Celebrating Our Graduates
Summer 2024
The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS) is proud of the accomplishments of our graduates and excited to showcase the diverse and impactful research they have undertaken and acknowledge their contributions to Ontario Tech's rich culture of innovation and excellence. To celebrate their achievements, we are pleased to present a selection of our recent graduates and details regarding their completed studies.
Andrew Bondoc
MASc (Mechanical Engineering)
Digital Twin solutions are at the forefront of intelligent prognostics and diagnostics of physical systems. The Digital Twin is the bidirectional communication between the physical and digital domain. This thesis develops Digital Twin for a lab-scale prototype of a pipeline system found in oil and gas industries. Novel methodologies for reduced order modeling, finite element simulation, and sensor network optimizations are developed to achieve the research goal.
Amna Hassan
PhD (Nuclear Engineering)
My work investigates the feasibility of yeast cells as fortuitous samples for large-scale retrospective assessments of radiation exposures following a radiological accident.
Dallas Hill
PhD (Criminology and Social Justice)
My dissertation research focused on technological decision-making by Canadian police services. Through a national survey, semi-structured interviews, and a content analysis of services' strategic plans, I examined the various factors that can influence these decisions (e.g., societal pressure, calls for accountability, vendor marketing, internal culture) as well as the formal and informal processes used to bring technologies in the front door. Ultimately, this project provided a much needed insight to the inner workings of technology adoption prior to implementation.
Sarah Kirkpatrick
MSc (Forensic Psychology)
My name is Sarah Kirkpatrick, and I recently completed my M.Sc. in Forensic Psychology! My research examined public perceptions of consent and sexual assault in heterosexual versus same-sex sexual encounters, as well as perceived consent of common intimate behaviours. Following the successful defence of my thesis, I was honoured with a nomination for the Most Outstanding Thesis Award!
Garon Mulyk
MA (Criminology)
Threats to national security and public safety occupy the minds of many following the 9/11 attacks in the U.S. However, the Canadian national security and public safety mandate is at risk of irrelevance if it fails to adequately address and understand the complex threats Canadians face. Through semi-structured interviews with Canadian law enforcement and intelligence personnel, I use a grounded theory approach to thematically analyze how national security, public safety, terrorism, and hate-motivated incidences are understood and defined by those on the front lines.
Michael Ouellet
PhD (Criminology and Social Justice)
Previous research has highlighted the relationship between danger, stress, and the well-being of police officers. Still, gaps remain in understanding officers' perceptions of danger. This study addresses these gaps by exploring the concept of subjective danger perception, a cognitive and emotional response to potential physical or psychological harm. The study identifies that environmental cues influence danger perception and exist on a spectrum shaped by social and personal factors.
Sarah Pistritto
MHSc (Health Sciences)
There is a need for the development of feasible interventions aimed at improving cognitive decline for people with dementia (PWD) and individuals with Late-Life Depression (LLD) symptoms. This study explores the design considerations to create a feasible ZUMBA and cognitive stimulation exergame and explore its implications on the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial health outcomes of participants. The second objective is to explore the feasibility and reliability of collecting saliva samples in older adults and analysis through a digital PCR environment for the exploration of neuroplastic BDNF and its impact on learning. Results indicated the exergame and collection of saliva was feasible and found evidence to suggest that exergaming can provide positive benefits to PWD and LLD individuals.
Ben Sainsbury
PhD (Computer Science)
My PhD thesis, The Development and Evaluation of the Marion K181 PCNL Simulator, addresses a critical need in surgical education by offering a comprehensive VR platform for training in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). The simulator integrates advanced haptic feedback with accurate 3D anatomical models, creating a highly realistic environment for surgeons to develop and refine their skills.
Ally Stevenson
MSc (Forensic Psychology)
My research examined barriers and facilitators to reintegration through both a masculinity and strengths-based lens. For my thesis I interviewed previously incarcerated men to explore their reintegration experiences and how their ideas around masculinity may play a role in this process.
