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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Artists often start creation by sketching digitally. Dr. Liu studied how humans mentally see sketches without being confused by busy, inaccurate lines and built computational methods to automate this process. These methods benefit various sketch-related computer applications, from colourizing 2D animation frames to lifting design sketches into 3D. | Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science (PhD) |
| 2023 | Using lipid nanoparticle technology, Dr. Leung uncovered novel methods to genetically modify platelets and discovered strategies to improve the efficacy of nanoparticles. His research brings us one step closer to better transfusion products while advancing our understanding of lipid nanoparticles. | Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PhD) |
| 2023 | Dr. Lin's work focused on developing the theory and practice of geometric methods in machine learning. His research opens a new direction for exploiting hidden mathematical structures in real-world applications. His methodology was used to win the Bayesian Deep Learning Challenge in Neural Information Processing Systems 2021. | Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science (PhD) |
| 2023 | Dr. Fahimi developed a numerical model for process simulation of polymeric composite materials with innovative techniques for material characterization and modelling gas transport.His research empowers the design of optimized and cost-effective manufacturing processes leading to enhanced quality and better dimensional stability of the final product. | Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering (PhD) |
| 2023 | Dr. Sutherland researched historical changes in the ecosystem services provided by forests of BC. His work advanced theory and methods for studying coupled social-ecological systems and moves forward an understanding of ecosystem services as part of dynamic systems. His work also leaves a legacy of data showing ecosystem services change in BC. | Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD) |
| 2023 | Dr. López de la Lama explored the deep bonds Peruvian landowners share with nature through privately protected areas (PPAs). She unveiled diverse intrinsic, instrumental, and relational values driving their commitment to conservation. Amid structural challenges and tenure insecurities, these relationships underscore the importance of citizen-led conservation. | Doctor of Philosophy in Resources, Environment and Sustainability (PhD) |
| 2023 | Dr. Liu explored how plant-associated bacteria influence plant immunity and shield plants from pathogens. She discovered that bacteria dampen immunity through root acidification and protect plants via biofilm formation. Her work advances our grasp of plant-microbe interactions, offering insights into agricultural microbiome engineering. | Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology (PhD) |
| 2023 | Decision making under uncertainty and limited information has been a critical challenge in operations. Dr. Lin's research tackled this challenge and shed light on how to sequentially collect and exploit information over time. | Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration in Management Science (PhD) |
| 2023 | Dr. Pascual showed how variation in genetics, habitat and time impact gene exchange in Texan wild sunflowers. Their encounter with Hurricane Harvey revealed the remarkable resilience of the species. These findings provide unique insights into how a single species can diverge into two, and how some species might respond to climate-driven disasters. | Doctor of Philosophy in Botany (PhD) |
| 2023 | Dr. Wierts examined factors that contribute to the well-being and exercise behaviour, and demonstrated the importance of identity in predicting exercise behaviour. He further examined key antecedents of exercise identity and the feasibility of a group-based exercise program for promoting exercise identity and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. | Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology (PhD) |
| 2023 | Dr. Reynolds used experiments in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance to correct assumptions made in clinical practice about how fats and water interact in the human brain during an MRI scan, affecting accurate measurements. In doing so, he further developed a model of nuclear relaxation leading to a potential new form of contrast in MRI images. | Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD) |
| 2023 | Dr. Liang studied how harmful bacteria in the gut exploit our body's natural defenses to reproduce and cause infections. Her work informs future therapeutics beyond antibiotics to treat bacterial infections by targeting pathogen metabolism. | Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD) |
| 2023 | Dr. Michta studied how phase transitions occur in finite volume for some classical models from statistical physics. This work contributes to a better and rigorous understanding of finite-size scaling theory in high dimensions. This is useful to the wide spectrum of people working at the interface between physics and mathematics. | Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics (PhD) |
| 2023 | Dr. Ramsay explored concussions among children and youth in British Columbia. He found that most children and youth with a concussion do not receive follow-up and those with a delayed follow-up visit were more likely to experience poor health. This research provides new evidence to support the importance of timely follow-up after a concussion. | Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) |
| 2023 | Dr. Tsai explored how luminescent materials and nanoparticles are useful for detecting biological molecules. In particular, she developed a new and improved method for directly sensing multiple genes, in parallel, in biological samples. She also elucidated important concepts in designing sensors based on more sustainable nanoparticle materials. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD) |
| 2023 | Dr. Heydari conducted research on how groups of stem cells behave together. He showed that we can use mathematics to understand and predict their behavior. This newfound knowledge can be used to develop better methods for creating tissues and organs in stem cell research. | Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering (PhD) |
| 2023 | Can we find structure in complex systems, like social networks or the interactions between cell proteins? Dr. Briercliffe designed a class of statistical models for discovering hidden structure in networks.By harnessing probability theory, his research created practical tools that allow scientists to reveal order and structure in our complex world. | Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics (PhD) |
| 2023 | Dr. Guzman studied the behavior of monetary and fiscal policy during economic crises. He showed how fiscal expansions can affect the ability of central banks to use monetary policy against recessions. His work contributes to the understanding of monetary and fiscal policy interactions, and why these policies can exhibit lack of coordination in a crisis. | Doctor of Philosophy in Economics (PhD) |
| 2023 | Dr. Rippon studied operating data from pyrometallurgy and kraft pulping processes to address troublesome process faults. By combining process knowledge and historical data with novel applications of machine learning and data visualization, his research contributes to improving operating outcomes of industrial processes. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical and Biological Engineering (PhD) |
| 2023 | Dr. Goldman-Hasbun examined perspectives on the free speech and hate speech debate online and on university campuses. She identified complex meaning-making processes and status dynamics, challenging common-sense views of the debate. This research illuminates the importance of examining first-hand perspectives to understand polarized topics. | Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology (PhD) |
| 2023 | Dr. Mayer used critical ethnographic methods to explore how social and structural factors impacted why and how people engage with injectable opioid agonist treatment. Her research examined how people navigate the enabling and constraining aspects of treatment, highlighting the importance of low-threshold, equity-oriented and patient-centred care. | Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD) |
| 2023 | Dr. Edwards explored a school's experience implementing a food education program using a hydroponic shipping container farm (HSCF). This study found that despite substantial initial funding and administrative support, the financial and human capital needs for running a HSCF make it an unsustainable tool for delivering food education programming. | Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum Studies (PhD) |
| 2023 | Dr. Booker developed novel analyses to better understand how rivers respond to flooding. Using these methods, he demonstrated how river boundaries influence erosion and deposition in the river during floods. This work will help minimise human-related disturbance to riverine ecosystems. | Doctor of Philosophy in Geography (PhD) |
| 2023 | Dr. Walsgrove investigated how the incorporation of phosphorus into small molecules and polymers can create functional systems. Through his thesis work he showed that phosphorus can impart useful properties into synthetic frameworks and furthered the active research field of phosphorus chemistry. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD) |
| 2023 | Dr. Caballero Silva studied and characterized the molecular structures of bacterial nano-machineries involved in the life cycle of the bacterium responsible for Tuberculosis. This research provides the groundwork into the development of novel therapeutics which can target key steps stopping bacterial infection. | Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PhD) |