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. Sang proposed a strategy to optimize the use of chemical additives in communications-grade paper, such as the paper used for printing newspapers and magazines. In addition, he improved our fundamental understanding of the processes of wood fibre floc formation and manipulation which are used in high-quality paper production. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical and Biological Engineering (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Stock investigated and defined the chemical variations preserved in the rocks surrounding the Red Lake Gold Mines in Northwestern Ontario. Through the documentation of both mineral and rock chemistry, she was able to identify the influences on gold formation and construct a new exploration tool | Doctor of Philosophy in Geological Sciences (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Fairbank studied the ways in which cells protect themselves against stress and death. She investigated the role of a particular protein known as gp78, and examined previously unknown ways in which groups of proteins known as G proteins interact. This research deepens our understanding of the complex biology of cell survival and adaptation. | Doctor of Philosophy in Cell and Developmental Biology (PhD) |
| 2012 | High-risk neuroblastoma is an aggressive cancer that affects nerve cells and is hard to cure in children over 1 year of age. Dr.Morozova used state-of-the-art technologies to crack the genetic code of neuroblastoma cells. Her research revealed genetic errors that could provide clues for the development of new therapies for neuroblastoma patients. | Doctor of Philosophy in Bioinformatics (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Huang's research focused on improving the quality of service in next generation wireless communication systems. Efficient and flexible methods for allocating system resources were developed to enable better utilization of the radio spectrum. Dr. Huang's work aims to meet the growing demand for always-on, seamless and ubiquitous wireless communication services. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Mai has developed processing methods for next generation cameras and displays that support images and videos of an ultra-high contrast. Dr. Mai's solutions ensure that these new-generation images and videos can be transmitted efficiently from cable carriers to individual households, while providing viewers with life-like visual experience. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Schreier randomly assigned adolescents to volunteer activities, to examine whether this could improve their physiological health. She found that, following her intervention, volunteers had lower levels of cardio-vascular risk markers than control participants, suggesting novel ways to improve health among youth while contributing positively to society. | Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Bakhshaii used Gene Expression Programming to improve forecasts of precipitation and speed-up calculation of how atmospheric stability affects thunderstorms. She devised new forecast methods for electric load to enable more efficient operation of electric-power generation. Her innovation has been beneficial for meteorologists, hydrologists, the power industry and the general public. | Doctor of Philosophy in Atmospheric Science (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. McAdam showed that the chronic absence of juvenile white sturgeon in some populations is the result of fine sediment accumulation in spawning habitats within dammed rivers. His findings are already being applied to improve the quality of white sturgeon spawning habitat and restore successful wild reproduction. | Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Zheng used various proteomics methods to study cell membranes, especially lipid rafts on those membranes, which carry many biological functions. One of her findings was that the presence of lipid rafts may provide an entry point for life-threatening bacteria like Salmonella. Her research contributes to our knowledge of the function of membranes and the way bacteria affect them. | Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Wong studied the causes of cardiac dysfunction caused by the coxsackie virus. By examining the disease at the molecular level, he showed that the virus interferes with cardiac muscle protein production, which weakens the cardiac structure and contributes to its contractile dysfunction. This research reveals new approaches to treating viral heart disease. . | Doctor of Philosophy in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Iqbal studied departmental practices that contribute to professional growth in teaching among tenure-track university professors. She found that, although summative peer review of teaching makes little contribution to professional growth, there are numerous informal and formal departmental practices that are conducive to a culture that values teaching. | Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Zlotorzynska studied the chemical behavior of oxygen and nitrogen radical atoms. She devised novel strategies to harness their high reactivity for use in selective carbon-oxygen and carbon-nitrogen bond forming reactions. This research led to the development of new chemical methods applicable to pharmacologically active compounds. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD) |
| 2012 | Dr. Moore investigated the optical and electronic properties of late-transition metal complexes. The properties of those complexes are related to the way compounds, or conjugated ligands, bind to the metal. Dr. Moore observed three different ways in which the ligands bind, and the resulting new hybrid complexes demonstrate potential for use in light-harvesting applications, such as solar cells. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (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 | 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. MacIvor studied BC Aboriginal post-secondary education policies. She examined ways in which policies were influenced by changing political, economic and social circumstances from 1986 to 2011. Her work highlights the influence of Aboriginal Affairs, the privileging of First Nations and the importance of relationships, leadership and ownership. | 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) |
| 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. Ruby investigated the reasons why people either consume or avoid eating meat, taking into account various environmental and internal factors. Drawing on participants form diverse cultures, his inquiry focussed on the role of emotion, social influence, perceived animal quality and moral intuitions. His conclusions will contribute to research in the field of Psychology. | Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD) |