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 Program
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)
2008 Dr. Beyers studied the distribution and abundance of elephants and other mammals in Central Africa and found that these are largely determined by human activity. The civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo caused major declines in populations of elephants, poached for ivory and forest antilopes, hunted for bushmeat. Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (PhD)
2008 Dr. Birmingham tested the long-held assumption that humans have a preferential bias to attend to the eyes of other people. Her dissertation fills in a substantial gap in the social attention literature, and brings to light important theoretical and methodological issues in social attention research. Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)
2008 Dr. Petrie Thomas found that in 8-month-old infants born extremely preterm, decreases in heart-rate during focused attention and sustained focus while exploring novel objects strongly predicted cognitive development. This knowledge will lead to methods for the very early identification of infants at-risk for attention and cognitive problems. Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD)
2008 Dr. Hallbom developed a rheological model to explain the flow behaviour of non-settling slurry. He used this model to derive the engineering equations required for the hydraulic design of pipelines. His results were presented in a form that can foster an intutitive understanding of slurry pipe flow by practicing engineers. Doctor of Philosophy in Mining Engineering (PhD)

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