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. Cheng investigated how serous borderline ovarian tumors progress to invasive low-grade serous ovarian carcinomas which have significantly worse prognosis and survival. He found that loss of a cell to cell adhesion molecule, E-cadherin, plays an important role during this progression. This research helps us to better understand this rare disease. | Doctor of Philosophy in Reproductive and Developmental Sciences (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Potter investigated the reasons that transplants of insulin-producing cells fail. She revealed that those transplants undergo changes similar to those in type 2 diabetes, including the formation of toxic protein plaques. Her findings may contribute to new therapies to improve the function of insulin-producing cells in transplants and in type 2 diabetes. | Doctor of Philosophy in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Hashmi developed algorithms for resource allocation in next generation wireless technologies such as cognitive radio and cooperative networks. He developed a contract theory-based approach to design a relay selection scheme in presence of asymmetric information in wireless networks. This research illuminates the role of advanced algorithms to improve efficiency of emerging wireless networks | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Cyr-Racine studied the physics of dark matter, a mysterious component that constitutes 85% of all matter in the Universe. His research showed that the physics governing dark matter could be rich without ruining the success of the current cosmological model. His results contribute to our understanding of the fundamental physics governing our Universe. | Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Leung conducted research in the use of very small volumes of fluid to perform biological experiments. He designed a device that can greatly reduce the cost and improve the effectiveness of many experiment types. He used it to study the genetic differences between individual bacteria in the environment and between single cells in human cancers. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Khojasteh's research focused on the computerized and automated analysis of tissue images. She developed methods for the improved characterization of cancerous and pre-cancerous tissues by measuring the molecular biomarkers present in the tissues. Her results pave the way for the ultimate goal of personalized treatment and management of cancer. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Gagne-Hawes compared works of the Raj novel genre, created by British authors living in India under the British Raj from 1858 to 1947, with the 1980s British Raj Revival novels and films. She demonstrated ways in which the novelists' image of British national character shaped political rhetoric and artistic production in Thatcherite Britain. | Doctor of Philosophy in English (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Veenstra experimented on superconductors which cannot currently be fully explained, using light to knock electrons free. By studying these electrons and relating their properties back to the material he was able to further our understanding of their interactions. This brings us closer to a complete description of superconductivity in these materials. | Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Aghaeepour developed algorithms for analysis of the millions of cell types involved in the immune system. He subsequently used these methods in clinical studies, to better diagnose and treat cancer, HIV, kidney transplant failure, tuberculosis and other diseases. | Doctor of Philosophy in Bioinformatics (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Ho used baker's yeast to study the function of separase, a cell cycle regulatory protein. These studies are important, as the overproduction of separase has been associated with several forms of cancer. Her work helped shed light on new roles for this protein, opening new avenues of study for an already exciting field. | Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Ole Olson investigated the bereavement experiences of recent veterans with the Canadian and American military. This study captured the veterans' experience of the violent death of a close comrade , an experience which has the potential to create significant distress that is unknown to, and commonly misunderstood by others | Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Schechter developed new algorithms for simulating the flow of water and smoke in computer graphics. Her work includes modelling the impression of turbulence, capturing the interaction of water with solids and air, and generating the geometry of a water surface. This is of particular interest to the film visual effects and computer game industries. | Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Mahdavi developed a method for segmenting the prostate in ultrasound images. To date, over 1000 cancer patients have been treated using this tool, which has become standard of care at the Vancouver Cancer Centre. Recently she incorporated new imaging methods that measure elasticity to increase prostate imaging contrast and to localize cancer. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Wang developed a new medical device for skin evaluation and diagnosis. Without removing any tissue from the skin, it tells physicians both the microscopic appearance and the biochemical changes of the skin lesion. Her device and method offer great potential to help medical diagnosis, especially for skin cancers. | Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Oncology (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Lewis explored the regeneration of agriculture and food systems in the Bella Coola Valley, British Columbia. She developed an approach to local food system studies that engaged the multiple histories of indigenous, local, and scientific knowledge. Her work contributes to the reframing of agriculture, food, and health for the 21st century. . | Doctor of Philosophy in Integrated Studies in Land and Food Systems (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Moghimi developed novel sensing techniques for detecting and exploiting unused frequency bands in wireless networks. He also developed efficient algorithms for increasing the transmission rate of these networks. The results of his research can be used to develop more efficient and reliable wireless communication networks. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. McFarlane studied ways in which plants export lipids to the protective cuticle that coats their surface, to protect themselves against water loss and drought. She discovered that lipids are exported by certain combinations of transporters, which are closely related to chemotherapy resistance transporters in humans | Doctor of Philosophy in Botany (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Warnes studied "the festival" in the Collected Works of the philosopher Martin Heidegger. He showed how the festival is in play in the poet Friedrich H”lderlin, and in ancient Greek philosophy and religion. His work will be valuable to scholars in contemporary continental philosophy. | Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. White's research focussed on Toronto's waterfront, and he asked: "'How do planning processes affect the quality and execution of urban design?' Findings showed that innovative policies and regulations were established to achieve design excellence despite a weak jurisdictional context. | Doctor of Philosophy in Planning (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Doyle showed that library classification systems have harmful social and educational consequences for Indigenous learners. She demonstrated how Indigenous approaches to knowledge create new understandings of classification theory. These inform her framework for classification design to better serve Indigenous learners and all learners | Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies (PhD) |
| 2013 | Dr. Guest studied the causes of nerve cell death. He developed a new method which contributes to understanding the molecular events involved in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. His findings will contribute to the development of new treatments for these diseases. | Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD) |
| 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) |