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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Dr. Wong studied various problems in the field of number theory. His work sheds light on statistical properties of random matrices, and provides an explanation for certain patterns that had been empirically observed in the integers represented by a quadratic form. | Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Jardon studied factors that affect the ability of genetically-engineered cells to produce proteins to treat diseases such as cancer or stroke. He showed that by inhibiting the process called autophagy, which causes cells to "eat" themselves, protein production could be increased, without affecting its quality. This research can benefit patients in need of modern biotechnology products. . | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical and Biological Engineering (PhD) |
| 2012 | The rhythmic beat of the heart relies on electrical signals. Dr. Sarhan studied ways in which a specific electrical signal is regulated when it is conducted along pathways known as sodium channels. Through his research he uncovered a new pathway which was found to be disrupted in patients with cardiac arrhythmia, and this confirms its physiological relevance. | Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Perkins interviewed principals and vice-principals about their understanding of, and responses to homophobia. Her human rights, arts-based research resulted in a play titled: "Do We Really Need to Discuss This?" The play aims to generate professional development and leadership opportunities for those seeking to make our public schools more socially just. | Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy (EdD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Wang studied computational statistics and how they can be used in analyzing genetic data. She specifically developed more efficient statistical methods for inferring how species evolve through time, and how closely species are related to each other. This research can improve the efficiency of large-scale genetic data analysis. | Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Majumdar worked on methods to increase the speed of Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans. His methods do not require any alteration in the hardware of the scanner; the acceleration can be achieved by modifying the software associated with it. His methods can be used to speed-up existing scanners with minimal cost. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Barha found that certain estrogen replacement therapies alleviated age-associated cognitive decline and stimulated production of new brain cells in older female rats. The effects were dependent on factors such as the type of estrogen and previous reproductive experience. Results indicate that hormone replacement therapy for women should be individually tailored. | Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Hernandez studied the aesthetic disfiguration that reduces the value of wood products when they are exposed outdoors. His work revealed that weathered wood surfaces are grayed by the interactive effects of solar radiation and fungal colonization. This knowledge can be used to develop new and less toxic treatments to stop the graying of weathered wood. | Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Wong showed how high-elevation whitebark pine trees have become endangered due to an introduced fungal disease and native insects. She discovered irrecoverable shifts in species composition due to poor pine regeneration, decreased competition among adult trees, and increased growth of alternate tree species. Her research shows how global environmental change, such as introduced diseases, puts native species at risk. | Doctor of Philosophy in Geography (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Unda investigated the role of a group of carbohydrates in poplar trees. Changes in these carbohydrates resulted in trees with increased cellulose content. Enhancing the characteristics of the wood produces trees which can store carbon more effectively and therefore produce better biofuels. | Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Salehi developed computer models for simulating a type of flame which releases chemical energy inside fuel, with minimum production of toxic gases. These models are intended to be used by industry to improve the design of stationary gas turbines and internal combustion engines, especially with respect to the emissions of pollutants. | Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Brook-Roberge measured the ratio in neutrino interaction probability between oxygen and carbon using a novel statistical subtraction method. This result will help improve the measurement of neutrino oscillations to better understand the fundamental mechanisms of the universe. | Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Zhang discovered novel mechanisms in which inflammatory stressors alter communication between neurons in the brain. Her findings assist us in understanding cognitive dysfunction in various brain disorders, including stroke, traumatic injuries, Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. | Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Lam investigated new materials and component structures for a low emission energy conversion device known as a fuel cell. He also contributed to the understanding of reaction mechanisms occurring within the fuel cell. His findings will help guide future fuel cell developments, and reduce fuel cell system costs. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical and Biological Engineering (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Svensson studied how Campylobacter jejuni, a bacterium that causes food poisoning, adapts to stressful conditions. She discovered that Campylobacter forms stress-tolerant communities called biofilms, and two particular genes allow it to sense and respond to environmental challenges. This work will help control C. jejuni in the food chain. | Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Gill investigated the existence of Axion-like particles, that are strong contenders for the dark matter in our Universe. He developed a novel method for measuring the mass of these particles by studying their signature in the light observed from strongly magnetized stars. | Doctor of Philosophy in Astronomy (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Rosborough studied the relationship between language and Indigenization through stories of individuals engaged in Kwak'wala revitalization. Conducted through an Indigenous methodology, the research deepens understandings of Kwak'wala learning and finds that Indigenous language revitalization must take into account the impacts of colonization. | Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy (EdD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Plemel tested several strategies that focused on replacing a biological substance known as myelin following injury to the nervous system. Loss of myelin is a common occurrence after Multiple Sclerosis and Spinal Cord Injury and strategies improving myelin replacement should provide new treatments for these conditions. | Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Ormiston interviewed Indigenous students, faculty and elders to explore ways in which traditional concepts of Indigenous leadership are applied within post-secondary institutions. He identified the importance of centering Indigenous knowledge, commitment to building relationships, and self-determination of Indigenous people, communities and Nations. | Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy (EdD) |
| 2012 | The stellar winds of nearly half the dying stars in the universe have remained a mystery for almost four decades. As a result of his research, Dr. Thirumalai has been able to propose a mechanism that promises a resolution of this outstanding problem. His work brings together two hitherto disparate areas of physics into a single cohesive theory, with implications for dying stars as well as for stars that are still forming in the universe. | Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Alyabyshev studied the effects of electromagnetic fields on the dynamics of atoms and molecules at low temperatures, and suggested a new method for detection of electromagnetic fields. This research can benefit different areas of science and technology, ranging from fundamental physical measurements to medical imaging and detection of explosive materials. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Bendix identified the factors that encourage majority-party leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives to seize control of bill development and, as a result, prevent the minority party from participating in deliberations. He also examined the policy consequences of this one-party control and demonstrated that it tends to produce substantively problematic legislation. | Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Gray discovered that, during stressful experiences, a neurotransmitter in the brain called vasopressin assists by restricting the release of stress hormones. This suggests that vasopressin is an important regulator of stress, and that low levels of vasopressin may be a factor in mental illnesses like depression, particularly in senior citizens and women. | Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Leung investigated the effectiveness of hormonal emergency contraceptives in a large cohort of women who received these medications under real usage conditions. Her research findings will help women and health providers make more informed clinical decisions about using these medications as a method of family planning. | Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Haggan demonstrated a broad-based demand for the immeasurable values of love, cherishing and protecting, in our relationship with the sea. A concept of the secular sacred can ensure that basic human values of gratitude, generosity and renewal are as well-represented as science and economics in dialogue about farmed salmon and the Enbridge pipeline. | Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD) |