Doctoral Citations

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
2013 Dr. Martin examined the changing nature of pre-marital co-habitation over the twentieth century, and the impact on later marital stability. His work highlights ways in which changing social norms influence union formation patterns, and how marital stability is more closely associated with filtering mechanisms than pathways to union . Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology (PhD)
2013 Dr. Szakay investigated how a bilingual person's first and second languages are connected in the mind. She studied English-Maori bilingual New Zealanders, and established a new type of connection based on the ethnic dialect of a speaker. Her results have practical implications for facilitating language processing in the second language classroom. . Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics (PhD)
2013 Dr. Cajiao developed a mathematical model that streamlined the drug discovery process for a neutralizing agent to the anticoagulant fondaparinux. Since fondaparinux is a superior alternative to current anticoagulants, this research will greatly impact the health care system, the therapeutic field, and patient safety. Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering (PhD)
2013 Dr. Dahabieh's work in the Sadowski laboratory focused on studying how the genes of the HIV virus are regulated. He also developed new technologies to examine the ways in which HIV gene regulation promotes viral persistence. Such technologies are vital to identifying novel therapies that may be used in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PhD)
2013 Dr. He's research is related to the supply chain of woody biomass intended for bioenergy production. She studied accelerated drying of woody materials, and developed experimental techniques to analyze gas emissions from stored biomass. Her work can help the industry to better manage these materials with potential economic benefits. Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical and Biological Engineering (PhD)
2013 Dr. Guo studied the internal heat generation and thermal properties of wood pellets. Based on experimental results, she developed a mathematical model to simulate the temperature developing process and auto ignition during long term storage. This research provides guidance for prevention of spontaneous combustion in commercial wood pellet silos. Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical and Biological Engineering (PhD)
2013 Dr. Naduvile-Veettil wants to save the planet by helping the world to get over its addiction to oil! He focussed on the key step of converting wood pellets to ethanol that can be used as fuel. His research focused on ways a simple process such as steam pre-treatment can be made effective, to break down the complex structure of wood into sugars that become fuel. Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD)
2013 Dr. Phuyal's research focused on developing next generation wireless communication systems. He proposed novel algorithms to efficiently utilize scarce radio resources. These algorithms enable us to provide higher data rates to mobile communication users. They also increase energy efficiency and promote sustainable green communication. Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD)
2013 Dr. Hill investigated waterless human waste management at remote sites. His study exposed the costs and impacts of poorly designed systems including composting toilets. Novel urine-diverting toilets showed much more promise for nutrient recovery, safety, and cost. Recently, this topic has attracted considerable funding from the Gates Foundation Doctor of Philosophy in Geography (PhD)
2013 Dr. Semaka studied a rare genetic test result for Huntington disease called an intermediate allele. Using a unique combination of molecular and qualitative techniques, her data were translated into genetic counselling implications, which will improve genetic testing for patients and families impacted by Huntington disease around the world. Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Genetics (PhD)
2013 Dr. Yamane used ultrasound imaging to test whether certain consonants in Japanese that were thought to vary in their production actually have a specific tongue position. Her study revealed that speakers use individualized tongue postures to make these sounds. This research illuminates a hidden contrast in how speakers distinguish sounds in language. . Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics (PhD)
2013 Dr. Bennoun developed new models in the area of quantum algebra and studied their connections to other mathematical concepts. These new objects and methods will help us better understand both the models used in theoretical physics and the interactions of the fundamental particles forming the matter. Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics (PhD)
2013 Dr. Grimes researched radiation dose calculations in cancer patients being treated by the injection of radio-labelled pharmaceuticals. He investigated and developed tools for the performance of patient-specific dose estimates in the busy clinical environment, where patient care can potentially be improved through a more personalized approach. Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD)
2013 Dr. Rasmussen completed a regional study of granitic rocks in eastern Yukon and the southwestern Northwest Territories. Her dissertation provides new information on the age, distribution, and origin of these economically important rocks. This synthesis benefits those studying and searching for metals in the Canadian Cordillera. Doctor of Philosophy in Geological Sciences (PhD)
2013 Dr. Davies identified the process by which a single protein can transform normal cells into breast tumour cells. These cells were found to belong to the triple-negative breast cancer subtype, the most aggressive form of the disease. His work uncovered therapeutic strategies that target the cause, rather than the consequences, of breast cancer. Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD)
2013 Dr. Wylie examined the barriers to health care faced by ethnically diverse communities, and how they are addressed by institutions and agencies in Vancouver and Montreal. She found that most strategies focus narrowly on language issues. She concluded that in order to have inclusive health care organizations, we need to address the full range of barriers. Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD)
2013 Dr. Xu developed methods for capturing, post-processing, and displaying 3D images and videos. Her contributions have significantly improved the quality of viewing experience of 3D cinemas, 3D home theaters, and 3D mobile devices, providing the viewers with true-to-life experiences. Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD)
2013 Dr. Apel studied a bacterium called Campylobacter jejuni, which causes severe food poisoning. By exploring the ways in which the bacterium senses and responds to different environmental conditions, his research provided key insights into how this prevalent pathogen survives inside animal hosts and causes disease in humans. Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology (PhD)
2013 Dr. Armstrong developed a method of documenting problem posing patterns that emerge as small groups of students work collectively on a mathematics task. This research illuminates group work in school mathematics as a creative and improvisational process. Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum Studies (PhD)
2013 Dr. Kazemzadeh studied antimicrobial coatings which aim to prevent infections in orthopedic implants. Orthopedic infections are a main challenge in surgery and can cost $50,000 per patient to treat. He successfully developed several approaches for the local delivery of novel antimicrobial peptides loaded into the coatings on titanium implants. Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering (PhD)
2013 Dr. Hiebert studied age-related skin disorders. He showed that Granzyme B, an enzyme produced during chronic inflammation, contributes to skin aging and to the persistence of chronic wounds that do not heal. These findings help to explain age-related skin disorders like chronic wound healing, and may contribute to improved treatment. Doctor of Philosophy in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PhD)
2013 Dr. Aliabadi studied the interaction between a hospital ward ventilation system and the spread of diseases through coughs and sneezes. He investigated the spread of airborne droplets in a ventilated recovery room. His work revealed ways to reduce hospital energy demand while providing a healthy environment for care-givers and patients in healthcare premises Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD)
2013 Dr. Haghshenas developed a numerical model to simulate changes in polymer composites during manufacturing. This research helps industries such as aerospace to better predict the final shape of their product, minimize residual forces, and reduce the manufacturing costs of, for instance, Boeing 787 Dreamliner that is made of 50 per cent composites. Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering (PhD)
2013 Dr. Dubrawski studied the electrochemistry of nanoparticle generation. He conducted experiments on using them to treat drinking water in rural and Aboriginal communities in Canada and for arsenic removal from well water in rural India. His findings will contribute to nanoparticle science and to global efforts to provide clean and safe drinking water. Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical and Biological Engineering (PhD)
2013 Dr. Elisia examined the effects of different types of vitamin E on the risk of intestinal inflammation in infants. She discovered that the type of vitamin E present in vegetable oil and infant formula is associated with more inflammation than the vitamin E dominant in human milk. These findings will contribute to research into infant health and feeding. Doctor of Philosophy in Food Science (PhD)

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