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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Dr Orchard examined the origins and evolution of international mechanisms to manage refugees. By tracing state policies back to the 17th century, he demonstrated the critical role played by legal and social norms in defining how states pursued refugee protection at the domestic level as well as through international cooperation. | Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Lantz studied the effects of climate warming and disturbance on Arctic ecosystems. His work shows that the combined effects of fire, thawing permafrost and warming temperatures are causing rapid changes in northern vegetation. Changes in Arctic vegetation have important consequences for global climate, wildlife habitat, and traditional foods. | Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Sze examined the functions and genres of the English writing of Chinese ESL children. She found that at home the children wrote more for personal and social purposes for real audiences, or for entertainment than they did in school. She suggested teachers incorporate children's home experiences into school-based writing. | Doctor of Philosophy in Language and Literacy Education (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Schiffrin investigated the self-assembly of biomolecules on metal surfaces with scanning tunneling microscopy. His research employed the inherent functionalities of amino acids to design low-dimensional nanostructures, demonstrating exquisite control on the morphological, chemical and electronic properties of matter at the atomic scale. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr Karst examined protein expression patterns in melanoma skin cancer in order to identify novel therapeutic targets. She then validated these targets by using gene therapy and pharmacological inhibitors to treat melanoma in a mouse model. This work makes an important contribution to the field of targeted cancer therapy. | Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr Letchford developed a nano-sized drug carrier composed of biodegradable polymers for the anticancer drug taxol and evaluated its properties in blood. Enhanced solubility, stability and controlled drug release were achieved. This nanomedicine has the potential to increase blood circulation lifetime and drug effectiveness by targeting tumor sites. | Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr Song examined the biochemistry of coagulation factor V (=five), a vital clotting protein in our blood. The increased knowledge about its biochemistry allows us to develop novel therapeutics and diagnostics to help, treat, and prevent heart disease, haemorrhage and stroke. | Doctor of Philosophy in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr Winter investigated the geological setting of a series of large copper- and zinc-rich mineral deposits in 100 million year old rocks in Peru. This research helps in the understanding of the geological evolution of the Andes and also provides a better understanding of the genesis of such mineral deposits | Doctor of Philosophy in Geological Sciences (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Akhtar studied environmentally benign coatings applied on aluminum alloys to improve corrosion resistance. She found that alloy structure has a significant effect on the protective overlayers formed. This research will enable a more focused approach in designing new coating treatments. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Yu investigated the roots of morality. She found that how people view the world influences how they view themselves and their social relationships. People's worldviews, self-views, and relationships influence how they solve social problems and make decisions. Her study integrates different schools of moral psychology with cultural psychology. | Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development, Learning, and Culture (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr Houglum examined the impact of early radio broadcasting on American poetry. She demonstrates how poets developed models of listening and speaking in relation to the first mass medium, and how these models expose the possibilities and limits of mass sound communication for personal, political, and public discourse. | Doctor of Philosophy in English (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Fox examined where in the brain facial identity and expression are processed, how they are linked, and how they are affected in patients with brain damage. This study provides detailed knowledge of face perception and possible avenues for functional recovery in patients. | Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Friesen examined sustainable alternative feed ingredients for the aquaculture industry. Atlantic salmon and sablefish were fed these new diets and she showed the alternative ingredients to be safe and nutritious food products because they were low in persistent organic pollutants and a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. | Doctor of Philosophy in Food Science (PhD) |
| 2008 | Nicole's PhD focused on the role and responsibilities of forestry scientists in forest policy making and the ethical dimensions and implications of scientific constructs commonly used in international and Canadian forestry research, planning and policy. | Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Geddes developed themes of adolescent depression generated by adolescents' definitions of depression. Adolescents' self-recognition of depression, and social and emotional competence were also examined in association with dimensions of depressive symptoms. This research provides new insights regarding the concept of adolescent depression and its early detection and intervention. | Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Willmore studied the use of targeted advertising by firms and the government. He found that it is possible for a firm to benefit from a rival's advertising, and that there is room for cooperation between private firms and the government on certain advertising campaigns. | Doctor of Philosophy in Economics (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Buschhaus explored the reactivity of tungsten and molybdenum nitrosyl complexes with cyclic olefins, and developed a comprehensive explanation for the observed catalytic chemistry. This explanation contributes to the broader understanding of catalytic olefin polymerization and to the more effective utilization of our natural chemical resources. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Song investigated the cause of cardiovascular dysfunction in diabetes. His results show that high blood glucose in type 2 diabetes leads to excessive productions of nitric oxide and reactive free radicals, and that inhibition of the production of these chemicals improves cardiovascular function and sensitivity to insulin. | Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology (PhD) |
| 2008 | Sarah carried out research on human white blood cells to characterize how a protein known as FOXP3 regulates the immune system. Her work helped to determine why and how FOXP3 is essential for normal immune function, and provided clues to how it can be targeted for therapy in patients with immune-mediated diseases or who receive a transplant. | Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. MacDonald investigated the current trend of neoliberal multiculturalism and the implications of its practice by current governments in Canada. This research assists us in understanding the shifting political terrain that contemporary social movements must navigate in order to pursue more just relations with the the state. | Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Hudson provided molecular insight into the interaction between the blood transport protein transferrin and its cell surface receptor. Dr. Hudson also discovered a novel location and potential functions for the intestinal enzyme hephaestin. Dr. Hudson's research has enhanced our understanding of iron transport and regulation in humans. | Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr So developed a universal platform for the accurate quantitative analysis of gene expression. Termed the U-STAR platform, it represents the culmination of his investigations into state-of-the-art gene expression technologies, resolving the many deficiencies in these technologies that compromise their ability to provide quantitative information. | Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr Owuor investigated Kenyan teachers' perceptions of students' differences and how these influence curriculum implementation. Findings highlighted how social markers mask students' diversity.The study contributes to the literature on how teachers' practice influences educational success amidst challenges of poverty and HIV/AIDS in Africa. | Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum Studies (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr Lidstone studied the placebo effect in Parkinson's disease. She found that the strength of belief of improvement has a profound effect on dopamine levels in the brain, and that the brain can reproduce the effect of medication in response to a placebo. These findings are important for the design of clinical trials and the treatment of patients. | Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Bourbeau investigated how the movement of people is framed as a security concern in Canada and France. He develops a new analytical framework for the study of the securitization of international migration in which discursive power, agents, and domestic audiences play paramount roles. | Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (PhD) |