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. Soewono researched the techniques used to measure soot particulates released into the environment as by-products of combustion. The accuracy of optical-based instruments used to measure the soot is crucial, particularly for the study of aerosol science. Findings from this study will assist in estimating the impact of soot on the global climate. | Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Hanna investigated genetic and environmental risk factors for recurrent miscarriages in women. She found that elevated risk of recurrent miscarriage is associated with markers of accelerated aging and stress. This work has helped elucidate some of the complexity of this condition and provided a basis for future research. | Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Genetics (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Alasaad investigated the ways in which users in wireless community networks share the costs of Internet access. He developed a system that enables services, such as content sharing and group communications over the wireless community network. The system can be deployed commercially, and users can enjoy these services in a wide range of conditions. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Sadeghi developed integrated circuit design techniques for acquiring and processing data in high-temperature applications such as aerospace, automotive, pulp and paper, and oil fields. He proposed inexpensive and simple temperature compensation techniques, and validated them by designing proof-of-concept circuits for existing mainstream technology. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Zheng explored the chemical bond strength in metallo-proteins. For the first time, the mechanical strength of a single ferric-thiolate bond in a protein was measured. His research significantly advances our knowledge of the nature of chemical bonds and paves the way for further studies. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Golparian's research is an artist/researcher/teacher's post-colonial inquiry into the concepts of home, language, unbelonging, Othering, invisibility, exoticism, pain and ethics of in-between. Her aesthetic self-exploration highlights a sensitive pedagogy of representation in art education in engaging with the theme of displaced displacement. | Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum Studies (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Badinier studied the mechanical properties of high strength steels dedicated to automotive applications. He proposed a physically-based model to capture the behaviour of that particular family of steels. This model can help steel manufacturers in orienting the development of new products that will be used in tomorrow's cars. | Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Engineering (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Roth examined the Northwest Coast artware industry, which reproduces Aboriginal designs on everyday objects. She showed that, pressured by its Aboriginal stakeholders, this capitalist market is being shaped by an obligation to "give back" typical of potlatch societies, where status is gained not by wealth but through public acts of redistribution. | Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Harinath studied control and optimization strategies for industrial processes to minimize energy consumption while maintaining or improving product quality. He developed a process optimization algorithm and applied it to a Thermo-Mechanical Pulping process resulting in a reduction of more than 10% in energy consumption. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. McGillivray's study focussed on the five new teaching-intensive universities that were established in British Columbia in 2008. She studied the challenges of internal governance at those universities. Her conclusions highlighted the connection between democracy and university governance and will contribute to the literature on Higher Education. | Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy (EdD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Chin developed a new method of radiation delivery that can more precisely target lung cancers while reducing exposure to the patient's healthy tissue. This technique allows doctors to prescribe higher radiation doses to the tumour without increasing the risk of treatment complications, and this significantly improves the chances of patient survival. | Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Markwei investigated the everyday-life, information-seeking behaviour of urban homeless youth in Accra, Ghana. The findings highlight their everyday life needs, information seeking behaviours, the importance of their social network of friends in meeting their needs, and the policy and practical changes that would improve the lives of the youth. | Doctor of Philosophy in Library, Archival and Information Studies (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Blight studied seagulls to ask what they can tell us about our environment. She used historical records, museum specimens, and modern data to measure changes in their population numbers, egg production, and diet since 1860. Her results show that gulls can be used to monitor long-term changes in the marine environment of British Columbia and elsewhere. | Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Blenner-Hassett examined the effects of light, water, and nutrients on small tree growth across gradients of light and site quality near Kamloops, BC. He subsequently applied his findings to develop a spatially explicit small tree growth model capable of predicting seedling and sapling growth under a wide range of stand conditions. | Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Howard developed the first snowpack model for groomed ski runs, to forecast snow conditions for alpine ski racing. Her model captured the effects of snow crushing by skiers and snowcats, and included heat radiated from trees. She successfully simulated snow conditions for the 2010 Winter Olympics at Whistler. | Doctor of Philosophy in Atmospheric Science (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Moore studied Arctic char, a salmonid fish of great importance for the Inuit people of Nunavut. His work used molecular approaches to study post-glacial recolonization and migratory behaviour of the species, and his findings have implications for fisheries management and conservation. | Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Jafarnejad conducted research into the human cancer, melanoma. His work revealed that the biological pathway downstream of the gene Sox4 is abnormal in cancer cells, and that plays an important role in the development of melanoma. These findings can lead toward the invention of new treatments for this disease. | Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Sullivan explored ways in which queer students engage with the UBC campus. She created a mapping method to reveal how these students use spatial cues to identify where they might encounter homophobia, transphobia and the privileging of heterosexuality. This research shows that queer students identify risky spaces and create queer spaces on campus. | Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Bower examined global compliance with the ban on antipersonnel landmines and the International Criminal Court. He showed that these treaties can re-shape state policies even when they are opposed by powerful actors. This research sheds light on how diplomacy without the great powers can succeed and holds implications for a wide range of issues. | Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Dezhdar studied the response of high-rise concrete shear-wall buildings under seismic excitation. He developed simplified models that give a better prediction of the seismic demands on concrete shear walls. Dr. Dezhdar's research will contribute to the civil engineers' knowledge of the seismic response of concrete shear wall buildings. | Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Talukdar studied the effects of climate change on concrete infrastructure. He developed a numerical model to determine carbonation rates in structures such as concrete buildings and bridges. His work shows that climate change may leave our infrastructure more vulnerable to carbonation induced corrosion in the future. | Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Kim studied the psychological distress of adults born with congenital heart disease. She found that people who have a perception of inadequate support from family and friends, and who frequently use wishful thinking strategies to cope with stressors, experience a higher level of anxiety and depression. | Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Yi designed and studied a series of new technologies for recovering energy and nutrients from wastewater. He found that by using delicate controls, the new technologies could result in substantial returns in resource recovery. This research contributes to initiatives leading to more sustainable waste management practices. | Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Matthews examined intellectual, literary, and scientific approaches to understanding nature in 19th-century Canada. She studied the language types and scientific systems that women used to describe the environment. Drawing on meteorology, botany, zoology and ornithology, Dr. Matthews rethinks both nature writing and women's writing in Canada. | Doctor of Philosophy in English (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Caruthers studied a mass extinction event of the Early Jurassic time period. He used paleontology and geochemistry to investigate its magnitude and controlling mechanisms. Findings from western North America show declining diversity in marine species following the event, suggesting it was worldwide and closely tied to prolonged global warming. | Doctor of Philosophy in Geological Sciences (PhD) |