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. Hoover showed how hydrodynamics play a critical role in controlling the movement of animals and the distribution of food resources in mountain streams. His work demonstrates how physical and biological processes interact to modify aquatic ecosystems. | Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Ward created a theoretical model for integrating literary arts mentors into elementary and secondary school curricula. This model provides the framework for future studies in author-mentorship from a position that recognizes the social nature of language learning and the importance of building on and extending children's previous knowledge of writing. | Doctor of Philosophy in Language and Literacy Education (PhD) |
| 2008 | In examining the history of Shakespeare's drama in print, Dr. Paul demonstrated how Shakespeare's editors enable readers to engage with performance histories and cultural memory. While acknowledging the advancements of electronic editions, his work establishes the continued relevance of the relationship between editors, readers, and printed texts. | Doctor of Philosophy in English (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Woodford studied the asymptotic behavior of the number of ways numbers can be expressed as the sum of fixed powers of prime numbers. He also looked at the average orders and behavior under iteration of divisor functions evaluated by applying symmetric polynomials to the multi-set of prime factors of a number. | Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Hill examined the role of the endocannabinoid system, the brain's natural version of cannabis, in depressive illness. Data in this dissertation demonstrated that major depression is associated with deficient endocannabinoid activity and that drugs which increase endocannabinoid activity may prove useful as a new class of antidepressant. | Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Dar-Nimrod reports that media provide deterministic genetic accounts for complex human phenomena. He offers a theory to illuminate effects of genetic essentialism. He supports this theory with previous research and new empirical studies demonstrating that primed with evolutionary theories men tolerate sex crimes more than men primed with sociocultural theories. | Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Azadi developed versatile computer-aided models to describe the dynamic behavior of Shape Memory Alloys. These models enable reliable design of parts made of Shape Memory Alloys for various industrial applications ranging from actuators and dampers, to medical devices, and orthodontic wires. | Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Boucher studied environmental and genetic variations in the chemistry of the medicinal plant Echinacea. The information generated from his research has led to a series of recommendations for plant breeding projects aimed at developing Echinacea varieties with improved therapeutic qualities. | Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Science (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Ferry developed methods of modeling and optimizing the machining process used to manufacture jet engine impellers. During his course of study, he worked closely with Pratt & Whitney Canada, a major gas turbine engine manufacturer. By applying the methods developed in his thesis, he reduced the machining time of a production part by 20%. | Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Ali addressed the problem of cross-layer scheduling and radio resource allocation in cellular wireless networks. He argues that combining information available in different layers of the network for resource allocation decisions improves the system performance. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Hallschmid developed statistical methodologies for automatically customizing processors for low-power portable electronics. These methodologies can be used to build faster, more cost-effective and more energy-efficient portable electronics for industries ranging from health and communications to entertainment. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. McCollor examined how using an optimal combination of high resolution weather models produces the best temperature and rainfall forecasts. He then showed how using these forecasts benefits water managers operating hydro-electric reservoirs in mountainous regions like British Columbia. | Doctor of Philosophy in Atmospheric Science (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr Peets grew and characterized crystals of the high-temperature superconductor thallium-2201, then studied their electronic structure via X-ray spectroscopy. His crystals' behavior was uniquely comprehensible, offering a long-awaited foothold of understanding in a great unsolved problem in physics. | Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr Shen developed theory and algorithms for cross validation, a method widely used to assess and compare empirical models. She proposed computationally efficient methods for dealing with multiple complex models fit to large data sets, and a bias correction when assessing linear regression. | Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Romanuik determined the molecular changes that occur during the progression of prostate cancer to advanced disease. Her research provided evidence for the mechanisms of progression, and identified potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers of prostate cancer. | Doctor of Philosophy in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr Chen developed inexpensive backup solutions for computer networks. These solutions successfully maintain service quality in case of failures, thereby dramatically improving user experience on the Internet. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Alimadadi investigated a number of clock energy recycling techniques to improve the overall power dissipation of high-performance logic circuits. Those recycling methods might be used in many high-performance chip designs, to lower power and save energy. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Séror examined second language university students' and content instructors' perspectives of the impact of providing feedback to written assignments. Focusing on the explicit and implicit messages found in the discourse of feedback, Dr Séror highlights the often unspoken forces and functions that shape this widespread educational practice. | Doctor of Philosophy in Language and Literacy Education (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Camp examined sex and gender in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Using population health, CT scan and pulmonary function data Dr. Camp found significant differences between men and women in the epidemiology, pathophysiology and exposure history of this disease. This research also illuminated the importance of measurement validity in gender studies. | Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Mirfakhraie developed a multicentred theory and methodology in analyzing curriculum reform and showed that despite the inclusion of critical educational theories, Iranian textbooks construct the world by references to multiple "us" and "them" categories based on contradictory anti-imperialist and nationalist narratives and discriminatory discourses of whiteness, Shi'ism and patriarchy. | Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Bennett examined the role of private security guards in building a 'world class' city that can be marketed to tourists, investors and higher-income homeowners. This work highlights the complex social position of guards as low-wage workers and agents of social control. | Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Guerrero developed and tested a system in laboratory and clinical settings for identifying deep vein thrombosis. He used ultrasound, which characterizes vessel compressibility and blood flow using novel image processing and sensor data. The system aims to assist medical professionals through a screening procedure which potentially increases disease detection. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Weber investigated individual Porphyrin biomolecules absorbed on a metal substrate, using a Scanning Tunneling Microscope. He studied and modified their self-assembly, conformational properties and their electronic structure. Modifying the Porphyrine's properties will allow their use as functional building blocks for nanostructured materials. | Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr Li investigated groundwater seepage in soils like those used in embankment dams. He established a method to assess the onset of internal instability. The method is a new decision-support tool for engineering practice that is now being used by BC Hydro in dam safety evaluation. | Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Stan examined the growth response of trees following the formation of natural canopy gaps in old-growth forests of coastal British Columbia. Her research provides important information for reconstructing past forest disturbances, understanding tree species coexistence, and predicting the impacts of forest management in coastal British Columbia. | Doctor of Philosophy in Geography (PhD) |