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. Coleman studied photo-receptors, which are cells in the eye that detect light. He discovered a protein that transports lipids and is necessary for normal vision and photo-receptor structure. His research illuminates the function of an essential process common to all cell types and contributes to our knowledge of human neuro-degenerative diseases. | Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Chruscicki identified a new biological mechanism that regulates access to genetic information inside cells. Using next-generation DNA sequencing he showed how a molecular tether, termed FACT, promotes gene expression. This work enhances our understanding of basic biology and may lead to new approaches to treat cancer. | Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Lecault developed miniature cell culture devices to monitor hundreds of single cells at once. She applied this microfluidic technology to study the growth characteristics of blood stem cells and to screen antibody-producing clones. Her work provides new tools to facilitate stem cell research and to accelerate the development of therapeutics. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical and Biological Engineering (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Spector examined the concept of cosmopolitanism through theory, world events and literature. She argues that a cosmopolitan education is built upon hospitality to and responsibility for others in an increasingly interconnected and codependent world. This study increases philosophical understandings of what it means to be a human being. | Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum Studies (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Glenn examined the physical properties of the materials that comprise seaweed tissues. His research showed that differences in material properties among seaweeds impact their success in wave-swept shorelines and influence ecological and evolutionary processes | Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Phelps examined forces of globalization as experienced by international doctoral students. She found that students pursue PhDs abroad to develop global assets that will advance their careers and other ambitions. Insights from this study may compel universities to become more responsive to the complex educational purposes of these students. | Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Johnston's work lies at the intersection between morality and beauty. He developed a theory of judgment that is sensitive to both, thus unifying, in part, ethics and aesthetics. This theory relies on the agent's skill of carefully getting to know the item up for judgment. His theory will have impact in ethics, aesthetics, and art education | Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Jha responded to the demand for expanded wireless services. He developed Cognitive Radio, a technique to give unlicensed wireless network users access to bands in the radio spectrum not used by licensed companies, such as Bell Mobility. Cognitive Radio promises to increase the availability of services for next generation wireless networks. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Nassar examined how light penetration, or attenuation, affects the heating of lakes. She found that accounting for time and wavelength variation in light attenuation is crucial when predicting the heating of lakes. This research illuminates the importance of accurately modeling light attenuation in physical lake models. | Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Kelson spent 12 months doing research in a BC long-term care facility. She learned that staff face multiple challenges, such as time constraints, in the quest to deliver person-centred care. The study showed that residents long for social connections and greater access to everyday activities to give their life meaning and create a sense of home. | Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Deng studied the life and literature of a sixth-century Chinese poet named Xiao Gang. Her research challenges the traditional criticism of Xiao and his Palace Style poetry and contributes to a long-needed reinterpretation of Chinese literature during the Period of Division. | Doctor of Philosophy in Asian Studies (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Oberle examined factors that relate to positive development and resilience in early adolescence. Her research showed that family, school, and community support are crucial for positive growth in youth. She also found that the social and emotional competencies of young adolescents are critically related to their academic success in school. | Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development, Learning, and Culture (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Hamieh conducted her research in Pure Mathematics. She studied the special values of certain mathematical functions known as L-functions, building on recent major advances. Her results extend and generalize existing work on this topic and connect to some outstanding unsolved problems in algebraic number theory, giving it wide application. | Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Anupam Singhal developed technology to discover new antibody proteins for both basic research and therapeutic applications. The technology allows the selection of hundreds of new antibodies in a few days. Future technological refinements should facilitate the discovery of therapeutics for cancer, arthritis, as well as bacterial and viral infections. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical and Biological Engineering (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Li studied ways the fish populations in the Strait of Georgia were affected by harbour seals, the impact of invasive species, and zooplankton. She found that changes in any one of those species could lead to changes in many species through the food webs in the ecosystem. Therefore, ecosystem-based management is highly recommended. | Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Neville explored debates over biofuels during fieldwork in eastern Africa. She found these fuels were only the latest flashpoint in a long history of conflicts between communities, governments, and corporations. She established a framework to explain cycles of control and resistance over these and other controversial global commodity markets. | Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Thi studied human white blood cells that are critical to fighting infection. She identified host factors that enhance white cell function and discovered a novel bacterial effector that suppresses these cells. The results of her studies significantly enhance our knowledge of host resistance to infection. | Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Johnston explored the experiences of women diagnosed with breast cancer and how they came to understand themselves & their self-identities post-diagnosis. The findings provide preliminary understandings of ways that counselling psychology research, theory & practice can expand to support the growing population of women living with breast cancer. | Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Rosen conducted experimental research into the physics of high-temperature superconductors. He demonstrated the existence of a temperature-dependent charge-density-wave, thereby establishing a new physical description for the surface of high-temperature superconductors. | Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Hoffman studied the problem of how to make optimal decisions in uncertain environments. In particular he developed algorithms which translate questions of decision making into problems of statistical inference. This framework greatly expands the ability of these methods to attack complex decision problems. | Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Hughesman developed a powerful model for predicting the stability of chemically modified duplex DNA. He also developed a new technique for sensitive detection of mutations in genomic DNA associated with cancer. Clinical assays based on this technology are now used by the Cancer Genetics Laboratory of the BC Cancer Agency to analyze patient samples. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical and Biological Engineering (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Duff 's study focussed on British literature and culture at the time Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister. She uncovered issues related to British public and private urban space, national identity and emergent forms of historical identities and citizenship. | Doctor of Philosophy in English (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Sun conducted research in the field of cancer biology. While investigating the molecular mechanism of cancer progression, he discovered a novel signaling protein complex that is critical in controlling the invasion of human cancer cells. Dr. Sun's work sheds light on tumor metastasis and reveals new approaches for effective cancer treatment | Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Rasuli's study focussed on the function of shovels used in the mining industry. The results of his research contribute to the development of intelligent shovel excavation technology, including the study of diggability in surface mining, the monitoring of interactive forces during excavation, and enhanced safety and productivity during dump-truck loading. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. McKenzie used population genetic techniques and breeding experiments to describe the factors that help keep two subspecies of killifish distinct. She found that the two subspecies rarely mate in the lab, and that hybrid offspring are rare in nature. This research provides insights into factors maintaining and promoting the evolution of species. | Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (PhD) |