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 NID
2012 Dr. Jiang developed techniques for modeling large systems with multiple self-interested parties and designed efficient algorithms for predicting the likely outcomes of such models. He implemented software packages that have allowed researchers to do computational analysis of real-world systems such as auctions for search-engine keywords. Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science (PhD)
2012 Dr. Moss developed a quantitative method for classifying forest structures. Seventeen different classes were used to describe four dominant patterns of forest succession in interior Douglas-fir. Airborne laser scanning data was evaluated for stand structures in class inventory. This work improves our ability to recognize and communicate complex forest stand conditions. Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD)
2012 Dr. Kang used mass spectrometry to study the structures and stabilities of gas-phase, noncovalent protein complexes. This research provides a better understanding of the properties of gas-phase protein ions and also illustrates the relation of these properties to solution properties. Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD)
2012 Dr. Auluck studied human-papillo-maviral or HPV. He showed that incidence of HPV-related oral cancers have surpassed tobacco-related oral cancers among men in BC, particularly among South Asian men who chew tobacco. It is expected that this research will result in changes to screening methods, detection, treatment and management of oral cancers. Doctor of Philosophy in Craniofacial Science (PhD)
2012 Dr. Williams investigated the professional ethics experiences of eating disorder psychotherapists who, themselves, had experienced an eating disorder. She identified significant challenges for therapists who disclose their eating disorder histories in professional environments, and explored the ethical risks associated with the profession's silence on this issue. Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD)
2012 Dr. Levin developed computer methods for observing the structure of a person's muscles and making computer animations using this information. These algorithms reveal the architecture of muscle using magnetic resonance imaging, and allow its simulation. His research has applications in areas ranging from medical science to computer graphics. Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science (PhD)
2012 Dr. Hosseini Amin developed a numerical model to simulate the behaviour of malaria-infected red blood cells. This model and the results of the simulation can shed light on the current understanding of disease progression, and help to design more effective antimalarial drugs and more accurate detection devices for early diagnosis of malaria. Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical and Biological Engineering (PhD)
2012 Dr. Creighton explored the experiences of young men following the accidental death of a friend. Her findings provide new insights into the way that masculinities, space, place and social discourse intersect to frame men's grief and risk practices. Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies (PhD)
2012 Dr. Cohen showed how experience with nuclear weapons moderates the high conflict propensity of weak revisionist new nuclear powers. He developed a psychological model that synthesised extant theories about the consequences of nuclear proliferation and offered predictions and policies to address Iranian and North Korean nuclear proliferation. Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (PhD)
2012 Dr. McLaughlin examined how endocannabinoids in the prefrontal cortex coordinate coping responses to acute and chronic stress. He found that endocannabinoids in this brain region promote recovery following exposure to stress and that maintaining endocannabinoid tone may represent a promising therapeutic strategy to treat stress-related illnesses. Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)
2012 Dr. Giles developed a rapid method for testing the role of genes in learning in the model organism, C. elegans. Using this new technique, he characterized the behaviour of over 500 genes, increasing our understanding of how genes function in the nervous system to allow organisms to learn. Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience (PhD)
2012 Dr. Rizal studied ferromagnetic nanostructures. He subsequently developed highly sensitive magnetic sensors and high-moment biocompatible nanoparticles. The magnetic sensors and nanoparticles have significant potential for application in biomagnetic sensing for the early detection and treatment of chronic diseases such as prostate and lung cancer. Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD)
2012 Dr. Doutre developed methods for correcting common problems that occur when capturing and displaying 3D videos. His contributions improve the picture quality of 3D videos viewed on displays such as home 3D-TV's and 3D projectors in theaters. Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD)
2012 Dr. Velapatino examined the proteins of persistent bacteria from patients with the tropical disease, melioidosis, and the interaction of two related species of bacteria, with immune cells. His research explored bacterial persistence in chronic diseases and contributes to understanding mechanisms of evasion of people's immune defenses by these bacteria. Doctor of Philosophy in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PhD)
2012 Dr. Zeeb developed a rodent behavioural task, called the Rat Gambling Task. This test provides insight into how the brain contributes to decision making processes. Her findings improve our understanding of decision-making deficits present in patients with psychiatric disorders. The Rat Gambling Task has now been adopted by other research groups. Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience (PhD)
2012 Dr. Lehman's integrative analysis of large-scale genomic data has identified androgen and anti-androgen regulated RNAs expressed in prostate cancer cells. The expression of the previously overlooked RNAs may be involved in the failure of androgen deprivation therapy and ultimately the death of prostate cancer patients. Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD)
2012 Dr. Oabel examined the restructuring of the sugar industry and its effects on workers in a labour market in the central Philippines. Although economic change has intensified existing social inequalities, he found it also afforded workers the opportunity to both sustain and improve their lives through new livelihood strategies. Doctor of Philosophy in Geography (PhD)
2012 Dr. Banack explored the influence of religion upon Alberta's political development. This study demonstrated an important link between an individualistic and democratic version of Christian-based thought, initially espoused by formative political leaders, and the populist and anti-statist sentiments that set Alberta apart from other provinces. Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (PhD)
2012 Dr. Donnelly explored the influence of oral health, body image, and social interactions of elders living in care facilities. Her findings expanded our understanding of how personal and environmental factors influence the social impact of oral conditions. Doctor of Philosophy in Craniofacial Science (PhD)
2012 Dr. Waeber developed a decision-support system for forest management planning in the Champagne and Aishihik Traditional Territory, southwest Yukon. This tool allows forest managers to assess different strategies and tactics under climate change and natural disturbances such as beetle infestation or fire, thereby making better-informed, long-term management decisions. Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD)
2012 Dr. Ming-Lum investigated how the anti-inflammatory protein, Interleukin-10, inhibits the activity of immune cells. His research led to the development of a novel class of therapeutics, potentially applicable for treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, such as sepsis and inflammatory bowel disease. Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD)
2012 Dr. Alshwawreh studied the way in which copper conductivity changes during the fabrication of electronic devices such as computers and cell phones. He developed a model that shows the effect of temperature on the rate of conductivity change. This model can assist microelectronic companies to produce devices that operate at a faster speed. Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Engineering (PhD)
2012 Dr. Bunjun studied organizational power relations at Vancouver Status of Women from 1971 to 2008. Using intersectional feminist analysis, she argues that organizations are not neutral, but rather sites of colonial encounters. Based on her findings, she proposes a nuanced understanding of power and entitlement, and a more ethical Affirmative Action Policy. Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD)
2012 Dr. Chan explored dementia caring in Chinese families and showed how family members draw on different cultures in complex, fluid, and non-thinking ways. The complex co-constitution of culture, emotion, and practice in non-thinking ways suggests alternative modes of knowing and being, such as emotional rationality. Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (PhD)
2012 Dr. Ramer studied abnormalities in cardiovascular function that occur after spinal cord injury. She identified changes in the nervous system and in the blood vessels that may contribute to cardiovascular problems and premature death in these individuals. Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (PhD)