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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Dr. Marsden's articulation and application of The World Pattern of Process provides a unique, interdisciplinary approach to the Great Chain of Being, Indigenous world views, and Theories of Everything. Based on energy and key patterns inherent in a four-fold process, her study offers a holistic approach to knowledge systems and re-invigorates dialectics on human be-ing. | Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum Studies (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Gonzalez examined the development of race attitudes and gender stereotypes. She found that biases can affect children's behaviour as early as preschool but negative bias can be reduced through counter-stereotypical examples. Her research presents a strong case for developing bias interventions as early as possible. | Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD) |
| 2019 | With participation of 121 homecare nurses, Dr. Al-Masslawi studied barriers to their work, their problem solving strategies, and developed new patient documentation software that was inspired by their creative problem solving. The software used speech recognition, wearable technology, and smart phones, which nurses found very useful and easy to use. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Barrus examined gambling behaviour. His work demonstrated that gambling cues such as flashing lights cause rats to make risky choices, and that gambling and normal decision-making rely on different networks of brain regions and brain chemicals. This research helps us to understand why gambling becomes addictive for some people. | Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Siren completed her doctoral studies in the field of biomaterials chemistry. She studied how naturally occurring polymers at the blood vessel surface influence the immune response. These findings led to the development of a synthetic polymer-based therapeutic which was used to suppress the onset of organ rejection with reduced side-effects. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Javadi studied the waste rock piles that mining companies pile up following excavation. She developed numerical models to investigate and understand flow rates, and the chemistry of the water that discharges from stockpiled waste. These models can help industry make more informed decisions to manage the potential effects of contaminated water. | Doctor of Philosophy in Geological Engineering (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Sola explored how modifications of carbohydrates influence plant cell wall function. He discovered a novel mechanism that reinforces the connections between the walls of adjacent cells. His results provide insight into how plants can provide strength in specialized tissues. | Doctor of Philosophy in Botany (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Surtees investigated English language learning, focussing on conversations between study abroad students and their peers. Her findings highlight factors that help and hinder abilities to build peer networks in English as well as the important role that previous international experience plays in facilitating interaction and relationship building. | Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching English as a Second Language (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Lee identified splicing mechanisms orchestrating the progression of an aggressive therapy-resistant prostate cancer subtype. Her research pertains to the clinical implications of splicing mechanisms in informing future therapeutic strategies that may be effective in detecting and preventing or mitigating the disease course. | |
| 2019 | Dr. Matejova examined environmental disasters and their effects on nonviolent protest. She argues that uncertainty about disaster impacts plays a crucial role in the protest mobilization process. Her findings can be used to improve disaster communication practices, and open opportunities for resolution of social conflict. | Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (PhD) |
| 2019 | DNA sequencing machines read the A, C, G, and T nucleotides that compose chromosomes, but they read only short snippets of DNA and make errors. Dr. Jackman developed tools to reconstruct the true genome sequence from imperfect DNA sequencing reads. He used these tools to assemble the western red cedar genome, which is four times larger than the human genome. | Doctor of Philosophy in Bioinformatics (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Tuysuz studied virtual process modeling of machining complex thin-walled components used in the aerospace industry. He developed novel mathematical models and algorithms for digital manufacturing of jet engine rotors. His work helps identify manufacturing related defects so they can be solved before the actual part is produced. | Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Bisher's research demonstrated that intermittent hypoxia, a key pathological feature of sleep apnea, causes structural and functional renal injury in mice. His data also showed that the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid can prevent this injury. These studies add to our information on the mechanisms of kidney injury in sleep apnea. | Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Gignac studied a rare genetic disease called Robinow syndrome that is caused by mutations in the Wingless or WNT signaling pathway. Her work demonstrated how WNT5A and DVL1 genetic mutations disrupt formation of the skeleton. In future, these studies will lead to therapies for WNT diseases in humans such as cancer or bone related disorders. | Doctor of Philosophy in Cell and Developmental Biology (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Sun studied the regulation of plant immune responses mediated by two transcription factors, which were found to play a broad role in plant immunity. His study also provided new insight on how plants perceive salicylic acid, an essential plant defense hormone. | Doctor of Philosophy in Botany (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Ratcliffe researched the integration of genomic information into tree breeding programs. He developed models for early prediction of key traits, such as tree height, from information contained in thousands of genetic markers. His research enables tree breeding programs to rapidly respond to market demands for forest products and emerging threats. | Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Woodsworth developed a cell-to-cell delivery system, in which a therapeutic molecule is inserted into a delivery cell, carried to a disease site and transferred to a specific target cell. This will allow for smart, active therapeutic devices capable of engaging directly with the fundamental cellular and molecular causes of disease. | Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy (MDPhD) |
| 2019 | Phosphorus is recovered from wastewater as a compound called struvite. Dr. Fromberg studied how struvite pellets form and how to maximize pellet-formation in ÑÇÖÞÌìÌÃ's previously pioneered, phosphorus-recovery technology. Maximizing yield increases the value of the technology, and results in greater recovery of this valuable and dwindling resource. | Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Sanchez Alvarez studied how early childhood educators can broaden their understanding of children's ideas and actions and teachers' practices. By systematically questioning and discussing their interpretations, educators come to see their own and others' assumptions about children and pedagogy, and gain a richer understanding of the children's capabilities. | Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Albarran investigated new discourses about reproduction in contemporary Spanish literature. She analyzed the work of three women authors that explore the topic of procreation through novels, memoirs, and diaries. This work informs the concept's critical re-evaluation in light of technological change and a rethinking of some of the basic tenets of feminist thought. | Doctor of Philosophy in Hispanic Studies (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Li studied chemical reactions that can be performed in a photoelectrochemical or electrochemical cell. Reactions are driven by sunlight and electricity to make fuels and valuable chemicals. His research provides a promising means to store solar electricity into useful chemicals. | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Overmars explored Indigenous peoples' experiences in the workplace, identifying factors that help and hinder wellbeing. This research highlights unique considerations for Indigenous people, such as connection to culture at work, and provides a perspective that challenges negative narratives of Indigenous peoples' experiences at work. | Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Bomkamp examined presynaptic differentiation mediated by PTP sigma, providing evidence that its binding site for liprin-alpha, but not its phosphatase activity, is required for it to induce synapses. She also modeled relationships between gene expression and neuronal properties in order to generate hypotheses about how these properties are regulated. | Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Nguyen studied the fabrication method, the electrochemomechanical properties, and the modeling of ultrathin conducting polymer transducers. This research assists us in understanding the performance and demonstrates the adaptability in microsystems of such a thin beam. | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) |
| 2019 | Dr. Ruocco developed a new analytical model for exploring the effects of quantum coherence in macroscopic systems. He found that in certain photosynthetic systems, quantum mechanics can play a significant role in facilitating highly efficient energy transfer. | Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD) |