A doctoral citation summarizes the nature of the independent research, provides a high-level overview of the study, states the significance of the work and says who will benefit from the findings in clear, non-specialized language, so that members of a lay audience will understand it.
| Year | Citation | NID |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Dr. Karimibiuki studied security solutions for dynamic systems within the Internet-of-Things (IoT), such as drones and rovers. He developed mathematical-based methods to detect software vulnerabilities in mobile computer systems such as drones. His work enables the detection of malicious behaviors in autonomous IoT systems. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2020 | Dr. Shim found that the protein CD45 regulates red blood cell progenitors in the spleen, which protect mice from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by interacting with cells in the spleen. This work shows the importance of CD45 as a modulator of immune response and suggests a novel approach to treating the systemic inflammation associated with IBD. | Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology (PhD) |
| 2020 | Dr. Azimi developed an efficient representation for digital colors based on the human visual system in order to improve the color quality of HDR videos without increasing the required bandwidth. Her results showed that her method can be effectively used for efficient compression in video transmission, outperforming current practices. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2020 | Dr. Ai developed a photo-acoustic imaging system through optical excitation and acoustic detection to illuminate the prostate from within the urethra using a transurethral probe. This technique will improve the detection and imaging of malignant tissue and prostate cancer. | Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering (PhD) |
| 2020 | Dr. Vig examined an important literary genre within the Sikh tradition called gurbilas, written in Brajbhasha, and located it within the cultural and religious context of early modern North India (c. 1500-1850). Her research opens up a rich world of shared imaginaries between the Sikhs and other religious communities, as well as cultural worlds. | Doctor of Philosophy in Asian Studies (PhD) |
| 2020 | Dr. Mohseni studied matrix defects in aerospace composites manufacturing. He developed analytical models and approaches for process optimization to minimize waste and reduce the manufacturing cost, especially for small enterprises. This research will inform improvements to cure cycle design, which will enable defect-free part manufacturing. | Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Engineering (PhD) |
| 2020 | Dr. McDowell examined how people living in the Nepal Himalayas and Peruvian Andes are adapting to changes in glacial hydrology. His work makes substantive contributions to how adaptation is studied in mountain areas, as well as what we know about and can do to address adaptation needs in mountain communities at the frontlines of climate change. | Doctor of Philosophy in Resources, Environment and Sustainability (PhD) |
| 2020 | Dr. Fry compared language analyses derived by humans and machines. He demonstrated that unsupervised machine learning is able to generate language analyses that are comparable to those generated by humans. His research adds to the growing dialogue that machine learning has become a useful tool for theoretical linguists. | Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics (PhD) |
| 2020 | Dr. Crippen studied the endangered Tlingit (CLING-kit) language of Alaska, BC, & Yukon. He showed that its complex verb has an internal structure that is fundamentally the same as whole sentences in other languages. His work fits Tlingit into the larger theory of human language structure and supports its revitalization within the Tlingit community. | Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics (PhD) |
| 2020 | Dr. Toselli studied pancreatic beta-cell development and regeneration. She created a new model to study and track beta-cells and discovered important cues for beta-cell development and regeneration. Her work gives us a better understanding of pancreas biology and renewal. | Doctor of Philosophy in Cell and Developmental Biology (PhD) |
| 2020 | Dr. Wang investigated the complex socio-ecological changes being experienced by local communities in two protected areas in China. Her findings show that the livelihoods of local people can be adversely affected by unreasonable government structure and institutional arrangements, and that the provision of alternative livelihood options is critical. | Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD) |
| 2020 | Dr. Farahbod studied gene expression in human tissues and showed that observed patterns of expression can be attributed to the diverse cellular composition of the samples. By characterizing this feature of expression data, her study assists us in furthering our knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms behind the regulation of gene expression. | Doctor of Philosophy in Bioinformatics (PhD) |
| 2020 | Dr. Chung developed new automated technologies to solve difficult problems relevant to modern organic chemistry. By providing access to data-rich information, these technologies have the potential to alleviate bottlenecks in chemical process development in both academic and industrial settings, with an overall reduction in time and resources. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD) |
| 2020 | Dr. Le Renard studied the evolution of fly-speck fungi, microfungi growing on the surfaces of plants and abundant as fossils. He analyzed the evolutionary relationships of living fungi using DNA, compared their anatomy to fossils, and described three new fossils. This comparative work sheds light on the evolution of a very diverse group of fungi. | Doctor of Philosophy in Botany (PhD) |
| 2020 | Dr. Chen investigated the removal of hemicellulose sugars from pine and the use of such sugars by the pulp and paper industry. She developed a model to track changes in hemicellulose size during extraction, and used these sugars to increase paper strength. Her thesis identifies important strategies for adding value to existing biorefinery products. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical and Biological Engineering (PhD) |
| 2020 | Dr. McClymont examined multiple aspects of HPV vaccination in women living with HIV. She found that while the vaccine has good efficacy, the post-vaccination burden of oncogenic HPV suggests that cervical screening remains important. These findings will inform the World Health Organization's global strategy for eliminating cervical cancer. | |
| 2020 | Dr. Ramos Musalem studied how submarine canyons that incise the continental shelf enhance the exchange of tracers, such as nutrients and dissolved gases, between the deep ocean and the shallow shelf. Her research provided a link between biological productivity and biodiversity around the canyons and the dynamics within the canyons. | Doctor of Philosophy in Oceanography (PhD) |
| 2020 | Dr. Cheng studied the spectral design of silicon waveguide-based integrated Bragg gratings (IBGs), which are used as filters to block certain wavelengths, or as wavelength-specific reflectors. This work facilitates the use of IBGs in applications where customized spectral responses are required, like optical communications and signal processing. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2020 | Dr. Kunimoto discovered 17 new planets outside of the Solar System, including one that may be considered potentially habitable. She also analyzed her planet catalogue to reveal important information about planet formation and evolution theories. Her results indicate that there may be as many as one Earth-like planet for every five Sun-like stars. | Doctor of Philosophy in Astronomy (PhD) |
| 2020 | Dr. Heieis investigated how cellular metabolism allows immune cells to respond in various scenarios of disease. He found that T cells have different requirements for glucose when fighting parasites versus bacterial infections. This research will have future implications in the development of immune-based therapies for infection and autoimmunity. | Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology (PhD) |
| 2020 | One of the important technical challenges of heavy viscous oils concerns cost-effective transportation. Dr. Sarmadi used theoretical and computational methods to investigate a novel triple-layer core-annular lubricated pipeline flow. Her study established a novel method for the stable and efficient transport of highly viscous oils. | Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD) |
| 2020 | Dr. Fawcett developed a Family-Centred Positive Behaviour Support (FCPBS) approach for families of young children with Down syndrome and behavioural challenges, the first of its kind at the secondary tier. This program was effective in improving the children's behaviour, decreasing parental stress levels, and enriching family quality of life. | Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education (PhD) |
| 2020 | Dr. Mang developed an anti-whiplash car seat that adjusts seat hinge and seatback deformation to mitigate the risk of whiplash injuries following low-speed, rear-end collisions. The anti-whiplash seat reduces occupant head and neck responses evoked by low-speed rear-end collision, paving the way for safer cars in the future. | Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology (PhD) |
| 2020 | Dr. Alkouatli's research explored pedagogies for teaching Islam to children and youth. She discerned a three-part typography that engages with unique learner dimensions, the need for Canadian cultural relevance, and the importance of esoteric interactions. This research highlights new directions in Islamic education research and teacher education. | Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development, Learning, and Culture (PhD) |
| 2020 | Dr. Bi investigated cell behavior in the regulation of periodontal disease. He found that a receptor molecule plays a central role in the regulation of periodontal inflammation and bone loss through transforming growth factor and epidermal growth factor receptor signaling. This research will impact treatment methods for periodontal diseases. | Doctor of Philosophy in Craniofacial Science (PhD) |