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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Dr. Bornn developed statistical methods to study the environment, including air pollution and crop yields. His work shows that models used to understand these systems can be greatly simplified. These simpler models are not only more robust, but also easier to interpret. This helps researchers as they seek to understand the environmental process. | Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Chun researched the ways national identity and consciousness are represented through exhibits and programs at two national museums in South Korea. This study illuminates how experiences and memories of Japanese colonial rule have shaped strong anti-colonial nationalist discourses in and around the museums, based on the alleged ethnic-homogeneity of Korean people. | Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology (PhD) |
| 2012 | Through studies of excavations and comparisons with Roman, Greek and Punic houses, Dr. Aberle demonstrated that Sicily did not just passively absorb ideas in the years 211-70 BC, but instead actively manipulated them. She challenged a prevailing opinion that Sicily has had little influence on Mediterranean culture and has contributed to our knowledge of Sicilian history. | Doctor of Philosophy in Classics (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Norris examined responses to insects in populations of chickadees and nuthatches. She showed that the reproduction and behaviour of those cavity-nesting birds changed in response to mountain pine beetle outbreaks in British Columbia. This suggests that adaptability in foraging and nesting can make wildlife more resilient in changing forest environments. | Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Koopman conducted 15 months of fieldwork in Colombia with international accompaniers who protect human rights activists under threat. Together they theorized about how they enact their slogan: "Make space for peace." Her findings will help all peace workers use race, class and passport privilege in ways less likely to reinforce domination. | Doctor of Philosophy in Geography (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Russo studied the unionization of migrant workers in the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program. The unionization of farm workers in Canada is relatively recent phenomenon. Dr. Russo argues that the unique position of these workers in Canada and the framework of the program itself hampers the effectiveness of unionization. | Doctor of Philosophy in Law (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Bruce examined how novel inexpensive composite conductive polymer-titania films can be used to reduce the cost and energy required for solar hydrogen generation. This work has the potential to improve membrane based electrolytic processes and is an important contribution to renewable solar fuel production. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical and Biological Engineering (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Gerstein examined evolution at the genomic level. She showed that the number of chromosome sets, known as ploidy, influences the rate yeast populations adapt to stressors, such as high salt. She found that specific genetic changes during adaptation are influenced by both ploidy and environmental challenges. Her findings provide insight into the genetic basis of evolution. | Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Ghahremaninezhad studied the kinetics of copper extraction from its most abundant mineral, chalcopyrite. He found that the low copper extraction rate from chalcopyrite is strongly linked to the formation of sulphide surface films. Dr. Ghahremaninezhad subsequently applied a catalyst to increase the copper extraction rate. | Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Engineering (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Ho discovered that low carbohydrate, high protein diets slow cancer growth and incidence in mice. His research suggests that low carbohydrate, high protein diets could be used both to reduce the risk of cancer and as an adjunct treatment for cancer in humans. | Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Young developed a vaccine against West Nile Virus, and subsequently vaccinated two species of wild birds. As well as production of a potentially effective vaccine that may be used to ensure the survival of endangered species, this research contributes to the development of vaccination methods for all species of wild birds. | Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Colling used photos and stories captured by research participants to develop a model of acculturation to explore Canadian identity and culture change processes. Her framework for examining cross-cultural transitions explored culture change among Canadians, as well as newcomers to Canada. Narratives voiced by participants hold potential implications for Canada's multiculturalism policy. | Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development, Learning, and Culture (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Brochu conducted research on computer-assisted techniques to be used in making feature films. He developed new techniques for simulating moving surfaces, such as cloth and liquid surfaces. His research helps improve the realism of computer-generated visual effects for feature films, from splashing water in a glass, to plumes of smoke, to clothing for virtual characters. | Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Stock examined the outcomes of pre-school children with autism in two Early Behavioural Intervention programs in BC and Nova Scotia. Both programs used strategies to reinforce the children's motivation to communicate, but one was group-based while the other was conducted on a one-to-one basis. Both appear to be feasible options that are clinically effective and help the children. | Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Falk examined how culture shapes motivation towards pursuing a positive self-image. His research provides insights for better measurement and conceptualization of individuals' automatic thoughts regarding their own self-esteem, and highlights the need for mainstream psychology to recognize important cross-cultural variability in basic human motivations. | Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Peplow studied the relationship between agricultural productivity and climate in Britain during the first part of the nineteenth century. He developed new approaches for the analysis of data from entirely different sources, and his work will be used in the forecasting of the impact of climate change on agriculture. | Doctor of Philosophy in Integrated Studies in Land and Food Systems (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Faradji designed and developed a brain-computer interface device to receive signals from electrodes attached to the scalp. The device improves the quality of life of motor-disabled individuals, for example those with brain injury, cerebral palsy or MS. The successful design enables them to control their environment, from opening an automated door to working on a computer. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Shopsowitz's research focussed on making new nano-materials from wood pulp. This led to the discovery that wood-based nano-particles can be used to create highly porous materials that mimic iridescent insect shells. It is anticipated that the properties of these materials will make them useful for colour-changing sensors and energy storage devices. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Chng developed a method to uniquely distinguish between radioactive seeds during the post-implant verification of prostate brachytherapy. He used this technique to study how seed positions change as swelling subsides, and showed that using seeds of different strengths may result in better cancer control, and a lower risk of side-effects. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Ansari studied efficient ways of processing high-density polyethylenes, the most common plastic used in consumer goods. He researched the way the production process can be affected by altering their molecules. His findings lead to more cost-effective processing, and methods of producing plastic parts, with better mechanical properties, at a faster production rate. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical and Biological Engineering (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Cortes studied the labour market experience of individuals working in blue-collar and clerical occupations, where many workers have been replaced by machines and computers over the past 30 years. His findings reveal the extent to which these workers switch jobs, the types of jobs that they switch to, and the wage changes they experience in the short and long-run. | Doctor of Philosophy in Economics (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Wong discovered a long-sought causative mechanism behind tuberculosis. His studies revealed that a key protein from the tuberculosis-causing bacteria blocks the ability of human immune cells to defend against infection. His research contributed to our understanding of tuberculosis and promoted the development of new antibiotics against the re-emerging disease. | Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Lin identified and examined molecules in the blood of heart transplant patients. Those molecules can help indicate when patients are having acute and chronic immune rejection episodes. His work demonstrated the potential use of these molecules, known as biomarkers, in a clinical setting, as well as their value in helping us understand the biology behind transplant heart rejection. | Doctor of Philosophy in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Hua studied statistical models that improve on classical methods for modelling risks. He can better quantify and bound the risk of simultaneous occurrence of rare events such as large financial losses in different markets. This research is relevant to insurance practice and financial risk management. | Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Minks studied inactivation of X chromosome, which is one of the chromosomes that determine gender. In almost every woman cell, genes from only one of the two X chromosomes are utilized to produce proteins. The work of Dr. Minks helps to explain the relationship between sequence, structure and function of XIST, the key RNA molecule that regulates X chromosome inactivation. | Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Genetics (PhD) |