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 | Program |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Dr. Klyuzhin developed new methods of image reconstruction and analysis in positron emission tomography. He found that geometrical features measured from brain images can track the progression of Parkinson's disease. This knowledge will help discover new therapies for neurological disorders and improve the diagnostic accuracy of brain imaging. | Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Park examined the properties of heavy proton-rich atomic nuclei by analyzing their radioactive decays. His new and more precise findings serve as benchmark tests of modern theories of nuclear structure, and are used as inputs of nuclear astrophysics models to investigate the origin of heavy elements in the universe. | Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Tung developed a design procedure and validation technology for earthquake resilient structures. Such structures aim to minimize repair costs and expedite recovery time. His procedure is simple to implement, and the technology is cost-effective. Researchers, engineers, and the general public will all benefit from his research outcomes. | Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Yang studied the gentrification process in Chinese cities. She examined how state actions have attracted middle-class newcomers to the inner city and penalises or reconciles current working-class residents. The study assists us in understanding the state-society relations in China. | Doctor of Philosophy in Geography (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Yu studied self-assembled monolayers using a specially developed single crystal Au bead electrode. Combined with various spectroelectrochemical techniques, his method has shown numerous advantages and can be widely applied to investigate and optimize biosensing interfaces. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. He created a 3D network structure in wood composites by structural modification. Such structural modification significantly improved properties of the composite. This innovative approach will aid product development in the wood composites industry to compete with other advanced composite materials for demanding applications. | Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Li examined the physical, structural and chemical properties of mine waste in various milling environments. Specifically, she looked at how the serpentine group of minerals effects the activation of the partially-serpentinized olivine minerals. Her findings assist us in achieving more effective milling methods. | Doctor of Philosophy in Mining Engineering (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Housden examined nurse practitioner-led group medical visits (GMVs) in primary care for patients with chronic conditions. Meta-analysis found GMVs had positive effects on clinical outcomes. Analysis of case-studies indicated GMVs disrupted power differentials between patients and providers, yet contributed to challenges in nurse practitioners offering group appointments. | Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) |
| 2017 | Virotherapy uses biotechnology to reprogram viruses enabling them to treat diseases. Dr. Delwar's doctoral studies focused on anticancer virotherapy to treat brain tumours. His research revealed different strategies to enhance the therapeutic potential of a herpes virus-based, anti-tumour therapy. | Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Siuta improved wind forecasts in complex terrain through selective model configuration. His work will allow energy planners to trust wind power forecasts, allow for better integration of wind energy into electric grids, and save consumers money. He also improved the representation of wind profiles on mountain tops. | Doctor of Philosophy in Atmospheric Science (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Sharbatdar has developed a new error estimation method that can be used mainly for numerical aerodynamics applications. This novel method helps to design airplanes more efficiently and to predict the drag and lift forces on them more accurately. | Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Saranchova studied the gene expression changes in tumours during the transition of primary tumour to its deadly metastatic form. She proposed a novel immunotherapeutic approach for cancer treatment and discovered the first independent immune biomarker for human prostate cancer that can become an important tool for predicting cancer outcomes. | Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Attewell explored how the United States Agency for International Development has historically practiced development as a form of security in rural Afghanistan. Through a consideration of three different case studies, his dissertation helps us better understand the banal violence of USAID's development interventions in Afghanistan. | Doctor of Philosophy in Geography (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Cully studied the use of virtualization to improve applications without modifying them. He showed that powerful features could be built directly into virtual hardware to protect ordinary systems from hardware failures and performance problems. This approach can make many of today's applications more reliable than they currently are. | Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Huminuik investigated the mental health implications of Canada's refugee policy. Given that many refugees have survived torture and persecution, she concludes that a systemic trauma-informed approach could increase protection for claimants. Her findings contribute to the field of psychology and will inform professionals who serve refugees. | Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Slowski studied the contribution of small RNA genes, known as microRNAs, to the progression of blood cancers. She developed a novel method to characterize the loss of microRNAs, leading to the discovery of a potentially cancer-related microRNA. This will lead to improved models of microRNA loss and prevent complications in gene therapy. | Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Oncology (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Suarez-Gonzalez used genomics to identify genetic markers associated with traits of ecological and economical interest in natural tree hybrids. Her findings contribute to our understanding of adaptive introgression as a source of important genetic variation and have great potential for forest management in the face of climate change. | Doctor of Philosophy in Botany (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Dominelli studied the sex-differences in the respiratory system and how they can influence the integrative response to exercise. He found that women, owing to their smaller airways, have a higher oxygen cost of breathing. He also showed that the higher work of breathing in women can have a greater influence on locomotor muscle fatigue. | Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Devriese showed that electromagnetic methods can be used to monitor steam floods below the ground surface over time. The work was primarily geared towards enhanced hydrocarbon recovery. However, her findings are also applicable to improving management of other subsurface resources, such as groundwater and contamination plumes. | Doctor of Philosophy in Geophysics (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Jenkin explored the process of expiration in various rodent species. She found that typically the intercostal and abdominal muscles are silenced, but that under certain conditions, these muscles become active to enhance the volume and flow rates of the breath. Her work expands our knowledge of how the brain controls breathing in mammals. | Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Sauer studied the structural and economic attributes of a novel cable supported bridge system. His research enables decision makers to evaluate the system against their specific project needs and, where suitable, it provides engineers with the tools required to achieve an optimal design. | Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Jamshidi studied a rare cancer called epithelioid sarcoma. His results show that while it is a complex disease, inhibition of a specific protein called EZH2 can be of therapeutic value. His work has resulted in the inclusion of epithelioid sarcoma in EZH2 inhibitor clinical trials in the US and Canada. | Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy (MDPhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Ranamukhaarachchi focused his research on microneedles to replace hypodermic needles during injections and blood draws. He studied the mechanics of skin during microneedle insertion for fluid injections and biosensing. His work yielded insight into the development of medical devices to change how drugs are administered and replace blood tests. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. McKenzie studied the quantum physics of magnetic materials. He examined magnetic phase transitions, analogous to the transition between water and ice, at extremely low temperatures. This research is relevant to the development of quantum computation, as well as being of fundamental interest in quantum physics. | Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD) |
| 2017 | Dr. Coia developed a flexible statistical approach for forecasting extreme events such as big floods and large insurance claims, by carefully garnering information from precursors. He also identified a new probabilistic model that can allow a varying level of risk. This research will allow us to better develop early warning systems for disasters. | Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics (PhD) |