the clinical significance of involving parents in the treatment of childhood perfectionism.
• Dr. Jettinghoff examined why motivated reasoning persists despite its personal and societal costs. He found that, contrary to prevailing views in psychology, many people knowingly accept irrationality rather than deceiving themselves about their biases. This work reframes motivated reasoning as supported by, not contrary to, stances on rationality.
• How can we gauge risk of experiencing gambling harm? Dr. Deng examined online gambling data in British Columbia and found gambling products with higher usage and spending concentrations attracted gamblers with elevated risk. Gambling risk was also predicted by deposit and withdrawal behaviors and by a combination of product risk and usage.
• Dr. Parsons explored different reassurance-seeking strategies used by people with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Her research highlights the internet as a key source of reassuring information, which people may prefer when feeling self-conscious about their fears. This work expands theories of reassurance-seeking and may inform treatments for OCD.
• In a longitudinal study, Dr. Drew followed 500 infants’ socio-cognitive development from birth to preschool, to assess whether a mature moral sense can be traced back to rudimentary behaviours exhibited during infancy. Her work contributes to our understanding of individual differences in the earliest stages of moral and social development.
• Dr. Jacobs’ research explored the tendency of people to perceive AI and large language models as having a mind of their own. He found that these beliefs are common and that it can shape how people see themselves and what it means to be human. His results add to a growing understanding of human-computer interaction.
• Dr. Guan studied how people make sense of one other’s moral characters—their capacity for good and evil. Her research uncovered how, when supposedly good people act badly, this threatens our psychological sense that the world is a predictable and safe place. Her work sheds light on how beliefs about morality shape our interactions with others.

Doctor of Philosophy (Rehabilitation Sciences)

• Dr. Ding studied how mobile health technologies are used to support youth mental health. Her research showed that health technologies should be designed with youth input to be effective and equitable. These findings will benefit youth, care providers, health policymakers, and other health partners.
• Dr. Losciale’s research highlighted and improved our understanding of the persistent loss of muscle function seen after youth sport-related knee injuries. These studies have contributed to improved rehabilitation strategies and approaches to prevent early-onset osteoarthritis in this at-risk group.
• Dr. Delaisse studied how recent, highly skilled Vietnamese migrants in Vancouver and Paris build belonging through daily activities while moving across countries. She examined their experiences with immigration systems in Canada and France and return migration to Vietnam, offering insights into policies and practices shaping mobility and belonging.
• Dr. Squier conducted pioneering research on tendon health, focusing on hypercholesterolemia, hormonal influences, and mechanical loading. His work revealed novel insights into tendon function, adaptation, and injury mechanisms, providing a foundation for innovative research and clinical applications.

Doctor of Philosophy (Reproductive and Developmental Sciences)

• Dr. Xie's studies focused on exploring the role of microRNAs in human placental development and differentiation. She discovered the connection between growth factors and specific microRNAs in placental development and their potential role in related diseases. Her findings may contribute to the clinical applications for placenta-related diseases.

Doctor of Philosophy (Resources, Environment and Sustainability)

• Dr. Arriagada conducts participatory research with women water defenders in Chiloé, southern Chile. Her findings show that activism redefines traditional gender identities while proposing alternative relations with water bodies. By including women’s voices as co-producers of knowledge, she bridges academic and activist work on gender and nature.
• Dr. Gupta studied people's perspectives and experiences of nuclear energy in India, comparing them to other major energy sources like coal and solar. Her research examined how varied notions of development shape perceptions of risks and benefits, offering insights to support a more informed and democratic energy transition policy.
• Improving confidence in computer-based modeling of potential harm posed by chemicals requires analysis of the associated uncertainty. Dr. Achar developed frameworks and methods that support uncertainty analysis in the models and their predictions. This work helps increase acceptance of the models and their predictions for regulatory application.

Doctor of Philosophy (School and Applied Child Psychology)

• Dr. Ee studied parents with ADHD and their experiences of raising children with the same condition. Her research provides a unique perspective on the complex family dynamics when parent and child share similar ADHD traits, highlighting how parental ADHD can be leveraged as a strength to help overcome challenges and support children's development.
• Dr. Dmyterko developed a theory of neurodiversity-affirming practice based on the perspectives of 30 autistic adults. Her research emphasizes the importance of integrating the neurodiversity paradigm and social model of disability into clinicians’ approach, environment, and actions to better support neurodivergent individuals and their families.

Doctor of Philosophy (Sociology)

• Dr. Cheung-Ismailzai’s research shows how the Standard North American Family (SNAF) ideal marginalizes diverse households by imposing hidden food-related labor. Her concept of “SNA-Foodwork” uncovers how class and race shape burdens in food planning and access. She calls for inclusive policies that address the needs of families.

Doctor of Philosophy (Special Education)

• Of special interest to inclusive education practioners, this musical storytelling intervention was designed for general classroom use, maximizing joyful learning for students of all abilities. Overall, the study showed statistically significant results for all participating students, particularly those scoring in the lowest quartile.

Doctor of Philosophy (Statistics)

• Dr. Sidrow developed new statistical methods to infer hidden behaviours from complex biologging data collected by modern sensors. He applied these methods to investigate the foraging behaviour of Killer Whales off the coast of British Columbia using animal-borne tags.
• Dr. Lee conducted research on partially identified models, with an emphasis on computational challenges. She explored a method to improve the computation of Bayesian inference under such models and discussed its universal applicability. She also developed an R package to help researchers conduct Bayesian analysis with partially identified models.
• Dr. Li studied highly flexible nonparametric statistical methods that are often difficult to apply in practice. He developed new techniques using simple, reliable approximations, making these powerful methods usable for data analysis. This allows researchers in various fields to better understand complex data with powerful models.
• Locating the global maximum is a universally challenging task. Dr. Liang developed a global maximum test for detecting whether a given local maximum is the global maximum in the context of empirical likelihood. The proposed global maximum test is widely applicable to various settings and has superior numerical performance.

Doctor of Philosophy (Theatre)

• Dr. Jiang studied how Chinese huaju (spoken drama) actors professionalized in the mid-20th century. His historical research demonstrated that this process presupposed systematic training in characterization, voice, and deportment, underpinned by a theatrical science of mind and body.

Doctor of Philosophy (Women+ and Children's Health Sciences)

• Dr. Tucker investigated clinical and molecular predictors of endometriosis outcomes. He developed one of the first clinical models to predict pain-related outcomes after endometriosis surgery, advancing personalized care for the condition. His work also deepens understanding of cancer-linked mutations as potential drivers of endometriosis severity.

Doctor of Philosophy (Zoology)

• Climate change affects biodiversity through complex ecological processes. Dr. Stark used computer models and experiments with aquatic microbes to study how warming affects biodiversity through species’ growth, competition, and movement. Her work offers tools for predicting how many species we might gain or lose with temperature change.
• Dr. Storlund investigated how marine mammals adjust heart rate and blood flow. Using innovative techniques, she found that an expanded section of their main artery maintains circulation between heartbeats, prolonging dive times. Her work enhances understanding of marine mammal physiology and their resilience to ocean changes.
• Dr. Lee investigated the respiratory adaptations of water-breathing insects that evolved from air-breathing ancestors. Using larval dragonflies, he found that their respiratory system is conducive for obtaining oxygen but inhibitory for living in deep depths, highlighting a key evolutionary constraint within the insect lineage
• Dr. McDowell studied the roles of three taste receptors in the fruit fly. She identified a taste receptor necessary for high salt avoidance and found that two other receptors were important in regulating feeding. Her research helps us understand salt detection in animals and how consumption is controlled to ensure an animal's fitness.
• Dr. Bornarel developed an end-to-end model to investigate trophic amplification (how environmental changes intensify higher in the food web) along BC’s coast. By coupling physical-biogeochemical and food web models, they identified key feedbacks driving this process, advancing ecosystem modeling for fisheries and conservation.
• Dr. Press investigated how the avian brain uses visual motion to guide flight. He developed techniques to record neural activity in flying zebra finches and found that neurons known to mediate stabilizing eye movements are also implicated in locomotion. This research improves our understanding of how self-motion is encoded in behaving animals.

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (Marketing and Behavioural Science)

• Dr. Yi studied how people respond to discounts. He found that some discounts lead people to hold unrealistic expectations and thus feel unfair. He also discovered that subtle wording changes influence consumer opinion toward discounts. His findings reveal the reference-dependent nature of preferences and inform ethical marketing strategies.