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 NID
2013 Dr.Banerjee's research produced a history of quantum physics in India during the first half of the twentieth century. He conducted extensive archival research in India, Canada and the United States. His research findings analyze how modern science was pursued in conjunction with, and as an instrument of Indian national liberation. Doctor of Philosophy in History (PhD)
2013 Dr. Kim explored ways of listening to and relating to children's perspectives. She has shed light on their links to learning in both theory and practice. She is committed to engagIng in theorizing the idea of children's participation in the early childhood curriculum, and broadening our understanding of children's participation in practice. Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum Studies (PhD)
2013 Dr. Murray completed his studies in the field of Psychology. He showed that the perceived threat of infectious disease causes higher levels of social and political conservatism, and causes lower levels of scientific innovation. These findings add to our understanding of what causes psychological variation between people and across cultures. Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)
2013 Dr. McCulloch's research explored methods for improving the performance of mass spectrometers. These sensitive instruments are commonly applied to the analysis of complex biological and environmental samples. Mass spectrometers provide valuable information to a wide range of professionals including chemists, biologists, physicians, and engineers. Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD)
2013 Dr. Xia developed statistical approaches, known as Bayesian methods, for use when it is difficult to identify a unique statistical model based on observed data. She showed that the proposed models provide better statistical inference by acknowledging the issues. The models can be used in statistical modeling in health, insurance and road safety. Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics (PhD)
2013 Dr. Alba studied the flow of two liquids in inclined pipes. The two fluids were found to mix differently depending on their densities, pumping rate and the angle at which the pipes inclined. The results obtained can be used to efficiently predict and design the flows in oil well processes and also in the food and chemical processing industries. Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD)
2013 Dr. Sarraf conducted research in the field of micro-accelerometers, which are used to measure acceleration in a single or multiple directions. He developed and implemented novel techniques to increase their sensitivity, accuracy and resolution, making them suitable for applications such as non-invasive surgery, navigation or oil and gas exploration. Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD)
2013 Dr. Xu examined an inexpensive and sustainable method to remediate acid rock drainage with efficiency. She applied the regeneration routine to treat drainage resulting in less waste water volume. In this way, the used sorbent can also be re-utilized thereby reducing the solid waste generation. Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical and Biological Engineering (PhD)
2013 Dr. Casey engaged ten people living with schizophrenia to understand their "experience of meaning in activity". After two years of research, she concluded that participating in meaningful activity is influenced by notions of social inclusion and justice, that experiences are varied and ultimately connected to meaning in life, well-being and recovery. Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Sciences (PhD)
2013 Dr. Cadieux studied C. neoformans, a fungus that causes disease in humans and animals. She found this fungus has different mechanisms to acquire heme, a nutrient essential to humans, and she identified the first protein involved in heme uptake. Her findings may lead to better treatment for diseases caused by the fungus, such as pneumonia and meningitis. Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology (PhD)
2013 Dr. Chao studied cell biology in budding yeast. His research discovered how the cell orchestrates the events in cell division by restricting the diffusion of membrane proteins between the mother and daughter cells. His research contributes to understanding the spatial regulation of proteins and their diverse activities in eukaryotic cells. Doctor of Philosophy in Cell and Developmental Biology (PhD)
2013 Dr. Iles studied the evolution of two ancient groups of aquatic flowering plants. He examined phylogenetic relationships and inferred convergence of sexual systems in relatives of the water lilies and gene loss in the pond-weeds. He also provided new estimates for the timing of diversification within these two groups. Doctor of Philosophy in Botany (PhD)
2013 Dr. Vahedi's research focused on RFIDs, or Radio frequency identification Systems. RFID technology is widely used in such automated systems as building FOBS, highway toll booths and credit card chips. Dr. Vahedi's work at the forefront of today's automation technology will contribute to improving the efficiency, security and privacy of RFID systems. Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD)
2013 Dr. Gutierrez performed numerical studies in the field of mathematical physics. His work focuses on the Skyrme model, which describes the atomic nucleus as a wave in a fluid. He developed techniques to solve the complicated equations of this model using computers. His contributions are relevant to stellar astrophysics and parallel computing. Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD)
2013 Dr. Cheng demonstrated a novel immunization strategy using a rub-on drug rather than an injection to enhance vaccine effectiveness. The drug mimics bacterial DNA, augments immune responses in the skin and provides long-lasting protection against infection. Her findings point to ways to improve vaccine responses to common infections like influenza. Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD)
2013 Dr. Pandey investigated the motion that buildings experience in earthquakes. He analyzed seismic records for buildings and developed a model that incorporates interaction between soil, foundation and structure. He found that the current building code provisions relating to motion in buildings with slab foundation are inaccurate and need re-examination Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering (PhD)
2013 Dr. Griffiths analyzed cell wall biosynthesis in plants. He examined cellulose and the role it plays in seed coat epidermal cells. This work establishes how cellulose is synthesized in specialized cell types to give the cell unique properties. It provides scientists with a better understanding of how cell walls are synthesized and structured. Doctor of Philosophy in Botany (PhD)
2013 Dr. Lynch explored the re-use of churches as loft apartments in downtown Toronto. The transformation of these former sacred spaces to lofts illustrates the relationships between religious change and new forms of urban development. Beyond their former purpose, church-style lofts represent new secular and economic arrangements in urban landscapes. Doctor of Philosophy in Geography (PhD)
2013 Dr. Weisser's research focused on Inflammatory Bowel Disease. She examined the impact of immune cells, called macrophages, on disease severity. She found that converting inflammatory "killer" macrophages to healing cells offers promising new treatment options for patients suffering from intestinal inflammation. Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD)
2013 Dr. Watson studied letter-colour synaesthesia, an unusual trait where each letter is associated with a particular colour. He showed that many of these associations are acquired in childhood, and that they can be useful for learning. These findings will help us understand the development of such unusual traits, but also of more typical associations. Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)
2013 Dr. Siemiatycki examined Vancouver's shift from the resource economy of the 1980s to a consumption economy, defined by business-class immigration, tourism and real estate development. Case studies of the hospitality, legal and video game sectors show this economic shift has left workers and firms in a precarious condition which needs further study. Doctor of Philosophy in Geography (PhD)
2013 Dr. Emami studied an advanced wireless communication system for underground mines and tunnels. She used radio-frequency measurements and mathematical analyses to model the ways in which wireless signals behave. The design of the best antenna configurations for these environments will contribute to enhanced safety and productivity in underground mines. Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD)
2013 Dr. Wiens studied the experiences of mothers living with the challenges and uncertainties associated with an adult child's mental illness. The findings of this research were best understood through the conceptual lens of nonfinite loss and have significant implications for theory, research, and counselling psychology practice. Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD)
2013 Dr. Pena studied sepsis, which is the major infection-related cause of death worldwide. She demonstrated that most sepsis patients have a strong immuno-suppression profile known as endo-toxin tolerance. She also discovered valuable biomarkers that identify this profile, predict severity, and may enhance treatments to improve sepsis survival rates. Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology (PhD)
2013 Dr. L'Abbé studied ways in which Ronald Johnson, an American avant-garde poet, used botanical metaphors to represent the human mind and language. She argues that Johnson's poetry revives the horticultural metaphors in words such as cultivation and culture and shows how plant metaphors apply to the study of cognition, perception and poetic vision. Doctor of Philosophy in English (PhD)