Doctoral Citations

Dr. Olutayo developed a new channel model that can accurately describe the environment’s effects on communication signals of emerging wireless systems. These channel models play a vital role in designing, implementing, testing, and deploying these new wireless communication systems.

Dr. Sadeghifar developed a hierarchy of potential models for the adsorption of H2 molecules on ionic surfaces. The proposed models were then used in the molecular simulations of these systems to answer questions that remained in the field for more than 15 years. The proposed models can now be used as a predictive tool to design future experiments and to explore more important properties of these layers.

Dr. Meng developed an efficient modelling approach to accurately represent the dynamic phenomena of electric converters. He subsequently applied his method to study the severe fault impact on a large-scale power grid with connections to offshore renewable power plants, thereby lowering the overall computational cost while delivering the accurate response of the system.

Dr. Prasad studied a novel Spark Plasma Sintering Technique for the fabrication of nuclear fuel pellets and set up the first facility in Canada with that capability. His research resulted in the fabrication of several prototype fuel pellets with enhanced performance that might be powering future nuclear reactors. This technology was transferred to Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) and is being actively pursued by Dr. Prasad at CNL

Dr. Arash Dalili developed a Lab-on-a-Chip, which by utilizing dielectrophoretic force can manipulate, focus, and separate microparticles and biological cells. His developed device is portable, offers high throughputs and separation efficiency. Therefore, it has vast applications in point-of-care diagnostic and environmental monitoring devices.

Dr. Rashidi developed novel characterization and modelling techniques to investigate process-induced defects in the manufacturing of aerospace textile composites. The versatile modelling framework resulting from his research enables the identification of the optimum combinations of material, processing, and part geometrical factors that can lead to defect-free aerospace composite structures.

Dr. Carturan built a complex computer model to show that coral species diversity in a reef makes the reef more resilient to disturbances such as storms and bleaching events. His research determined aspects of diversity that confer reef resilience and has concrete applications for the management of coral reefs as the climate changes.

Dr. Quin explored the relationship between maternal fat consumption and offspring health by examining differences in infant gut microbes and immune responses in acute and chronic diseases. She found that unsaturated fats reduce immune priming in infants, increasing the risk for poor health outcomes. These studies challenge current dietary guidelines.

Dr. White examined how various individual characteristics, such as personality, influenced the benefits of a well-being intervention. Dr. White found that while some nuances were discovered, on average, people randomized to a 6-month well-being program became happier and more satisfied with their lives, regardless of their personality traits.

Dr. Leitner’s research demonstrated how eye-tracking technology predicts performance on cognitive testing in young and older adults, as well as recovery of function after a stroke. This research addressed a need to explore modern technology during the assessment of cognition to further understand brain-behaviour relationships.

Dr. Coombs showed that acute passive heat stress improves markers of vascular function in both young, healthy individuals and those with spinal cord injuries. The underlying mechanisms will inform longer-term protocols. However, activation of the sympathetic nervous system and chronic heat exposures are important considerations for future research.

Dr. Luka developed simple and inexpensive on-chip-based biosensors and point-of-care diagnostic devices for the detection of pathogens. He subsequently applied his techniques to detect Cryptosporidium in water samples.

Dr. Feng developed a building-level life cycle assessment framework with the integration of Building Information Modelling and Environment Production Declaration. The proposed framework was applied to the residential building sector to support policymakers and industrial practitioners reduce the overall building environmental impacts.

Dr. Lihter examined deep crustal rocks now exposed in the High Himalaya to decipher the mountain-building processes recorded therein. Her work makes new discoveries on the genesis and age of rocks within the Himalaya and expands the current understanding of the processes active both prior to and during the formation of the mountain belt.

Dr. Kanippayoor developed the first disorder-specific quality of life measure for individuals with a borderline personality disorder diagnosis. The measure has shown promising potential for identifying and monitoring long-term changes in life quality among those pursuing early treatment. Most importantly, the measure offers individuals an alternative way of describing their current quality of life in terms that are not focused exclusively on symptom outcomes.

Dr. Arpink explored two novel approaches of measuring social support with a sample of women who had experienced intimate partner violence. Having found some benefit to measuring social support in a more nuanced manner, Dr. Arpink suggested future directions for research in this area, as well as some changes and improvements in how we measure social support for survivors of intimate partner violence.

Dr. Henderson incorporated theoretical insights from Entrepreneurship, Finance, Strategic Management and Data Science disciplines in the development of a predictive firm behaviour model. Dr. Henderson introduced one of the first applications of machine learning as well as the conceptual paradigm of candor to a significant management theory known as Entrepreneurial Orientation. In doing so, Dr. Henderson presents a text-based/semantic relationship to qualify entrepreneurial rhetoric and its association to future entrepreneurial firm behaviours.

Dr. Stroh utilized an inexpensive mining by-product to develop a new aluminum alloy that boasts superior performance at engine operating conditions. Combined with extensive residual stress and fitness-for-service analyses, this research will help the transportation industry provide a greener and more sustainable means of transportation.

Dr. Sakthivel developed an easily fabricable, high throughput stretchable platform for applying cyclic tensile strain to cells encapsulated in 3D hydrogels. He extended the platform to study the combinatorial effects of different cell microenvironment factors on cell function, which could be helpful in engineering artificial tissues and organs.

Dr. Kaseweter examined the prosocial treatment of patients in pain using a sample of undergraduate students and medical residents. She found that the effect of empathy on helping behaviour was moderated by individual differences in pain perception, emotion regulation, and psychopathic traits – potentially contributing to disparities in the treatment of pain.

Dr. Mancuso studied the migration of a common songbird, the Gray Catbird, and an endangered songbird, the Yellow-breasted Chat. She found that catbirds migrate to northeastern Mexico while chats migrate to western Mexico. Her research contributes to understanding the full annual cycle of both species plus informs recovery efforts for the chat.

Dr. Le’s research examined people’s attitudes and decisions of mentally ill offenders. Her work highlighted the importance of educating people about the Not Criminally Responsible on account of Mental Disorder defence.

Dr. Bezabeh developed and applied new performance-based wind design (PBWD) frameworks for tall buildings. His research is the first to explore the dynamic response of tall mass-timber buildings using wind tunnel tests. Overall, his dissertation demonstrated the possibility of achieving sustainable and economic tall buildings through PBWD.

Dr. Crawford used three studies to investigate if individuals underestimate the benefits of spending time in nature. The results indicate that individuals with a higher connection to nature are more accurate at predicting their emotional response to nature. As well, spending time in nature increases an individual’s happiness and sense of relaxation more than spending time in urban settings.

Dr. Salverda’s research examined three aspects of a framework for dialogue to unsettle taken-for-granted knowledges with a group of central Okanagan professionals: affinity groups, critical learning processes and the role of the facilitator. The findings highlight considerations for community development and critical educational strategies.

Dr. Mohammad Shiraz developed a new battery generation of Lithium/Sodium-Selenium batteries, which tries to tackle the issues that arise from current Li-ion batteries. He applied several methods to improve the life long, capacity and stability of mentioned batteries. The work can be implemented in today’s battery technology and make electric vehicles more proficient.

Dr. Saif developed efficient network coding methods to minimize delay while reducing the burden on the core-network of 5G mobile networks. He subsequently applied his methods to effectively and efficiently stream popular videos to users and optimize data rate. Through extensive simulations, he showed that his proposed methods achieved improved performances over existing schemes.

Dr. Good studied the difficulties faced by Indigenous speakers as they interact in the Mexican legal setting and the role Indigenous interpreters play in encouraging language and cultural revitalization. This study frames the role of interpreters as cultural gatekeepers and proposes a collaboration between State and Indigenous jurisdictions.

Dr. Sekhon examined the pathophysiology of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury after cardiac arrest in humans using invasive multimodal neuromonitoring. This research provided sentinel insights into the cerebrovascular physiology of ischemic brain disease.

Dr.Perera developed a life cycle thinking-based approach to plan recharging infrastructure for electric vehicles in urban communities. His research outcomes aid urban communities in reducing their transport-based carbon footprint.

Dr. Zhang researched how the performance of bridge structures can be improved under earthquake hazards. He investigated the dynamic responses of post-tensioned concrete columns and proposed design guidelines using the performance-based design framework. This research enables engineers to build more resilient bridges against earthquake events.

Dr. Ouache developed an integrated fire risk management framework for Smart-Green multi-unit residential buildings. He established robust machine learning algorithms and solutions to help guide policies. His research illuminates decision-makers’ roles and enhances investments for specific fire prevention, protection, and intervention strategies.

Dr. Mothersole investigated three unique proteins from the bacterium Fusobacterium nucleatum in order to identify if they may be viable as drug targets. This research may help in the development of novel treatments of several conditions associated with Fusobacterium nucleatum, such as periodontal diseases, preterm births, and colorectal cancer.

Dr. Rahbarimanesh developed a cost-effective and efficient numerical solver for simulating the phase change phenomenon in liquefied natural gas (LNG) flows. His solver has been extensively used to investigate the detailed physics of LNG phase change behaviour in a wide range of industrial applications, aimed at facilitating reliable design and optimization of future green LNG-based fuel systems.

Dr. Alfihed examined a variety of semiconductors and polymeric materials for the integration of photoconductive terahertz devices and microfluidics as an optoelectronic sensor on a chip. The research results illuminate the role and importance of the terahertz sensors’ architecture for identifying material spectra at the micro-scale.

Dr. Vieira studied the Portuguese community in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), its organizations and Luso-Canadian transnationalism. She suggests there are differences between Luso-Canadian transnationals conceptualizations of identity and bilingualism and the established Portuguese community. Other factors such as gentrification, suburbanization, and acculturation impact this community.

Dr. MacQueen used a stochastic individual-based model to show that the location of wildflower enhancements around a crop and the mechanisms by which bumblebees select foraging sites can strongly affect the pollination services they provide. This work helps blueberry growers with planting decisions and informs future mathematical modelling efforts.

Dr. Naghshbandi designed an interdisciplinary framework and developed a multilayered participatory model to identify the main conceptualizations of space from doctoral students’ points of view and make their voices heard. She argues that learning space is an indicator of support and has the potential to improve the well-being of students. 

Dr. Nowak’s research developed novel measurement-based techniques to optimize and control power distribution systems using distributed energy resources.

Dr. Zareie developed a smart bracing system conceptually to preserve structural health and stability. A prototype of the system has been fabricated, and its behaviour has been confirmed, characterized by experimental tests under the compression and tension loadings.

Dr. Bishop studied the production of the neurotoxin BMAA by cyanobacteria from Canadian lakes and the Andes in South America. She found that ecosystem complexity as well as nutrient and light availability influence the production of BMAA, which can help us understand how to decrease the risk of human exposure to this toxin in diverse environments.

Dr. Carpenter examined how the experience of social ostracization influences our moral judgments of racial in-group and out-group others. This research helps us to understand how we form impressions of others’ moral character and the impacts of ostracization on well-being.

Dr. Abbott compared and optimized multiple biological processes to help protect human health and the environment. His work will help wastewater treatment facilities recover energy and better treat organic matter, chemical contaminants, and recalcitrant forms of nitrogen and phosphorus.

Dr. Abebe developed a spatiotemporal decision support framework for managing urban stormwater infrastructures focusing on risk assessment, climate change adaptation, and funding strategies. The framework provides a proactive asset management approach and helps municipalities in allocating scarce public resources effectively.

Dr Hamdon investigated the use of Mixed Matrix Membranes for separating propylene off propane in petrochemical facilities. The multi disciplinary research covered the aspects of membrane material development, process design and simulation. The research aimed at reducing the separation process energy demand and carbon footprint

Dr. Zhang’s research proposes an adaptive droop control method to regulate the active power flowing through the direct current cable without using any additional power electronics devices. This research greatly reduces the capital cost and power loss compared with the traditional power flow control methods.

Dr. Yacyshyn showed that the response of the neuromuscular system to fatiguing exercise depends on the biological sex and age of participants as well as the muscle group tested. This research improves our understanding of fatigue and will aid researchers and rehabilitation specialists in tailoring their protocols to better assess muscle function.

No citation available at this time.

Dr. Adal developed molecular markers for lavender fingerprinting and diversity studies, and examined the biosynthesis of monoterpenes – the major components of lavender essential oils. He cloned and functionally characterized six genes responsible for the production of precursors and key monoterpenes that are critical steps to improve lavender oils.

Motivated by today’s ever-increasing demand for deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles in broad applications, Dr. Emran developed new control algorithms to improve their performance and stability. Through his research, he has contributed significantly to their safety and reliability subject to severe external disturbances and system failure. His research results enable the use of aerial vehicles in number of civilian applications including package delivery, transportation and pipeline monitoring.

No citation at this time.

No citation available at this time.

Dr. Xu developed numerical models to better understand the behaviour of bolted wire mesh for rock slope stabilization. He revealed the force and displacement response of steel wire mesh with various bolt patterns and spacing when the mesh is subject to loads from an unstable rock. This research has significant implications for improving the effectiveness of mesh on rock slopes using a proper bolt arrangement.

Dr. Bourne researched the influence of a set of design principles on the outcomes of a global service learning project situated in a challenging context. Her findings revealed that the three core values of respect, reciprocity, and reflection, were central to a creating a good global service learning project, worth doing for both students and in-country partners.

Dr. Goodman was passionate about improving chemistry education. Specifically, she studied the widespread use of misleading and conflicting concepts found in college chemistry teaching materials and classroom practices. In particular, Dr. Goodman’s research involved identifying the “threshold concepts” that best support students’ language development about and conceptual understanding of chemistry.

Dr.Jamal developed a business case for sustainability that linked the transportation system and projects with the quality of life,specifically by incorporating social case analysis to the economic,strategic,and implementation cases of conventional business case development methodology.Her methodology will help decision makers make informed decisions when planning and evaluating transportation projects.

No citation at this time.

Battery chargers and Data Centers need direct current electricity for operation, thus converters are used to change the alternating input mains into Direct Current (DC) electricity. Electricity is available in single-phase (two wires) and three-phase (three-wire) form. Three-phase is more economical for high power applications.Dr. Hafezinasab’s study focuses on high efficiency three-phase AC/DC converters.

Dr. Passmore’s work involves taking notice of nature in daily routines. Her multi-national research builds a strong case that simply noting emotions evoked by everyday nature strengthens feelings of connection and elevation. Her validated Noticing Nature intervention has a powerful effect on wellbeing, even without spending more time in nature.

No citation available at this time.

Dr. Quintans studied the differences between the interactions of plants with beneficial and pathogenic fungi, and how beneficial fungi enhance plants defenses against pathogens. She identified thousands of genes that can cause or prevent fungal infections in plants. She also found novel antimicrobial peptides that represent promising targets for the pharmaceutical and agricultural industry. Together, these data will lead to the development of better strategies to control fungal diseases.

Dr. Angel’s research engages people in social change through community-based artworks and processes. The dissertation contributes an interdisciplinary design methodology and a model for nurturing creative experiential learning. This work can inform sustainability researchers situated in and across environmental, educational and health sectors.

Dr. Ye studied how nutrients, especially fat, affect metabolic disorders such as heart diseases. Her conclusion challenges the current dietary fat guidelines on promoting polyunsaturated fats, which conversely worsen the preexisting chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Her research makes people rethink dietary choices and provides a potential therapeutic target on managing metabolic diseases.

Dr Taylor investigated food security and food sovereignty in the Creston Valley of British Columbia during the renegotiation of the Columbia River Treaty in the Creston Valley of British Columbia. Dr Taylor developed an innovative framework tool using key socio-economic factors which helped to assess food security and define the challenges to food producers in the area.

Dr. Jonathan Laumer examined the distribution of chemical bonds present within various types of thin-films of carbon, using an optical characterization technique. Through a characterization of the shape and form of the resultant spectra, he was able to quantitatively delineate between different types of thin-film carbon. This work has broad implications, both from basic materials and applications perspectives.

Dr. Reinholz developed a method for constructing non-congruent numbers that have arbitrarily many distinct prime factors. This technique allows known non-congruent numbers to be extended to produce infinitely many new non-congruent numbers, thereby considerably broadening the collection of non-congruent numbers that can be generated and described.

In multi-antenna systems, secure transmission designs are important for physical layer security which is a promising information security technique. In this thesis, Dr. Hui’s research focused on the secure transmission designs for three jamming signal aided multi-antenna systems, which can be applied in the next generation communication networks.

Dr. Martignoni studied the risks and benefits associated with the use of organic fertilizers consisting of commercially grown arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. She developed a series of mathematical models to determine when the introduced fungal fertilizers can coexist with native fungi and boost productivity, versus when the use of fungal fertilizers constitutes a biodiversity risk and it is ultimately detrimental to crop yield. Dr. Martignoni’s work sheds light on strategies for the management of a broad range of mutualistic communities that play a critical role in agriculture, such as below-ground microbes, bees, or other animal pollinators.

Dr. Kjorven examined the complexities of navigating her roles of clinical nurse specialist in geriatrics and daughter while caring for her hospitalized older adult father within a health care system that is risk adverse. Her research will help guide collaboration with patients and families in team based and person and family centered care.

Dr. Aubin studied the relationship among queer small presses, poetry, and lesbian and gay liberation movements in Vancouver. His study argues that small presses in Vancouver contributed to the development of liberation movements by creating queer-friendly cultural communities, publishing books, and circulating these objects to LGBTQ2+ readers.

Dr. Husain’s interdisciplinary research investigates poverty and class relations in the context of development aid projects in Bangladesh. Dr. Husain theorizes dual hegemony, an alliance between the political and economic elite and the international aid industry, to explain why development aid to impoverished countries benefit aid facilitators and donors, as well as a few wealthy clients, rather than empowering aid recipients on the ground.

Dr. Sarker investigated the structural and regulatory genes that control the biosynthesis of essential oil constituents in lavender. His work resulted in the discovery of important genes that control oil composition in this plant. Dr. Sarker also developed a comprehensive transcriptome database, which facilitates the cloning of genes expressed in lavender leaves and flowers.

Dr. Tymko’s thesis encompassed data collected on three separate high altitude expeditions in the United States, Nepal, and Peru. The research objective was to determine the impact of hypoxia on blood vessel health in lowlanders and high altitude indigenous populations. The primary was that that blood vessel function was impaired at high altitude, which was mediated by elevated neural activity.

Dr. Ahmadipour examined the effects of web and flange openings on structural capacity of timber I-joists,and proposed a design approach for such beams. He argues that the current wood design code does not address the existence of such openings effectively. His research paves the way for a safer design approach for such important building components.

Dr. Mohamed tackled some of the hurdles of current microscale tissue engineering methods. He developed efficient technologies and biomaterials for the biofabrication of 3D bioprinted and microfluidically produced constructs that can treat or replace an affected tissue. His research is a step towards translating research into real solutions for several medical problems.

Dr. Haji Mohammadi developed a mathematical formulation to perform numerical simulation of turbulent bubbly flows in complex geometries. He subsequently implemented the formulation into a parallel C++ code to run various real-life test cases. This novel formulation allows us to perform simulations of fluid flow with much less computational burden.

Dr. Kamali developed a multi-level decision support framework to quantify and benchmark the life cycle sustainability of residential modular buildings. This framework assists in selecting optimal construction methods and also improving the life cycle sustainability performance of modular buildings.

Dr. Hager examined the proposed transformation of art history into World Art History, a new approach to the study of all the worlds art based on seeking out connections between objects and their makers across nations, world regions, and time. Dr. Hager argued that World Art History signals a paradigm shift within the discipline of art history.

No citation at this time.

Dr. Muhammad developed a novel chemical additive using locally available bentonite soil for mitigating the problematic subgrade soil. Through Dr. Muhammad’s work the additive was employed as a soil stabilization technique for improving the strength and resilient modulus of the silty sand soil. She subsequently studied the mechanism of strength development in weak soil through microstructural analysis.

No citation available at this time.

Dr. Yousefi’s research was on development of an integrated management plan for urban water resources. He worked on analytical models to detect for any leakage and failure through the pipeline in water distribution systems. His research led to the development of an analytical technique, allowing for lower costs, higher accuracy and more reliability.

Dr. Wei studied deceptive language, focusing on changes in a person’s language pattern during deception. His research explored modeling techniques that can utilize the uniqueness of individual language style, and demonstrated the benefit of doing so in enhancing the performance of automatized lie detection systems.

No citation available at this time.

Motion control in micrometer scales is a challenging task due to the required stringent accuracies. Conventional sensors that can help to achieve such accuracies are often bulky and expensive. Dr. Zarif Mansour developed novel techniques to minimize the direct use of sensors in micro-positioning devices that use piezoelectric actuators. His research helps designers to design compact and economic positioning stages with micrometer accuracies.

Dr. Cook used social capital theory and participatory, spatial methods to promote understanding of homeless people’s presence/mobility in the urban environment. Her findings have significant theoretical implications and in the development of strength-based approaches to homelessness service delivery that foster maximum therapeutic benefit.

No citation available at this time.

Dr. Shrestha investigated the geological evolution of the mid-crust in the Himalaya. His research focused primarily on characterizing the cryptic geological structure of the mountain belt using an innovative, new analytical approach to detect subtle changes in the pressure-temperature-time paths that rocks record at the microscopic scale.

Dr. Morgan examined how sulfite and yeast additions during winemaking can alter the microbial communities and sensory profiles of wine, and identified a local population of yeasts that shows great winemaking potential. Her research helps winemakers make more informed decisions, enabling them to produce unique and high-quality wines.

Dr. Holland examined aspects of using symbiotic root fungi to enhance grapevine performance after transplant. He revealed that while symbiotic fungi are often beneficial to young grapevines, it depends on environmental and biotic factors. Overall, fungal inoculants are most advantageous in the presence of stressful environmental growing conditions.

Dr. Liu studied the application of microbial fuel cell technology in winery wastewater treatment. He designed an MFC reactor to treat winery wastewater meanwhile generating electricity, and studied the effect of pH, seasonality, and other operational parameters. This research illuminates the potential of recovering energy from wastewater treatment.

No citation available at this time.

Dr. Marten examined the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program in the Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada, from 2000 to 2015. Her case study focuses on German skilled workers and their families, who came to Canada as temporary foreign workers and hoped to gain permanent residence via the BCPNP. Her research reveals the BCPNP lacks oversight and enforcement, and creates a vulnerable workforce.

Dr. Kokkoris examined the effectiveness of fungal biofertilizers in the field and greenhouse. He found that biofertilizers performance depends on plant and fungal identity, and on soil conditions. The study also showed that unregulated spread of fungal biofertilizers that contain aggressive isolates have the potential to negatively affect natural ecosystems.

Dr. Tian developed chemical probes to study vital proteins in neurons. He obtained these probes through rational design and chemical synthesis. He subsequently these novel probes in living cells, which proved the application potentials. This research offered new tools to facilitate the elucidation of neurobiology problems.