Convocation November 2019

Doctor of Education (Educational Leadership and Policy)

• Dr. Jean Irene LaPierre: "Dr. LaPierre's community-based research with grade 12 Indigenous students examined their experiences and definitions of success. The study sheds light on Indigenous students' perceptions of success and how to create more suitable learning environments. The results of this study will inform practices in a range of public and Indigenous-led education systems."
• Dr. Jean Lynn Marie Maltesen: "Dr. Maltesen engaged in a discourse analysis of how policies, perceptions and contexts create conditions for participation in Adult Basic Education at Vancouver Island University. She reveals that power and governmentality, located in welfare regimes and policy structures, bind thought and constrain action. Her findings will impact local practice."
• Dr. Karina Younk: "Dr. Younk examined the process by which a group of educational leaders from BC co-constructed their understandings of competencies in K-12 education. This study provides insight into how two current learning theories, activity theory and expansive learning theory, help us understand the complexities of systemic change."
• Dr. Nancy Vered: "Dr. Vered explored how the management and professional staff at UBC make sense of their occupational and organizational identities. This research examines the positioning and challenges experienced by these employees and how more inclusive policies and practices can be developed and implemented within higher education."

Doctor of Musical Arts (Voice)

• Dr. Jason Abram Klippenstein: "Dr. Klippenstein provided a template for individuals and institutions interested in presenting an opera production of material from a Korean sung-storytelling tradition called pansori. His work furthers research such as this to become a common source for opera in the future and for this exposure to increase interest in pansori and similar traditions."

Doctor of Philosophy (Applied Animal Biology)

• Dr. Rolnei Rua Daros: "Dr. Daros studied some of the most common diseases of milk producing cows. Aiming to improve dairy cow's welfare he has revealed some of the factors associated with disease onset that will help guide future disease prevention protocols. Such protocols include better hoof care and nutritional management for indoor and outdoor housed cows."
• Dr. Jane Stojkov: "Dr. Stojkov studied the management of vulnerable dairy cows. His findings improve our understanding of how dairy cows are managed once they leave the farm. This will help to guide future research, policy and development of better industry practices."
• Dr. Hanna Kristina Eriksson: "Dr. Eriksson studied how standing behaviour around calving relates to hoof lesions in dairy cows. She found that both long daily standing time, and long standing bouts were related to a higher risk of these lesions. This knowledge will help farmers to evaluate what management practices can affect the claw health of their animals."
• Dr. Anne-Marieke Smid: "Dr. Smid showed that dairy cows have a partial preference to access various outdoor areas and that outdoor space allowance influences this preference. In addition, she showed a positive influence of an outdoor space on the expression of heat behaviour of dairy cows. These results show the importance of access to the outdoors for dairy cattle."
• Dr. Heather Whittaker Neave: "Dr. Neave investigated how dairy calves and dairy goats cope with common stressful feeding practices on commercial farms. She found that personality traits impact feeding behaviour, feed intake and growth. Her work proposes alternative feeding practices that improve animal welfare by attending to individual needs and promoting natural behaviour."

Doctor of Philosophy (Art History)

• Dr. Ivana Vranic: "Dr. Vranic explored the terracotta sculptures from Northern Italy of life-size groups representing the Lamentation over the Dead Christ. This established a history for these works and provides a technical explanation of how they were created. Her work shows that the technology of making terracotta sculpture was a highly specialized practice in the Renaissance."
• Dr. Marisa Carolina Sanchez: "Dr. Sanchez explored the continuing impact of Samuel Beckett's literary and dramatic texts on contemporary art practices, focusing specifically on the works of three artists: Stan Douglas, Paul Chan and Tania Bruguera. She identified the "Beckett Effect" as politically and artistically significant in contemporary art."
• Dr. Heida Bjork Arnadottir: "Dr. Arnadottir examined the emergence of contemporary artistic practices in Iceland through a study of the activities of the artist collective SUM from 1965 to 1978. She argued that Icelandic contemporary art is uniquely shaped by the country's historically peripheral status within the Danish empire and by the profound influence of romantic and nationalist discourse in Iceland."

Doctor of Philosophy (Asian Studies)

• Dr. Jee-Yeon Song: "Dr. Song examined the newly created autonomy among female Catholic virgins of nineteenth-century Korea under the intensified control of French missionaries. This research invalidated the established conclusion in Korean history that Catholicism liberated Korean women and contributed to destroying the patriarchy in Choson Korea."
• Dr. Guy Shimon Shababo: "Dr. Shababo studied the life and work of the seventeenth century Korean scholar and statesman Yun Hyu. In his research, he demonstrated how insights from cognitive sciences can improve our understanding of historical data and particularly of religious motivations."
• Dr. Jiyoung Suh: "Dr. Suh examined chamber music which was loved by the upper-middle class audiences in eighteenth and nineteenth century Korea. She brought light to the chamber music scenes through the position of musicians, placing musical issues as a window through which to explore the multiple realities of the pre-modern Korean society."
• Dr. Yinzong Wei: "Dr. Wei studied the reading practices and scholarly culture of Qing Dynasty China. He studied a variety of writings and symbols drawn by readers in the margins of books called marginalia. This study explores how this culture took form, gained momentum, and shaped styles, as well as the scholars' lives, thoughts, and mind-states in the Qing dynasty."

Doctor of Philosophy (Audiology and Speech Sciences)

• Dr. Osamu Takai: "Dr. Takai investigated orthographic processing in the brain. He found that the brain is a system for symbol processing that keeps becoming faster, more specific and efficient than processing unfamiliar visual symbols throughout adulthood. These results assist learners of an additional language in our multicultural society."

Doctor of Philosophy (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)

• Dr. Seyedeh Pargol Hashemi: "Dr. Hashemi discovered five novel small molecules with the ability to reawaken the latent HIV-1 reservoirs without causing toxicity. As an HIV cure could be achieved through elimination of the viral latent reservoirs of infected cells, her research may provide a novel means to abolish the HIV-persistent infection in a patient's body."
• Dr. Stephanie Tak Hei Cheung: "Dr. Cheung studied the genome targeting mechanism of the Ty1 jumping gene element using budding yeast as a model organism. She discovered the cellular components that Ty1 hijacks. Due to the conservation between Ty1 and retroviruses such as HIV, her work will ultimately help with better design of anti-viral drugs or viral vectors for gene therapy."
• Dr. Akil Moslim Hamza: "Yeast is a single-celled organism that has been used to model human biology and disease. Dr. Hamza tested the extent to which human genes can replace the similar yeast genes and operate in a yeast cell. These humanized yeast cells were used as a platform to study mutations found in cancer and model the activity of a cancer specific drug target."

Doctor of Philosophy (Biomedical Engineering)

• Dr. Soojin Lee: "Dr. Lee explored ways to non-invasively stimulate the brain safely to treat Parkinson's disease symptoms. She investigated effects of electrical vestibular stimulation on brain activity and motor behaviours altered in Parkinson's disease. This work provided insights into neural mechanisms behind the effects and brain-behaviour relationships."
• Dr. Han Hung (Nick) Yeh: "Dr. Yeh studied the biomechanics of aortic aneurysm and heart valves. His research identified the physical parameters affecting the stresses experienced by the aneurysm and blood flow. Combined with blood coagulation characterizations, his work can enhance the current management for aneurysm patients via patient-specific modelling."

Doctor of Philosophy (Botany)

• Dr. Robert Thomas McGee: "Dr. McGee studied the outer protective coat of the seed. He developed the tools and system to be able to modify specific components of the cell wall in the model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana. This work increased our understanding of cell wall structure and function."

Doctor of Philosophy (Cell and Developmental Biology)

• Dr. Michelle Minjung Kwon: "Dr. Kwon examined insulin independent ways to lower blood sugar in order to find new therapies for diabetes. She found that the hormone leptin lowers blood sugar by remodeling metabolic pathways in the liver and discovered a small molecule, which mimics leptin. These results indicate that leptin or its mimetic may be a useful therapy for diabetes."
• Dr. Thilo Speckmann: "During diabetes, insulin-producing pancreatic beta-cells become dysfunctional. Dr. Speckmann explored the role of two activity-regulated genes and showed that both are required for optimal insulin secretion. These findings improve our understanding of normal beta-cell function, with the goal of developing novel therapeutics for diabetes."
• Dr. Ying Ju Ruanne Vent-Schmidt: "Dr. Vent-Schmidt studied an inherited, blinding eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa. It has no cure. Her work in animal models showed that knowing the genetic cause of this condition is vital for a class of drugs. Findings suggest that future clinical trials for retinitis pigmentosa should consider genetic testing on patients."
• Dr. Aarati Sriram: "Dr. Sriram studied structures termed tubulobulbar complexes, which are involved in removing cell-to-cell attachments during sperm development in the mammalian testis. She developed methods in culture and in vivo to test the hypothesis that these complexes are involved in the movement of the next generation of sperm cells within the testis."
• Dr. Amanda Carolyn Pisio: "Dr. Pisio created a system to determine if mutations in cancer causing genes found in patients were problematic or part of natural variation. This was done by inserting human genes into fruit flies and studying their effect on known signaling pathways."

Doctor of Philosophy (Chemical and Biological Engineering)

• Dr. Amin Nouri Khorasani: "Dr. Nouri investigated advanced materials for renewable energy systems. His thesis uncovered relationships between the microscopic structures of porous materials, and their performance as transport layers for two-phase flow. His findings can improve the design of engineered materials for more efficient hydrogen fuel cells and electrolyzers."
• Dr. Shida Liu: "Upgrading bio-oil to a viable transport fuel requires de-oxygenation. Dr. Liu developed an inexpensive catalyst for removing oxygen in bio-oil. He examined the catalyst both experimentally and theoretically and found that its performance is comparable to customary metal catalysts used in bio-oil upgrading."
• Dr. Tanja Tomkovic: "Dr. Tomkovic studied self-responsive polymers. She developed novel self-healing materials with ultra-fast, autonomous recovery of mechanical properties and strong adhesive characteristics. These complex polymeric materials possess reactive functional groups that allow control of their flow and mechanical properties."
• Dr. Nicholas Alexander Zacchia: "Dr. Zacchia studied the production of radioactive material for use in medical scans. Combining knowledge from engineering, chemistry and nuclear physics, he developed new theoretical models to understand radioactivity production. The tools he developed will facilitate new and more efficient medical scans for diagnostics and medical research."
• Dr. Hamad Hamoud Almohamadi: "Dr. Hamad studied methane oxidation catalysts to reduce the emissions from natural gas vehicles (NGVs). He developed a new catalyst formulation to minimize the catalysts deactivation by water and sulphur oxides. His results may have improved methane oxidation catalyst formulations for NGV converters to reduce the exhaust gas of unburned methane."

Doctor of Philosophy (Chemistry)

• Dr. Ashton Christy: "If automation is inevitable, one must either fear it or embrace it; Dr. Christy believes the latter. His research focuses on bringing automation to the pulp and paper industry. He developed a spectroscopic method to predict product quality based on in-process pulp, and deployed it in a pilot plant. His goal is a full-scale mill implementation."
• Dr. Amanda Claire Zimmerman: "Dr. Zimmerman designed and synthesized a new ligand scaffold for nickel and palladium complexes. The resulting metal complexes and and their reactivity patterns were studied and what emerged was that the ligand can participate in chemistry at the metal center."
• Dr. Kaylyn Kyra Leung: "Dr. Leung used applied voltages to deposit chemically modified DNA molecules onto gold surfaces. Using electrochemical fluorescence microscopy, she investigated the effect of the gold surface morphology and other conditions on this process. Her research could be used to optimize DNA biosensors that are to be used as medical diagnostic devices."
• Dr. Douglas Dawson Beattie: "Dr. Beattie examined how nickel, a sustainable and cheap metal element, can activate carbon-hydrogen bonds, including effects of different reaction variables. His studies inform the inorganic and organic chemical communities on the mechanism of how nickel can be used for sustainable chemical transformations."
• Dr. Kevin Andrew Kovalchik: "Dr. Kovalchik developed computational tools for the analysis of high-resolution mass spectrometry data relating to oil sands process-affected water and cancer biology."
• Dr. Valerie Anne Chiykowski: "Dr. Chiykowski worked to improve the stability of next generation solar cells by designing new materials that withstand the stresses of use. She designed novel materials that do not: dissolve in water, or change shape in heat; and that conduct charge efficiently without the use of additives leading to more robust components."
• Dr. Wei Zhang: "Dr. Zhang developed new and efficient synthetic technologies using radical reactions for the production of pharmaceutically relevant molecules, which have either fluorine atoms or nitrogen rings. These technologies are able to address some of the long standing challenges that are present in chemical synthesis for drug discovery."
• Dr. Joshua Tyler Cantin: "Dr. Cantin studied quantum systems. He showed that certain quasiparticles can be localized by disorder and modeled a tool to study material surfaces. His work improves our understanding of energy transport in materials and gives a foundation for machine learning to solve the inverse scattering problem for surface-sensitive molecular interferometers."
• Dr. Lev Lewis: "Dr. Lewis developed gels using nanoparticles made from wood. The gels are water-filled, soft materials that can change their properties in a controllable way. These new materials have potential applications in environmental remediation, tissue engineering, and energy storage."
• Dr. Xiaozhu Wang: "Nuclear medicine is an important field of medicine, shining a light within the human body to facilitate diagnosis and therapy. Dr. Wang developed a new group of chelators based on "oxine" arms which showed a marked improvement from its previous counterpart. This work has significant potential for radiophamaceuticals in nuclear medicine."
• Dr. Walid Abdelmagid: "Dr. Abdelmagid conducted his research in the field of chemistry, and his doctoral studies focused on the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway enzymes. He developed an inhibition strategy for enzymes that are considered potential drug targets for cancer therapy. His novel work may lead to the development of a new class of anti-cancer drugs."

Doctor of Philosophy (Civil Engineering)

• Dr. Mohsen Saeedi: "Many sites in Canada and elsewhere are contaminated by both aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals. Dr. Saeedi's doctoral studies improved our understanding of these contaminants' behavior in soil. This research also provided insights into the remediation of real soils contaminated by both aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metal."

Doctor of Philosophy (Computer Science)

• Dr. Dereck J Toker: "Dr. Toker's research on user-adaptive information visualizations is at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Human Computer Interaction. His work leveraged eye tracking to show how adaptive interventions could be devised to support users according to their individual needs and differences."
• Dr. Anamaria Crisan: "Dr. Crisan examined how 'big data' used by public health systems should be visually represented for decision making. She developed software tools and methods that can help people analyze, see, and understand complex data used to monitor and control disease outbreaks."
• Dr. Prashant Sachdeva: "Dr. Sachdeva designed techniques for biomechanical simulation of the human hand. He modelled the dynamics of tendons wrapped on bones. He developed anatomical simulation software capable of modelling human hand function driven by muscles. Such a model may be used to explain the role of different muscles and ligaments in coordinating movement."

Doctor of Philosophy (Counselling Psychology)

• Dr. Deepak Mathew: "Dr. Mathew studied the career decision-making of immigrant young people who self-defined as doing well. He identified the roles of personal, interpersonal, experiential, and cultural factors that contributed towards their success. His work will help counsellors and career practitioners focus on the identified contributors of success."
• Dr. Jessie Marie Wall: "Dr. Wall studied parents' relational involvement in competitive figure skating. She conducted a study of the parent-coach relationship and a second study of parent-skater interactions that extended across a year. Her findings showed unique aspects of these relationships and illuminated how parents nurture their child's personal development in sport."

Doctor of Philosophy (Curriculum Studies)

• Dr. Ofira Roll: "Dr. Roll studied dialogue in democratic education. Through collaborative cooking and feasting, the shared experiences offered participants reflective pauses, deep listening, and dwelling in their becoming. This process illustrated that adaptiveness, unfinishedness, humility, and community enable us to be fully engaged within and with others."
• Dr. David Cotter Murphy: "Dr. Murphy's research examines the use of creative production for the development of an arts-based approach to understanding and improving educational experience. Through personal stories, subjective reflection, and soundscape composition the relationships between experience and learning are developed."
• Dr. Jing Zhao: "Dr. Zhao designed a 3D virtual learning environment to facilitate participants' acquisition of cultural competence and explored the participant experiences in this environment. This study assists us in understanding the process of cultural competency acquisition and how to facilitate cultural competency acquisition effectively in the 3D virtual environment."
• Dr. Kari Anna Marken: "Dr. Marken studied the stories of faculty who indicate a preference for working with first-year students in the Canadian research-intensive university context. This work responds to an emerging thread in higher education literature and contributes to our understanding of teaching and learning in higher education."
• Dr. Saeed Nazari: "Dr. Nazari studied self-education and teacher personal and professional development through Currere, a concept that promotes an autobiographical examination. His study helps teachers understand their own and their students voice more fully in order to connect with their individuality and create singular ways of thinking, learning, and being in the world."

Doctor of Philosophy (Economics)

• Dr. Rogerio Bianchi Santarrosa: "Dr. Santarrosa studied the causes of widespread ethnic conflicts across Africa and Asia. His research shows why some leaders share power with representatives of other ethnic groups, while others opt for exclusion and hence advance conflict. His analysis also evaluates potential policies aimed at mitigating civil wars."
• Dr. Gaelle Alexandra Simard-Duplain: "Dr. Simard-Duplain examined how divorce influences the labour supply of married women, from the time of marriage to the period following dissolution. She found that divorce impacts women by exacerbating vulnerabilities that already existed during marriage. This research informs how public policy can support people through marital transitions."
• Dr. Bradley Alexander Hackinen: "Dr. Hackinen studied how corporations use donations to non-profits as a tool to influence regulators during the notice and comment process for U.S. federal rulemaking. He also developed new tools measuring for political influence using the text of comments submitted to regulators."

Doctor of Philosophy (Electrical and Computer Engineering)

• Dr. Tayler Hicklin Hetherington: "Dr. Hetherington's research focused on improving performance and energy efficiency in datacenters. He proposed novel software and hardware systems, demonstrating the potential for a broader scope of important applications to benefit from efficient graphics processing units. His work can help reduce the environmental impacts of datacenters."
• Dr. Md. Zoheb Hassan: "Dr. Hassan developed several adaptive transmission schemes that can simultaneously improve the throughput and provide latency guarantee for delay-sensitive traffic in the terrestrial free space optical communication systems. These transmission schemes can substantially improve the performance of fifth-generation fixed wireless access and backhaul networks."
• Dr. Ramy Essam Attia Hussein: "Dr. Hussein developed methods to help people who suffer from epilepsy. These methods analyze the brain data of the patient to determine whether a person is experiencing a seizure or whether a seizure is imminent. This knowledge is used to warn patients of upcoming seizures so they stop unsafe activities and better regulate their medication intake."
• Dr. Mengye Cai: "Implantable electronic devices have been evolving at a rapid pace. Dr. Cai investigated several design techniques and various systems in developing the radio system to meet the stringent size and power requirements of miniaturized biomedical implantable devices. This work contributes to next generation diagnostics and therapeutics."
• Dr. Mirza Saquib us Sarwar: "Dr. Sarwar developed flexible sensors that can detect pressure, light touch and proximity. Such sensors can detect the slippage of an object and can help equip robots to conduct dextrous manipulations such as cracking an egg. In addition to applications in flexible cell phones, the sensors are able to mimic human skin for use in robotics and prosthetics."
• Dr. Mehdi Mohammadi: "Resonant power converters are widely used in renewable energy and electric vehicle applications. Dr. Mohammadi introduced the homopolarity cycle theory for resonant converters. Using this theory he tackled problems associated with complexity and developed a three-layer control strategy that improves efficiency and performance in resonant converters."

Doctor of Philosophy (Experimental Medicine)

• Dr. Sumin Jo: "Dr. Jo investigated the impact of immune stimulation on the development and treatment of leukemia, the most common cancer diagnosed in young people. Her work has revealed potential limitations of immune-based therapies and how they might be overcome to improve clinical outcomes."
• Dr. Nicholas Aaron James Dawson: "Dr. Dawson's doctoral studies focused on refining a new cellular therapy for organ transplant recipients. His work will support a future clinical trial that aims to improve organ longevity and patient quality of life by re-educating the immune system to accept the organ. This will reduce the need for immunosuppressive drugs."
• Dr. Dan Wu: "Dr. Wu studied how immune cells in fat tissues change in obesity and how these changes contribute to the progression of type 2 diabetes. His study brought new insight to the development of future therapeutics to fight type 2 diabetes, and showed the key might lay in the prevention of the unfavorable changes in these immune cells in the fat."
• Dr. Shun-Yu Jasemine Yang: "Dr. Yang studied epithelial repair processes that are important for lung health but defective in asthma. Her research identified novel roles for interleukin-13 receptors in normal epithelial repair and asthma disease biology. This knowledge will guide future development of new asthma therapies that stop lung damage and help patients breathe better."
• Dr. Layla Nabai: "Dr. Nabai has developed a novel method for prevention of post-surgical skin fibrosis. She fabricated microspheres containing anti-fibrotic medication and showed that application of these microspheres into the surgical wound bed before closing the wound reduces the post-surgical fibrosis through controlled slow release of the anti-fibrotic medication."
• Dr. Lavinia Arielle Carabet: "Dr. Carabet applied a novel strategy to target the oncogenic activity of Myc transcription factors implicated in the most therapy-resistant, lethal and incurable forms of prostate cancer. Using state-of-the-art computational methods, she developed novel drug leads that may serve as first-in-class drugs for treatment of advanced prostate cancer."
• Dr. Danay Maestre Batlle: "Dr. Maestre led the first human clinical study to provide evidence of respiratory and systemic adverse effects of phthalate inhalation in susceptible populations. Phthalates are chemicals linked to detrimental health effects, but their use remains unrestricted. This research can assist regulatory agencies and potentially influence policy."
• Dr. Mahdis Monajemi: "Dr. Monajemi examined the role of Malt1 in myeloid cells and the development of immune-mediated disease. This research helps design therapies for immune-mediated disease including combined immunodeficiency, IBD, and osteoporosis."

Doctor of Philosophy (Forestry)

• Dr. Cora Skaien: "Dr. Skaien studied the relationship between natural selection and genetic variation through observing local deer and seablush, a flowering species native to western North America. Her results illustrate the effect of natural selection by browsing deer on this species' ability to persist in the face of natural and human-induced environmental change."
• Dr. Raphael Daniel Chavardes: "Dr. Chavardes explored how drought influenced fires over time and space in western Canadian forests. He used weather and climate records, statistical models, tree-ring science, and fire-scar records to understand historical associations between droughts and fire. This work helps landscape managers foresee how future fires can be impacted by climate change."
• Dr. Frances Rebecca Thistlethwaite: "Dr. Thistlethwaite analysed the application of genomic based methodologies to conifer breeding. She used thousands of genetic markers to predict key economic traits, for the purpose of making selection decisions. Her research highlights areas for investment which will foster more dynamic and fruitful breeding programs in the future."
• Dr. Hercend Mpidi Bita: "Dr. Mpidi Bita evaluated the structural performance of tall wood buildings following extreme events, such as explosions and natural catastrophes. His research provides design guidance which may be used by structural engineers to ensure that buildings remains stable for sufficient time to allow for evacuation."
• Dr. Adam David Polinko: "Dr. Polinko completed his research in the field of silviculture. Using models of branch development and tree growth, his research was the first to quantify the costs associated with managing forests for visual quality or wildlife habitat. Understanding these costs will help with decisions regarding the sustainable management of forests around the world."
• Dr. Camille Emilie Defrenne: "Dr. Defrenne showed that tree species can adjust to climate through their fine roots and associated symbiotic fungi, called mycorrhizal fungi. Her research on Douglas-fir suggests that the success of Douglas-fir as climate changes and stress increases may be dependent on maintaining strong associations with local communities of mycorrhizal fungi."
• Dr. Vilbert Vabi Vamuloh: "Dr. Vabi examined the link between public-private partnerships and corporate social responsibility. He identified conditions under which partnerships can be used to responsibly and efficiently drive community development. This research highlights one way corporations can successfully achieve sustainable development goals."
• Dr. Thais Almeida Lima: "Dr. Lima studied logging activities in the Brazilian Amazon. She assessed selective logging patterns using remote sensing tools and was one of the first studies to analyze the new European satellite Sentinel-2. Findings will inform the academic community and governmental institutions concerned with forest monitoring and law enforcement."
• Dr. Jennifer Lynn DeBoer: "Dr. DeBoer examined whether, why, and how businesses approach environmental sustainability initiatives in the US pulp and paper industry. This research advances our understanding of the factors that influence the adoption and implementation of environmental initiatives, as well as compliance with environmental regulation."

Doctor of Philosophy (Genome Science and Technology)

• Dr. Karen Ying Tung Chan: "Dr. Chan showed that the supplementation of an enzyme, coagulation factor XIIIa, and its synthetic substrates can improve the adhesiveness of blood clots to wounds. This study assists us in developing new therapies for treating traumatic bleeding."

Doctor of Philosophy (Geography)

• Dr. Jeffrey O'Connor Whyte: "Dr. Whyte examined the historical origins and political geographies of American psychological warfare. His work has challenged convention and increased our understanding of communication and warfare."
• Dr. Melanie Erin Sommerville: "Dr. Sommerville researched recent agricultural investment ventures pairing marginalized communities with wealthy investors in Canada and South Africa. She found that the schemes allow investors to benefit from land claims and land reform programs, compromising the benefits offered by such programs to First Nations and black African communities."
• Dr. David Andrew Reid: "Dr. Reid showed how glaciation, landslides, and forestry practices impact mountain stream channels and salmon habitat through time and across space. This study helps watershed managers predict effects of land cover changes and water widthdrawals on sensitive fish habitat."
• Dr. Lucy MacKenzie: "Dr. MacKenzie investigated the processes that control bank erosion in steep, gravel-bed channels. She found that a small number of large grains stabilize the channel regardless of the amount of water and sediment supplied to the system. These results have implications for hazard mitigation and infrastructure design in mountainous regions."
• Dr. Elanna Nolan: "Dr. Nolan studied the contradictory relationship between terrorism prevention and multiculturalism in Australia. She argued that combining the two can undermine positive community relations and service delivery for marginalised communities. Her research illuminates the unique role of local council workers to resist these effects."

Doctor of Philosophy (Geological Engineering)

• Dr. Masoud Rahjoo: "Dr. Rahjoo investigated the mechanics of rock fracturing, strength and deformation, and developed models for the behaviour of fracturing rocks. With tunnels and mines heading towards greater depths, this knowledge is critical for safe and stable excavations. His findings contribute to the advancement of rock mechanics and rock engineering."

Doctor of Philosophy (Geological Sciences)

• Dr. Emily Don Scribner: "Dr. Scribner demonstrated the effect of contamination on the mineralogy of the Rau pegmatite group. Her research provides strong evidence that contamination has a more prominent influence on the chemical signature of pegmatites than previously recognized. She also developed a validated assessment to measure learning gains in mineralogy courses."
• Dr. Kohen Witt Bauer: "Dr. Bauer studied the geochemistry of chromium and iron in modern and ancient rock and sediments. He created new knowledge about the implementation of these two transition metals as paleoredox proxies that will allow for more nuanced reconstructions of the complex history of oxygen in Earth's surface environments."

Doctor of Philosophy (Geophysics)

• Dr. Dominique Fournier: "Dr. Fournier's research builds upon well established imaging technologies used by earth scientists to better understand the sub surface and interior of our planet. He focused on the processing of surface gravity and magnetic field data -- an active field of research in applied geophysics. His work is frequently used in the scientific community."
• Dr. Bas Peters: "Dr. Peters developed mathematical tools and software to merge measurements and prior knowledge to improve the quality of imaging methods. His work focussed on imaging applications in the earth sciences."

Doctor of Philosophy (Hispanic Studies)

• Dr. Fabricio Tocco: "Dr. Tocco examined the role of the individual and the state in Latin American detective stories. His research contrasts these narratives with classic detective stories written in North America and the United Kingdom, offering new ways of reading them. Researchers and the general public interested in detective stories will benefit from his findings."

Doctor of Philosophy (History)

• Dr. Jonathan David Bergsma Henshaw: "Dr. Henshaw adopted a biographical approach to study Chinese collaboration with Japan during the Second World War. Although wartime collaboration has long been denounced in China as a moral failure, Dr. Henshaw's work examines the norms of pre-war Chinese politics and situates collaboration in the longer context of 20th century Chinese history."
• Dr. Sarah Arminda Garrity Basham: "Dr. Basham studied practices of knowledge production and definitions of expertise in technical encyclopedias from seventeenth-century China. Using a military encyclopedia as a case study, she argued that Chinese readers in this period defined expertise as mastery of text-based knowledge and the ability to apply that knowledge to state policy."

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

• Dr. Matthew Waugh: "Dr. Waugh developed a theoretical model of the parent involvement process in multi-year classrooms. His grounded theory explains the unique changes in involvement and parent-teacher relationships when parents, teachers and students remain together for two or more years. The theory will have significance in school planning and policies."

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

• Dr. Amber Heckelman: "Dr. Heckelman evaluated different agricultural development approaches underway in the Philippine rice sector and examined the resilience outcomes of conventional and organic rice systems in the country. This research illuminates the necessary conditions and factors for building farmer capacities to enhance climate resilience."

Doctor of Philosophy (Interdisciplinary Oncology)

• Dr. Catherine Steer: "Dr. Steer found that early life stresses induce signals in neonatal lungs which confer enhanced susceptibility to allergic sensitization. Therefore, airway allergen exposure in the early postnatal period leads to heightened responses to allergens later in life. Dr. Steer's results underline the importance of the neonatal period for immune education."
• Dr. Justin James Torres Lardizabal: "Dr. Lardizabal developed a new prostate cancer mouse model that can effectively and efficiently test new drugs and therapies against prostate cancer. His contribution can potentially provide prostate cancer patients with more treatment options by getting proven effective drugs and therapies into clinical trials faster."

Doctor of Philosophy (Interdisciplinary Studies)

• Dr. Elena Maria Argento: "Dr. Argento examined the interplay between drug use, violence and suicidality among a community-based cohort of women sex workers and explored the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. Her research found that increased social cohesion and psychedelic use were protective against suicidality, underscoring the importance of connectedness."
• Dr. Thea Miller Franke: "Dr. Franke conducted a study on the mobility experiences of active older adults with low income in Metro Vancouver. She developed a framework that advances our understanding of how low income older adults overcome disparities and maintain their mobility. Her research will help inform decision making to improve the health and mobility of older adults."
• Dr. Alissa Merielle Greer: "Dr. Greer qualitatively examined the work and pay conditions for people who use drugs engaged in harm reduction settings. Her findings point to various economic, social, and political systems that impact these conditions. Her research advances participatory methods that promote equity for marginalized groups engaged in harm reduction work."

Doctor of Philosophy (Kinesiology)

• Dr. D Kathryn Duff: "Dr. Duff examined the role of exercise in modifying the biophysical properties of the aorta which may be compromised in children and adolescents with obesity. Specifically, she studied changes to aortic pulse wave velocity following an exercise intervention. This work has determined that exercise can reduce vascular dysfunction and serve as useful therapy in the management of childhood obesity."
• Dr. Freda Warner: "Dr. Warner studied the effect of medications on recovery after spinal cord injury. Using secondary data, she performed analyses to identify the beneficial effects of a specific drug, as well as map the progression of pain after injury. Her research contributes to the search for treatments after spinal cord injury and their potential clinical applications."
• Dr. Jason Bradley Fice: "Dr. Fice studied neck muscle activity during simulated car crashes when the volunteers braced or turned their head before impact. He found increased pre-impact muscle activity and altered head motions that help explain these situation's increased neck injury risks. His results will help improve computer models of humans and lead to safer vehicles."
• Dr. Elizabeth Jean Buckler: "Dr. Buckler examined physical literacy training programs for early childhood educators. Her findings support the effectiveness of these programs and argue the need to offer training and ongoing support to educators. Her work has implications on early childhood education, training curriculum and professional development."

Doctor of Philosophy (Language and Literacy Education)

• Dr. Evan Taylor: "Dr. Taylor examined experiences of gender minority breast and gynecologic cancer patients. Findings show that cisnormative and heteronormative narratives shape cancer care knowledge, while non-normative narratives of gender shape patient decision-making and knowledge mobility. This research evidence can inform the design of culturally effective cancer care."
• Dr. Kyle John Stooshnov: "Applying arts-based methods, Dr. Stooshnov researched the relationship between virtual reality (VR) and drama within literacy learning. He compared VR technology to historical theatre practices by creating a dramatic dialogue between past and future. This work considers the educational possibilities of interactive engagement in a virtual classroom."
• Dr. Kerrie Charnley: "Dr. Charnley examined oral histories of Katzie people. Her contribution includes the creation of a new research methodology based on the Coast Salish spindle whorl that conceptualizes transformative land and water-based literacy and pedagogy. This work provides new ways to hear Coast Salish people's voices, realities, and philosophies of knowing and being."
• Dr. Botao Wu: "Dr. Wu researched on the theory of Poetic Inquiry and conducted a poetic inquiry of his own experience in language. Poetic Inquiry is seemingly about ourselves, but it extends to people around us and the world. Poetic inquirers write about themselves to explore the nature of being human."

Doctor of Philosophy (Law)

• Dr. Stefan Ulrich Pauer: "Dr. Pauer studied carbon tariffs, an environmental policy recommended by many experts but rarely used in practice. Using interviews and case studies in Europe and the USA, he explained the challenges of adopting and implementing this policy. His research contributes to the development of effective government action to address climate change."
• Dr. Brendan Hans Naef: "Dr. Naef studied the challenges of regulating multinational corporations operating in fragile states. He argued that home states must take steps to control their corporate citizens abroad and showed how traditional readings of international law permit them to avoid doing so. His proposed solution lies in reconsidering customary international law."

Doctor of Philosophy (Library, Archival and Information Studies)

• Dr. Adam Jansen: "Dr. Jansen's research analyzed technological features of preservation systems that support the authenticity of digital records. From his findings, he produced a model that can be used by memory institutions to evaluate their digital archives' ability to assess, document and maintain the authenticity of digital records over the long-term."
• Dr. Elizabeth Shaffer: "Dr. Shaffer investigated early social media practices within the Government of Canada. Findings revealed limitations on the ability to hold the government accountable due to increased use of proprietary, for-profit, social media platforms. Her work offers insights into the frictions that develop when certain technologies are adopted into bureaucratic systems."

Doctor of Philosophy (Linguistics)

• Dr. Joash Johannes Gambarage: "Dr. Gambarage studied the determiner systems of the Nata (Bantu) and Lilloet (Salish) languages. He concluded that common semantic features of definiteness and specificity found in other well-studied languages are missing in these languages. His work opens up the notion of existence as it relates to the article systems of these languages."
• Dr. Johannes Micha Heim: "Dr. Heim studied the role of intonation in Canadian English for the negotiation of shared beliefs. He discovered that the shape of the sentence melody correlates with the interpretation of the speaker's confidence and their response expectation. This study sheds a new light on how speakers encode their attitudes and intentions in conversation."
• Dr. Megan Keough: "Dr. Keough examined how experience with speech-related airflow affects whether we use it to discriminate between sounds. She showed that while adults can use airflow cues even in novel situations, the ability likely arises through developmental experience. Her work helps us understand how interactions with the world shape our perception of speech."

Doctor of Philosophy (Materials Engineering)

• Dr. Kashif Mairaj Deen: "Dr. Deen conducted his research on hybrid mineral batteries. He designed two battery setups that extract copper from chalcopyrite mineral as well as store energy. This research can be applied in remote mine sites, where these batteries can be coupled with renewable energy sources for both energy storage and copper extraction."
• Dr. Fei Wang: "Mineral carbonation is a carbon storage process that converts CO2 into harmless carbonates. Dr. Wang confirmed that it is possible to recover valuable metals released from silicate minerals during mineral carbonation. This research bridges the technology gap between mineral carbonation and metal recovery enhancement in mineral industries."
• Dr. Arthur Marie Jean-Francoi Despres: "Dr. Despres studied the crystalline structure of stainless steel during hot rolling. He showed that the development of crystalline orientation depends on several length scales, and how the process parameters control this development. This knowledge will help make the manufacturing of car components more efficient and less expensive."
• Dr. Maryam Mohammadi: "Over the past couple of decades, wastewater contaminated with selenium has become a major issue in mining. Dr. Mohammadi developed a novel method for the removal of selenium using a reducing agent called chromous. The invention of this process has significant impact on the current treatment of wastewater containing selenium."

Doctor of Philosophy (Mathematics)

• Dr. Arman Ahmadieh: "Dr. Arman made several contributions to the area of compressed sensing. He proposed a new class of matrices, generalized a method of quantization, and showed the classical bounds on one of the main features of deterministic matrices in compressed sensing can be improved. Compressed sensing is used in signal processing, statistics and computer science."
• Dr. Hyunju Kwon: "Dr. Kwon examined the existence and ill-posedness for partial differential equations describing the motion of fluid when the given data is rough. The construction of the various type of flows with desired properties gives a deeper understanding of the behavior of fluid flows."
• Dr. You Hung Hsu: "Dr. Hsu constructed a categorical action of the shifted q=0 affine algebra on the derived categories of coherent sheaves on partial flag varieties. Then he applied this action to obtain an action of the q=0 affine Hecke algebra on the derived categories of coherent sheaves on the full flag variety."
• Dr. Oliver Leigh: "Dr. Leigh considered two enumerative problems in geometry that are motivated by mathematical physics. In the first he developed a new theory for counting a special type of object. In the second he provided an explicit computation involving a string-theoretic space called the "banana threefold"."

Doctor of Philosophy (Measurement, Evaluation and Research Methodology)

• Dr. Sneha Shankar: "Dr. Shankar applied an innovative method to study how a measure is used between two individuals. Her research extracts data that goes beyond traditional investigations of cognitive processes to include actions, emotions and motivation. Dr. Shankar's work provides a new way forward to help advance the future of validity and measurement research."

Doctor of Philosophy (Mechanical Engineering)

• Dr. Reza Zangeneh: "Computer simulations are used extensively in scientific modeling and engineering design. Often, this process is iterative and requires meticulous care from a domain expert that can be extremely expensive. Dr. Zangeneh designed a systematic approach for the first time that automatically stabilizes such simulations without any human intervention."
• Dr. Qiang Zou: "Dr. Zou studied how to efficiently model engineering products using computers. Through his work, he discovered the fundamental issues and challenges of the modeling efficiency problem and presented effective solutions. His findings and solutions could significantly reduce the time and cost in engineering design and improve design productivity."
• Dr. Mahdiar Khosravi: "Dr. Khosravi developed high-speed imaging systems and algorithms to study combustion inside an engine. His work helps provide more insight into modern combustion strategies and to further optimize these strategies for cleaner and more efficient power delivery in combustion engines."

Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Genetics)

• Dr. Oscar Alejandro Urtatiz Gongora: "Dr. Urtatiz investigated the process by which pigment cells transform into melanoma, a very aggressive type of cancer. He found that the skin microenvironment plays a crucial role in preventing or promoting the initiation of melanoma. His research provides useful insight to assist the development of new melanoma therapies."
• Dr. Samantha Barbara Jean Peeters: "Dr. Peeters validated a transgenic mouse model for studying how human genes on the X chromosome in females are turned on and off throughout development. These studies are important for understanding mechanisms of gene regulation that contribute to differences between males and females."
• Dr. Chaini Roti Konwar: "Dr. Konwar focused on understanding inflammation related changes that commonly occur in preterm births. Her research examined molecular changes in placentas from preterm births with and without inflammation. Her findings have laid the groundwork to identify biomarkers that could be detected in maternal blood when the inflammation is present."
• Dr. Artem Babaian: "Half of our DNA is self-replicating, "jumping genes" called transposable elements (TEs), a fifth of which are genetic fossils of ancient retroviruses. Dr. Babaian explored how these normally repressed viral genes are resurrected in human cancers, and how this re-activation drives the evolution of novel cancer-promoting genes."

Doctor of Philosophy (Microbiology and Immunology)

• Dr. Evelyn Sun: "Dr. Sun used a model of the cystic fibrosis lung to study how bacteria use motility to adapt to these kinds of environments. She studied a new form of bacterial motility known as surfing and found that it contributes to virulence and antibiotic resistance regulated by complex genetic networks."
• Dr. Celine Chantal Philippe Michiels: "Dr. Michiels developed an integrated approach using biogeochemical in situ measurements, molecular tools, and flux-balance models to create new knowledge about the microbial processes recycling nitrogen under low oxygen conditions in the ancient and modern oceans."
• Dr. Nicolette Marian Fonseca: "A controlled CD4+ T cell response is essential for protective immunity against influenza. Dr. Fonseca showed that CD4+ T cells are modulated by the infection-induced cytokine IL-27 and dynamic histone modifications during infection. Her work provides insight into the mechanisms that balance effective immunity and immunopathology during disease."
• Dr. Shekooh Behroozian: "In our global battle against drug-resistant superbugs, there is a limited arsenal of antibiotics. Dr. Behroozian discovered broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities in a natural clay from Kisameet Bay, British Columbia, and clarified the active principal components and modes of action. Her contributions may lead to development of novel treatments."

Doctor of Philosophy (Mining Engineering)

• Dr. Ladan Karimi Sharif: "Understanding rock structure in engineering is key to building safe structures. Dr. Karimi Sharif developed an approach to better understand the failure mechanisms with naturally fractured rock masses. Her work uses numerical models to simplify the integration of discrete fracture networks and will inform future structural design."

Doctor of Philosophy (Neuroscience)

• Dr. Diana Victoria Hunter: "Dr. Hunter studied the impact of spinal cord injury on pelvic peripheral neurons and organs. She characterized changes in input and output neurons supplying pelvic organs, and differences in bladder activity following high and low transections. This work paves the way for the treatment of important secondary consequences of spinal cord injury."
• Dr. Seth Stravers Tigchelaar: "Dr. Tigchelaar dedicated the last decade towards improving the outcomes of patients with spinal cord injury. He discovered a set of genetic markers that could serve as diagnostic and prognostic tools for patients suffering from paralysis. His work will continue to advance recovery and outcomes for patients with spinal cord injury."
• Dr. Lin Luo: "Dr. Luo characterized the interaction mechanisms and functions of two proteins in the brain linked to neuropsychiatric disorders. She also analyzed 'germline recombination' as a major pitfall of widely used approaches in molecular genetics. Her findings further our understanding of brain development and will inform future neuroscience research."
• Dr. Lily Aleksandrova: "Dr. Aleksandrova studied ketamine, a rapid-acting antidepressant. Her research suggests that ketamine may have pro-cognitive effects due to its ability to restore normal synaptic plasticity, the ability of the brain to adapt and change, in the hippocampus. The hippocampus is a key brain region implicated in depression."
• Dr. Jolande Fooken: "Dr. Fooken investigated human eye movements in decision-making tasks. Her work linked eye movement patterns with the ability to predict visual events, revealing that eye movements can sensitively indicate decision outcomes. These findings add to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying eye movement control and sensorimotor decision making."
• Dr. Parker James Holman: "Dr. Holman studied social behahaviour and its underlying neurobiology during adolescence using a well-established animal model of prenatal alcohol exposure. He found that prenatal exposure to alcohol impairs development of adolescent social behaviour, which was associated with altered neural activity and development of the oxytocin/vasopressin systems."
• Dr. Mana Raya Ehlers: "Dr. Ehlers investigated how stress influences how we learn which things or actions are associated with something good. She showed that stress can both be beneficial and detrimental. Results further demonstrated that in the brain, novel associations are represented by our emotional response to them. Her work may have important clinical implications."
• Dr. Amy Isabel Smith-Dijak: "Dr. Smith-Dijak demonstrated that processes regulating the stability of brain cell function are disrupted in Huntington disease, and can be restored by treatment with drugs that stimulate the sigma-1 receptor. This helps us better understand the processes underlying neurodegenerative diseases and how to treat them."
• Dr. Elisa Marie York: "Dr. York examined how metabolic reprogramming shapes the brain's immune system. Both her results and methodological contributions to the research community have provided a clearer understanding of the link between cellular metabolism and the immune state of the brain."
• Dr. Naama Rotem-Kohavi: "Dr. Rotem-Kohavi compared the brain's functional organization between typically developing infants, and infants exposed to depression with or without antidepressants during pregnancy. She found that each of these exposures is associated with different patterns of brain functional organization. This research will help to promote healthy development."
• Dr. Bruno de Araujo Herculano: "Dr. Herculano developed a novel method for evaluating the enzymatic activity of Beta-secretase in living cells, making it easier to test new treatments for Alzheimer's Disease in laboratory settings. He also studied the effects of point mutations in familial cases of Multiple Sclerosis and how they can contribute to the onset of the disease."

Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing)

• Dr. Leah Kimberley Lambert: "Dr. Lambert studied why nearly half of all women do not adhere to hormonal therapy for breast cancer. She highlighted the complexity of adherence from the perspective of women and healthcare providers. Understanding real-world factors influencing adherence is important in determining how to better support women in using these therapies over time."

Doctor of Philosophy (Oceanography)

• Dr. Genevieve Mary Patton: "Dr. Patton analyzed the concentration of rare earth elements in marine sediment and constructed a numerical model of those elements in pore water.This research explores how these elements are cycled between sediment and pore water and questions the validity of previous interpretations of these elements as a water mass tracer preserved through time."

Doctor of Philosophy (Pathology and Laboratory Medicine)

• Dr. Huan-Jih Lin: "Too much blood clotting is a prevalent cause of death worldwide. Dr. Lin explored common virus infection as a risk factor. He found that a normal clotting protein is incorporated into several viruses and may contribute to heart disease and stroke. Since this clotting factor can enhance infection, new antiviral strategies are on the horizon."
• Dr. Abhinav Ajay Kumar: "Dr. Ajaykumar studied cellular and mitochondrial toxicities of HIV antiretrovirals. He showed that some HIV drugs used in pregnancy increase the amount of mitochondrial DNA in infants, and that a newer drug increases mitochondrial toxicity. His research advances our understanding of the long-term safety of HIV therapy, for both mother and child."
• Dr. Samantha Burugu: "Dr. Burugu characterized the immune system in the tissues of breast cancer patients. Using conventional and novel techniques, she found the presence of immune cells that can be reactivated to eliminate cancer cells. Her work can inform the prioritization and design of immunotherapy clinical trials for breast cancer patients."

Doctor of Philosophy (Pharmaceutical Sciences)

• Dr. Maryam Zamiri: "Current HIV treatment can effectively manage infection, but it is not a cure. Hence, there is a need for new kinds of anti-HIV drugs. Dr. Zamiri discovered two anti-HIV molecules active in both wild and drug resistant HIV strains. Her research suggests a mechanism of action different from the current HIV drugs and may inform future therapies."
• Dr. Nelson Gorrin: "Dr. Gorrin constructed a model based on his conversations with people with asthma and measured how participants in two asthma studies reported their medication usage. The integration of his findings helped to understand why some people don't take the medication and how to encourage regular medication usage."

Doctor of Philosophy (Pharmacology)

• Dr. Gregory Alan Carney: "Dr. Carney studied the safety of medications commonly used to aid smoking cessation. He also developed a novel method of evaluating comparative effectiveness using health claims data. The results of his thesis will aid physicians, patients, and policy-makers to make informed choices regarding smoking cessation pharmacotherapy."

Doctor of Philosophy (Philosophy)

• Dr. Rebecca Livernois: "Dr. Livernois examined the theoretical foundations of market-based policies and cost-benefit analysis, arguing that both fall short of delivering results that could forge sound environmental policy. The outcome of this research was to clarify misguided economic concepts with the aim of contributing to the improvement of environmental policy."

Doctor of Philosophy (Physics)

• Dr. Anffany Chen: "Using numerical simulations, Dr. Chen demonstrated the emergence of high-energy physics phenomena in topological quantum matter. She proposed the creation of Majorana particles, chiral anomalies, and black hole holograms in mesoscopic quantum systems. Her proposals allow us to probe these elusive physics concepts in cost-effective table-top experiments."
• Dr. Timothy Cox: "Dr. Cox studied models of the loss of information in quantum systems. He developed a way of understanding how the information stored in a quantum system can be divided into its constituent parts and how this information can be transferred to the environment."
• Dr. Erich Leistenschneider: "Dr. Leistenschneider studied how neutrons form shell structures in the nucleus of titanium and vanadium atoms. The imprints that nuclear shells leave on the mass of the atom were investigated in several isotopes of these elements using high precision mass spectrometry techniques. The results served as stringent tests for modern nuclear theories."
• Dr. Saul Cuen-Rochin: "Dr. Cuen-Rochin participated in precise measurements of rare pion decays. His analysis of an extensive data set recorded by the PIENU experiment at TRIUMF, and evaluation of experimental systematic effects allowed high precision measurements to be obtained. This work will lead to stringent tests of the Standard Model of particle physics."
• Dr. Tianyu Liu: "Dr. Liu studied a special type of quantum materials called Dirac materials. He proved that the response of Dirac materials to elastic deformation highly mimics that to electromagnetic fields. This unique feature makes Dirac materials stand out from other quantum materials and renders them useful for the future application in quantum technologies."
• Dr. Youssef Ben Bouchta: "Dr. Ben Bouchta developed a method of measuring how much radiation healthy tissues receive during radiotherapy. He subsequently applied this method to compare different radiotherapy techniques and found that it is possible to reduce the risk of radiation-induced thyroid cancer by up to 10% in patients who receive whole-lung irradiation."
• Dr. Emily Elizabeth Altiere: "Dr. Altiere developed an ultraviolet laser system to probe the atomic energy levels in xenon gas. Her work also included precision optical measurements of atomic constants in xenon 129. These results are essential to neutron electric dipole moment experiments at TRIUMF and to the broader scientific community."
• Dr. Pascal Alexander Nigge: "Dr. Nigge studied the design of novel quantum phenomena. He used the two-dimensional, atomically thin material of graphene as a platform. His research paves the way towards the on demand engineering of quantum materials."
• Dr. Lindsay Marie Forestell: "There is much that we still do not understand about the world around us. Dr. Forestell focused on creating mathematical models of how new types of physics may interact with the known Universe throughout the course of our cosmological history. Her research contributes to the set of tools that are used to limit and probe new models of physics."
• Dr. Dominik Neuenfeld: "Dr. Neuenfeld applied quantum information theory to study gravitational physics. He investigated how information is transferred in processes involving gravity, and explored how quantum information restricts the spacetimes that can be realized in nature. His results contribute to a better understanding of a quantum theory of gravity."
• Dr. Alexander Held: "Dr. Held studied the interaction process between two fundamental particles, the Higgs boson and the top quark. He contributed to the observation of this rare process by analyzing proton-proton collisions recorded by the ATLAS detector. The measurement experimentally confirms an important prediction by the Standard Model of particle physics."
• Dr. Wei Zhao: "Dr. Zhao developed a practical and accurate dosimetry method to achieve optimized cancer therapy with radionuclides. His research demonstrated the feasibility of personalizing cancer treatment in routine clinics. His work contributes significantly to the safe and effective usage of radionuclides in cancer therapy."

Doctor of Philosophy (Planning)

• Dr. Lyana Marie Patrick: "Dr. Patrick explored what urban Indigenous community planning looks like at the intersection of health and justice. She found that frontline workers in one organization create spaces of belonging for Indigenous peoples through relational practices that emphasize personal accountability, integrity, trust, and the importance of culture and ceremony."

Doctor of Philosophy (Political Science)

• Dr. Yoel Kornreich: "Doctor Kornreich Studied why non-democratic regimes promote political participation. He found that policymaking processes can be comparatively open and inclusive in cases of an elite conflict. He also discovered that non-democratic regimes accommodate the demands of frontline bureaucrats because they want to ensure smooth policy implementation."
• Dr. Brent A Sutton: "Dr. Sutton studied the politics of U.S. financial reforms after 2009. He found that the need to restore the confidence of institutional investors limited the scope of the reforms. He also found that veto points and concerns about the loss of international competitiveness did not necessarily prevent tough regulations being adopted."
• Dr. Elena Choquette: "Dr. Choquette studied territorial expansion in the history of Canada to look at the ideas that justified it. This work serves as a cautionary tale because it reveals that expansion, which required the displacement and dispossession of Indigenous Peoples, was made on the reason that it would improve their standard of living."
• Dr. Alexander Held: "Dr. Held studied political alienation in advanced industrialized democracies. His study shows the limitations of traditional institutional fixes and highlights the role of both procedural and substantive information for civic engagement. These findings may inform government strategies to increase youth voter turnout and political accountability."
• Dr. Andreas Osthagen: "Why do some states resolve their maritime conflicts where others do not? Dr. Osthagen examined why states settle maritime boundary disputes around the world and discovered that there are reasons why some states seem content to let boundaries remain unresolved. Understanding this is important as oceans rise on the international agenda in the 21st century."

Doctor of Philosophy (Population and Public Health)

• Dr. Steve Kanters: "Clinical guidelines should be informed by the latest evidence and analytic methods. Dr. Kanters used new methods to support the World Health Organization HIV guidelines, informing the change of the recommended first-line treatment. This research also showed that newer methods using more complex data do not always improve guideline development."
• Dr. Jiayun Yao: "Dr. Yao used machine learning and advanced statistical models to study the acute health effect of air pollution. She discovered that ambulance calls for heart, lung and diabetic conditions increased within hours of exposure to wildfire smoke. Her findings can help protect public health from the growing impacts of wildfire smoke under climate change."
• Dr. Allison Mairi Ezzat: "Dr. Ezzat examined physical activity and other health outcomes in youth and young adults who had sustained previous intra-articular knee injuries. Her research highlights key psychological constructs and treatment targets that will contribute to the development of future secondary prevention strategies for knee Osteoarthritis."
• Dr. Amy Schneeberg: "Dr. Schneeberg examined how children recover from injuries and factors associated with recovery. She found that while most children recover by 4 months post-injury, older children, hospitalized children and children with lower extremity fractures have delayed recovery. She contributed new knowledge on the best approach to analyze longitudinal data."
• Dr. Mina Park: "Dr. Park studied the impact of maternal depression and prenatal antidepressant exposure on child development. Her findings highlight the importance of maternal mental health, pre and post-natally, for optimal maternal and child outcomes."
• Dr. Ian Cromwell: "Dr. Cromwell built a whole disease health economic decision model to better inform health system decision makers of the influence of different policies in oral cancer. His work demonstrated that the whole disease model approach enables decisions to consider both upstream and downstream policies. The work has implications for and beyond oral cancer."

Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology)

• Dr. Adam Sean Baimel: "Why do some people believe in the supernatural and others do not? Dr. Baimel examined the psychological foundations of supernatural beliefs in diverse samples of the world's religions. His work identifies both cross-cultural stability and variability, and stresses that any complete account requires consideration of the world's vast religious diversity."
• Dr. Michelle Leanne Crease Lark: "Dr. Lark studied the cognitive processes required for completing prospective memory tasks, which involve executing a previously formed plan while engaged in another activity. Her research suggests that after executing a plan, it takes extra time and effort to switch attention back to the other activity, and performance on that activity suffers."
• Dr. Rui Mary Jia: "Dr. Jia studied social resilience in children with ADHD. She found that having good relationships with parents and teachers contributed to adaptive social functioning in this population. Her research provides new potential targets for interventions aimed at helping children make friends and get along with peers."
• Dr. Lia Noelle Kendall: "Dr. Kendall studied how cartoony faces, such as in comics or emojis, are processed when compared to photorealistic faces. She found evidence that illuminated how cartoony images are processed faster and more easily than photorealistic images, which may underlie their use in broader applications."
• Dr. Jessica Leanne Pow: "Dr. Pow examined the social support process. She found that what people think is at stake during stressful situations might play a role in shaping the support process. She also found that the type of support mobilized is related to fluctuations in pain intensity for those with rheumatoid arthritis."
• Dr. Sara Colalillo: "Dr. Colalillo examined how characteristics of mothers, such as memory, self-control, personality, and attitudes toward parenting, are linked to their parenting behaviors. She found that these relations differ depending on the nature of the childrearing context. This research sheds light on the complexity of parenting and parent-child interactions."

Doctor of Philosophy (Rehabilitation Sciences)

• Dr. Megan Kathleen MacGillivray: "Dr. MacGillivray studied wheelchair training in older adults. She conducted a randomized controlled trial to determine the efficacy of motor skill-based wheelchair propulsion training. Results showed that older adults significantly improved their wheelchair propulsion biomechanics with training but not with unguided practice."
• Dr. Bolette Skjodt Rafn: "Dr. Rafn's research focused on delivery of rehabilitation for women with breast cancer. She provided insight into the experiences and preferences for delivery, and developed resources to support self-managed detection and rehabilitation of issues. This work may improve early detection, access to care, and prevent the development of chronic issues."
• Dr. Stephanie Miranda Nadine Glegg: "Dr. Glegg's research informs the use of network analysis as a method to study the social drivers that mobilize evidence-informed change in healthcare. Research and healthcare centres can apply the social and organizational strategies she identified, to support faster access to the safest, most effective healthcare innovations for Canadians."
• Dr. Emma Maria Smith: "Dr. Smith developed a training program facilitated by novel technology, to teach older adults with memory loss to drive powered wheelchairs. Her research explored the skills required for powered wheelchair use and demonstrated that individuals with memory loss are capable of learning to use a powered wheelchair, promoting mobility and independence."

Doctor of Philosophy (Reproductive and Developmental Sciences)

• Dr. Dylan Alexandra Cutler: "Polycystic ovary syndrome, known as PCOS, affects up to 18% of women worldwide. Dr. Cutler examined the impact of nutrition on the metabolic, reproductive and mental health of women. Her findings support the need for more comprehensive treatment options for PCOS."

Doctor of Philosophy (Resources, Environment and Sustainability)

• Dr. Abhishek Kar: "Dr. Kar studied how and why millions of rural poor in Asia and Africa continue to use polluting cooking fuels like firewood even after adopting clean fuels like gas. He mapped the fuel transition process and its underlying behavioural determinants. He recommends that policymakers focus on behaviour change interventions for clean fuel adopters."

Doctor of Philosophy (Social Work)

• Dr. Sevinj Asgarova: "Dr. Asgarova explored the experiences of mothers who received a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome for their baby and decided to continue their pregnancy. This research study assists us in understanding the social, informational and emotional needs of these mothers, and provides insight as to how their experience could be improved."

Doctor of Philosophy (Sociology)

• Dr. Jing Zhao: "Dr. Zhao investigated the fertility processes of Chinese immigrants in Canada. Her Embodied Dynamic model explains institutional, relational, and situational dynamics that shape how people cope simultaneously with immigration and childbearing. She argued how immigrants are received and screened channel them into different reproduction paths."
• Dr. Cary Zhiming Wu: "Dr. Wu investigated whether people are trusting because of how they are raised or if they constantly adjust their trust in response to life experiences. He examined moving from a high to a low trust place and how mothers and fathers play different roles in shaping trust of their children. This research shows that people learn to trust early in life through socialization and that learned trust persists into adulthood."

Doctor of Philosophy (Statistics)

• Dr. Bo Chang: "Dr. Chang studied vine copulas, a hierarchical graphic tool used in statistics and probability distributions. He found that vine copulas relax the restrictive assumptions in classical multivariate Gaussian elliptical dependence. This work can be applied to machine learning and used in real-world data sets such as stock indices and weather."
• Dr. Harlan Campbell: "Dr. Campbell examined how publication policy impacts the reliability of scientific research from a statistical perspective. He proposed novel policy prescriptions and modelled how adopting these could transform the incentives driving research. This work aims to address the reproducibility crisis and issues of publication bias."

Doctor of Philosophy (Teaching English as a Second Language)

• Dr. Natalia Balyasnikova: "Dr. Balyasnikova examined English language learning trajectories of older immigrants to Canada. Her research highlights the importance of creating tailored educational programs for this population. As part of her study, Dr. Balyasnikova developed curriculum that can be used in diverse instructional contexts."

Doctor of Philosophy (Zoology)

• Dr. David Wesley Didier: "Dr. Didier found evidence of a previously unreported membrane steroid receptor in a Basel vertebrate. This work has wide ranging implications for our understanding of steroid/receptor evolution in vertebrates."
• Dr. Laura Melissa Guzman Uribe: "Dr. Guzman studied how food webs change when species have different body sizes or when they move different distances. These studies help us understand how food webs can persist through time. She also complemented her scientific research with a study aimed at improving undergraduate science student learning."

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (Finance)

• Dr. Tianyao Zhang: "Dr. Zhang studied how institutional investors, such as mutual funds, specialize in a different class of assets. Based on empirical evidence, he developed a model that relates an institution's investment horizon with the characteristics of its stock holdings. His work contributes to the understanding of the behavior of financial institutions."
• Dr. Jiri Knesl: "Dr. Knesl studied how technological innovations affect firms, households and stock prices. His work connects technological improvements to movements of stock prices by looking at how technology affects different types of labor. His empirical evidence shows a specific connection between macro economy and stock markets."

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (Marketing)

• Dr. Miremad Soleymanian: "Dr. Soleymanian studied Usage-Based Auto Insurance in which drivers allow their private data to be monitored in return for potential lower premiums. He found that monitored motorists became safer and earned discounts, but more readily dropped out when their privacy concerns were raised, suggesting a complex link among privacy, price, and public policy."

Doctor of Philosophy in Music (Emphasis Ethnomusicology)

• Dr. Curtis Terry David Andrews: "Dr. Andrews explored indigenous spirituality in rural Ghana, focusing upon the intersections between music, ritual, and social development. His research illuminated the importance of recognizing and supporting indigenous spirituality as a key agent in mitigating cultural loss and how it contributes to a community's resilience."

Doctor of Philosophy in Music (Emphasis Theory)

• Dr. Christopher Joseph Gainey: "Dr. Gainey developed a method for using the harmonic series as an analytical referent to explain the overlapping roles of timbre and harmony in spectral music, and how these roles reflect deeply ingrained features of our auditory cognition."