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
2011 Dr. Chipeniuk investigated the quantitative arithmetic properties of relatively dense sets of prime numbers and sets of complex numbers whose elements produce a small number of pair-wise products. This research helps us to understand the intimate connection between arithmetic and geometric structure. Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics (PhD)
2011 Dr. McCleary developed a procedure to vastly improve maps of stream networks in a complex glaciated landscape by combining high resolution models of the earth's surface with field data. His new maps, which include information on the distribution of fish and erosion processes, have applications for native species conservation and watershed protection. Doctor of Philosophy in Geography (PhD)
2011 Dr. Goyette examines how institutional and market distortions such as corruption and credit constraints drive the misallocation of resources and affect output per worker in less developed countries. This research emphasizes the role of credit constraints as a major impediment to economic growth and welfare. Doctor of Philosophy in Economics (PhD)
2011 Dr Poon delineated the molecular regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone in ovarian cancer and verified the role of this peptide hormone in this disease. Her study provides insights into the progression of ovarian cancer and the development of new therapeutic strategies. Doctor of Philosophy in Reproductive and Developmental Sciences (PhD)
2011 Dr. Miao studied the synthesis of the novel ligands for their use in supramolecular systems. By properly designing the ligands, the metallo-supramolecular complexes can be obtained through self-assembly processes. These complexes have potential application in molecular electronic, host-guest chemistry and gas storage. Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD)
2011 Dr Lushchenko examined the role of mentality and ideology in shaping medieval French attitudes towards and stereotypes about the Turks. She argues that underlying the stereotyping process are cultural values and ideologies of Western feudal society as well as its immediate political objectives. Doctor of Philosophy in French (PhD)
2011 Dr. Poffenberger examined the role of immune genes in virus-induced autoimmune heart disease development and severity. Additionally, Dr. Poffenberger identified regions of the genome that contain genes conferring susceptibility to virus-induced autoimmune heart disease. This research will aid in the identification and treatment of heart disease patients. Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology (PhD)
2011 Dr. deWaard developed a rapid and effective genetic method for monitoring forest insect diversity. He applied this approach in several disturbed ecosystems across British Columbia, including Stanley Park and ponderosa pine forests. His work demonstrates the utility of this novel method for detecting invasive species and assessing forest health. Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD)
2011 Dr. Jayant studied the influence of crystallographic texture, temperature, stress state and precipitates on the deformation behaviour of magnesium alloy. He found that there is a substantial difference between the nature of twinning, slip system activity, work hardening characteristics and texture development as a function of deformation temperature. This research may significantly improve the mechanical behaviour of magnesium alloy. Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Engineering (PhD)
2011 Dr. Bingham showed in Douglas-fir how interactions between trees and seedlings that vary with climate are mediated by ectomycorrhizal fungi. Dr. Bingham provides evidence that, rather than being purely competitive, facilitative effects occur simultaneously, and that ectomycorrhizal fungi are largely responsible for the facilitative effects. Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD)
2011 Dr. Stavness developed a state-of-the-art 3D computer model of human jaw and tongue biomechanics. He used the model to investigate the coordination of muscles during chewing and speaking movements. He also analyzed jaw surgery and rehabilitation to illustrate how computer models can be applied in medicine. Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD)
2011 Dr. Golbeck developed techniques for efficient implementation of programming languages that support modern software modularization mechanisms. Such programming languages can be implemented within existing infrastructure and can be as efficient as traditional programming languages. Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science (PhD)
2011 Dr. Jensen identified the mutated gene responsible for causing olfactory and developmental disorder in a strain of C. elegans. This gene is required for proper signaling in sensory neurons, and may be disrupted in human diseases. Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Genetics (PhD)
2011 Dr. Raedschelders investigated the influence of general anesthetics on oxidative injury during heart surgery. This research provides insight into the damage that the heart sustains during the course of these operations. Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology (PhD)
2011 Dr Rashidi developed inexpensive miniature sensors that travel through pulping digesters and monitor the process within them. He also developed a new coating system to protect the sensors against the harsh environment of the digesters. These sensors help papermakers from around the world design and optimize pulping digesters. Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD)
2011 Dr. Lau contributed to the description of some solids whose anomalous properties remain unexplained by established theories. New insights into the oxide high-temperature superconductors were gained by a new model and a new numerical approach which allowed commodity processors to solve several problems previously unsolvable even with supercomputers. Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD)
2011 Dr. Yavari studied the seismic behaviour of structural elements of existing reinforced concrete buildings by conducting several large-scale experiments on an earthquake simulator. He provided a better understanding of the interaction of structural members of concrete buildings subjected to earthquakes and proposed a number of refinements to current seismic rehabilitation guidelines. Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering (PhD)
2011 Dr. Hakim demonstrated that jaw injections of the protein Tumour Necrosis Factor Alpha induced muscle pain through peripheral mechanisms without causing muscle damage. It was also found that this muscle sensitisation is mediated, in part, by increased levels of prostaglandin E2. These findings could be used to develop models of human jaw muscle pain. Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)
2011 Dr. Blachford showed that sexual reproduction gains an evolutionary advantage by dampening the good and bad luck had by individuals. He also explained why small mammals diminish their lifetime reproduction during and after a population crash, and how this strategy can be cued from activity of neighbours rather than from the actual mortality agents. Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (PhD)
2011 Dr. Bansal's research will improve the efficiency of scarce radio spectrum by utilizing the available spectrum in an opportunistic manner. He developed mathematical algorithms that allocate resources in an intelligent manner such that transmission data rate is maximized while keeping the harmful interference below a specified threshold. Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD)
2011 Dr. Agurto Adrianzen confirmed the information diffusion role of village social capital during the adoption of improved stove technology in villages in the Peruvian Andes. He also demonstrated that the new stove technology improved women's respiratory health indicators and reduced firewood consumption. Doctor of Philosophy in Economics (PhD)
2011 Dr. Vergara examined the function and development of the vocalizations of beluga whales. She identified signals that are important for maintaining contact between mothers and their calves, and evaluated the role of vocal learning in repertoire acquisition. Her study helped identify continuity in vocal communication processes across species. Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (PhD)
2011 Dr. Chen separated and characterized Maillard reaction products with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities from a glucose-lysine model. This study showed that Maillard reaction products could be used to protect against intestinal inflammation. Doctor of Philosophy in Food Science (PhD)
2011 Dr. Thauberger examined the needs, supports, and challenges of learning assistance teachers in BC and Saskatchewan with respect to their access to knowledge about reading instruction. Teachers expressed a strong desire for more knowledge and made recommendations about how to enhance expertise in this area. Doctor of Philosophy in Language and Literacy Education (PhD)
2011 Dr. Pougatch developed mathematical models and computer codes to simulate complex multiphase flows. He applied these models to a bitumen upgrading process to better understand liquid distribution in the reactor and jet-particle interactions, and to optimize the design of nozzle injectors with gas assisted atomization. Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD)

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