Classroom assessment and curriculum redesign: Teacher experiences in British Columbia

British Columbia has undergone a significant curriculum reform that centred a competency-driven approach to education. This reform also highlighted a focus on proficiency in classroom assessment while maintaining a letter grade and percentage requirement in reporting for Grades 10-12 students. This study focuses on Grades 10-12 teacher experiences with classroom assessment and reporting under this new curriculum through qualitative, constructivist, and evaluative research approaches. Through interviews with eight teachers, this case study explores how teachers are being influenced by curriculum change and what challenges this curriculum change brings to their assessment practices. This study finds that teachers’ assessment practices are unequally influenced by curriculum and that this particular curriculum redesign has ushered in uncertainty and confusion for some teachers. However, this study also identifies that despite this, teachers’ assessment practices and values regarding assessment may still align with high-level goals of the curriculum. Finally, this study identifies that challenges such as time burdens and uncertainty regarding the curriculum can influence how teachers approach, implement, and conceptualize aligned classroom assessment.Graduat

Condition assessment and long-term structural health monitoring of aging reinforced concrete water reservoirs

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is increasingly required to ensure the safety, serviceability, and longevity of aging reinforced concrete (RC) infrastructure. According to the Canadian Infrastructure report card 2019, many municipal water reservoirs in Canada were constructed several decades ago and are approaching or exceeding their original design service life, while continuing to operate under changing environmental and loading conditions. Traditional condition assessment approaches, primarily based on visual inspection and occasional destructive testing, are limited in their ability to provide continuous, objective, and system-level insight into structural performance. This thesis presents an integrated framework for condition assessment and long-term monitoring of reservoirs, with a specific focus on an in-service reinforced concrete potable water reservoir located at Mount Tolmie in Victoria, British Columbia. The proposed framework combines finite element modeling (FEM), non-destructive evaluation (NDE) methods, wireless sensor-based SHM, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) to develop an information-rich digital representation of the structure. Seismic response analysis with fluid–structure interaction is first conducted to identify structurally critical regions and guide sensor placement. A comprehensive, coring-free multi-NDE assessment which includes infrared thermography, rebound hammer, ultrasonic pulse velocity, ground penetrating radar, and non-invasive corrosion rate and electrical resistivity measurements, is then performed over multiple field campaigns to evaluate spatial patterns, repeatability, and temporal changes in material condition. Long-term sensor data, including linear displacement, tilt gauges, and acceleration measurements, are subsequently analyzed to characterize the structure’s behavior under operational conditions and to establish data-driven thresholds for anomaly detection. The novelty of this work lies in the first application of non-invasive corrosion rate and electrical resistivity measurements using the iCOR device for the condition assessment of an operating reinforced concrete potable water reservoir, together with the use of multi-year, coring-free NDE results to inform structural condition assessment and the development of a BIM-based digital twin framework in which long-term, low-frequency SHM sensor data are continuously linked to the 3D model to enable near real-time monitoring and automated anomaly alerts for stakeholders. The outcomes of this research demonstrate the feasibility of integrating heterogeneous inspection, testing, and monitoring data into a unified digital twin model for reinforced concrete water reservoirs, supporting identification of critical zones and informed decision-making for maintenance and future monitoring of aging water infrastructure.Graduate2027-04-2

Reactivity exploration of alkyne-functionalized bicyclobutanes: Access to medicinally relevant multicyclic compounds

The development of new drug molecules increasingly relies on efficient and versatile synthetic methods. As medicinal chemists aim to balance efficacy with desirable 'drug-like' properties such as solubility, metabolic stability, and absorption, bioisosteres have become a powerful tool. Bioisosteres are exchangeable chemical groups that are similar in size but remain biologically distinct. Bicyclic bioisosteres of aromatic rings are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to enhance drug-like properties; however, accessing these structures remains synthetically challenging. This project aims to explore the metal-catalyzed functionalization of alkynyl bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes, which serve as versatile intermediates for constructing complex bicyclic bioisosteres. The research focuses on achieving efficient synthetic pathways towards a diverse set of alkynyl bicyclobutanes, including heteroatom-containing and highly functionalized variants, and evaluating their reactivity towards transition metal catalysts. The objective is to generate unique bicyclic compounds through coupling reactions. Research activities include the synthesis and purification of bicyclobutane derivatives, the design and execution of high-throughput screening experiments, and the scale-up of promising conditions.Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Awards (JCURA)UndergraduateReviewe

Modelling nanocomposite dielectrics - polarization and inclusions at the atomic scale

This thesis details the computational investigations into molecular-nanoparticle based nanocomposite dielectric candidate materials. Mainly silver-based nanoparticles under 32 atoms in metal-oxide and polymer model materials to understand how encapsulation affects local and bulk dielectric function and how to model such candidates. Chapter 1 introduces the ideas behind molecular nanoparticles (MNP) and functional dielectrics at the sub-100nm range. Emphasis on bridging gaps present in the literature at present and potential novel uses between atomic-doping and traditional larger nanoparticles. Chapter 2 delves into theory and background as this is an entirely theoretical and computational thesis. An explanation of both static and optical dielectric starting from electronic structure and ending in a comparison of methods. Further computational details provided in relevant next chapters. Chapter 3 contains details of the major topic of this thesis: How to model a molecular nanoparticle inclusion in a solid-state dielectric. The candidates of Ag inclusion and MgO candidate metal-oxide were modelling using Car-Parinello Molecular Dynamics to obtain a size and shape correlation in nanoparticles as well as some guidelines for computing charge distribution and quantum of polarization effects. Chapter 4 contains details of the optical polarization of Ag-PVDF nanocomposites with a focus on interacting particles and non-homogeneity in MNP distribution. This project aimed to move towards a more realistic model with two nanoparticles interacting at various distances. Chapter 5 is an attempt to push the boundaries of highly detailed molecule-level polarization calculations and a discussion on their usefulness without experimental backing. Chapter 6 summarizes this thesis followed by some QuantumEspresso code and parameters used.Graduat

Healing the wounded healer: A guide for counsellors

This project explores the wounded healer archetype within child and youth care (CYC) and clinical counselling practice, examining how practitioners lived experiences of woundedness influence professional effectiveness and functionality. Drawing on Jungian depth psychology, counselling literature, and CYC perspectives, this project critically examines woundedness as both a potential vulnerability and a source of strength in the helping professions. While the literature identifies unexamined woundedness as contributing to professional boundary issues, countertransference, burnout, and practitioner impairment, it also highlights the potential to deepen empathy, altruism, and therapeutic presence when woundedness is consciously acknowledged and integrated. The project culminates in the development of Healing the Wounded Healer Handbook: A Guide for Counsellors, a practical, manualized resource designed for counsellors working in a community-based counselling practice. The handbook integrates reflective exercises, somatic practices, mindfulness, and Jungian approaches to support ongoing self-awareness, professional sustainability, and ethical practice. Overall, this project seeks to contribute to CYC scholarship by normalizing practitioner woundedness, reducing stigma, and offering practical, trauma-informed strategies that support both practitioner wellness and relational practice.Graduat

Procession of Kali Sara: An example of Romani impact on the community and arts

This project was focused on the influence that the Romani people have on the arts and culture sector in their communities. The influence also encompassed the way that non-Roma interacted with Romani forms of art and culture and whether this interaction then led to a positive interaction and bridge between the Roma and non-Roma, or if it was interacted with as a form of new age spiritualism or cultural appropriation rather than appreciation. The form of art and culture focused on was the Procession of Kali Sara. This spiritual procession venerates the saint, Kali Sara, and is attended by thousands of Romani from across Europe. The area that hosts this procession is Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, France, and was chosen based on traditional storytellings that place the Saint Kali Sara on its shores when fleeing persecution. Throughout the years, this procession has garnered attention by non-Roma, who now utilize this event as their own form of spiritual procession or cultural curiosity.Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Awards (JCURA)UndergraduateReviewe

Fighting fire & emotion: A feelings study of BC's wildland firefighters

As climate change intensifies wildfire seasons in British Columbia, wildland firefighters increasingly confront ecological destruction, occupational risk, and emotional strain. Despite growing research on the mental health impacts of climate change, the emotional experiences of wildland firefighters remain underexplored, particularly within the social and cultural contexts of wildfire work. This qualitative study examines how Initial Attack (IA) wildland firefighters in British Columbia experience, interpret, and manage emotions while working in a climate-altered landscape. Guided by the sociology of emotions, particularly Arlie Hochschild's concept of "feeling rules," the research investigates how occupational culture, social positionality, and gendered expectations shape emotional expression and regulation. Using an interpretive action research approach, the study will conduct semi-structured interviews with BC Wildfire Service firefighters and analyze the data through thematic analysis. By centering firefighters' lived experiences, the project seeks to illuminate how emotion-management operates within a masculinized occupational culture and to identify organizational changes that could better support collective well-being. The study contributes to sociological understandings of climate change, emotion, and work while offering practical insights for improving wildfire workplace cultures and support systems.Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Awards (JCURA)UndergraduateReviewe

Design and simulation of a three-body self reacting point absorber wave energy converter using inertial control

Global energy systems are rapidly transitioning through the increasing introduction of renewable energy sources. Most renewable generation sources are intermittent, creating challenges for grid stability and reliability. Diversifying these generation sources can mitigate this issue. Integrating ocean wave generation sources into the energy mix represents a candidate strategy for this diversification. Despite their potential, ocean wave energy converters remain underutilized due to their comparatively high cost relative to other renewable generation technologies. Recent research has shown that significant increases in the power production of wave energy converters can be achieved through advanced control strategies that utilize a mechanical device called an inerter to tune the system into resonance with incident ocean waves. These studies assumed idealized inerters and system dynamics, and relied on frequency domain analyses, which neglect nonlinear hydrodynamic and mechanical losses. Additionally, limited consideration was given to the physical constraints required to integrate the inerter into an actual wave energy converter system. To address this gap in the research, this work develops a time-domain simulation tool to model the coupled dynamics of the wave energy converter and inerter system, incorporating both nonlinear mechanical and hydrodynamic forces. The inerter was then analyzed under design and operational objectives and reduced to its core design parameters. A genetic algorithm was applied to optimize the inerter design in order to satisfy these objectives. Finally, the simulation tool was used to model the wave energy converter coupled with the optimized inerter to evaluate the effects of the nonlinear mechanical and hydrodynamic forces on the power production of the system under optimal control. The optimized inerter design was able to achieve the effective mass response required for optimal power capture. However, when implemented with the optimal control scheme, the wave energy converter system exhibited unrealistic motion under low frequency wave conditions. To compensate for the unrealistic motion, an adapted control approach was applied, which led to substantial losses in power production below a wave frequency of 2.96 rad/s. The addition of friction forces in the inerter, end stop forces and viscous drag forces also led to significant losses in power production. This research developed a time-domain simulation tool to evaluate the realistic performance of coupled wave energy converter-inerter systems. By demonstrating the limitation of optimal control schemes when applied to realistic systems, the significant gap between idealized control models and physically achievable systems was revealed. This work also demonstrated that while the friction force induces a parasitic dissipation of power the primary source of loss is due to the control algorithms ignorance to the change in the system impedance that the friction force causes. This is the opposite for viscous drag where the loss in power from the dissipation of energy due to drag outweighed the control related loss. The insights gained in this research identify key mechanisms responsible for these losses and point towards strategies that could be used to mitigate them. Future challenges that must be addressed to advance this research area include linearizing the nonlinear forces and incorporating them into the optimal control algorithm as well as developing higher-fidelity inerter models to better capture real-world dynamics. Ultimately, future work should apply this research when constructing a real-world prototype device and experimentally validate the results and insights obtained in this research. Overall, this work established a foundation for future researchers to refine realistic control approaches, mitigate the effect of non-linear forces and advance the practical viability of inerter-based wave energy converter control methods.Graduat

Culturally appropriate sexual health interventions for STBBI and HIV among racialised immigrant communities in Western nations: A scoping review protocol

Introduction Racialised immigrant communities in Western nations face disproportionate risks for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) due to systemic barriers, including racism, stigma and limited access to culturally appropriate care. While the need is well-established, a comprehensive synthesis of effective, culturally responsive sexual health interventions is lacking. This scoping review aims to map the available evidence on sexual health intervention needs and protective factors of racialised immigrants, and to identify and describe existing culturally appropriate programmes in Western nations. Methods and analysis The review will follow the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and be reported as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. A systematic search strategy, developed and peer-reviewed by a health sciences librarian, will be executed in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and Scopus, alongside grey literature sources, with no date limit. Two independent reviewers will screen titles/abstracts and full texts against the inclusion criteria. Data will be extracted using a standardised tool, analysed via narrative synthesis and framed by a socio-ecological model to categorise interventions across individual, interpersonal, community and structural levels. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval is not required for this review. Findings will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication, academic presentations and tailored summaries for community organisations and policy-makers to ensure practical application. Review registration Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/9qah6).FacultyReviewe

Living through the screen: Social media use and embodiment in youth

The present study examined the association between social media use and embodiment among adolescents, as well as whether sleep duration, physical activity, and maladaptive emotion regulation functioned as potential mediators of this association and whether these pathways differed by gender. Participants were 171 adolescents aged 13 to 17 years (Mage = 15.06, SD = 1.39; 63.7% girls, 5.3% gender diverse youth) enrolled in a 14-day intensive longitudinal study; the present analyses used aggregated between-person data from baseline scores and a 7-day daily diary protocol. These data were analyzed using a moderated parallel mediation model. Greater social media use was significantly associated with lower embodiment and with higher maladaptive emotion regulation. Greater maladaptive emotion regulation was also significantly associated with lower embodiment. Sleep and physical activity were not significantly associated with social media use or embodiment. None of the indirect effects through sleep, physical activity, or maladaptive emotion regulation were statistically significant, and these indirect effects did not differ by gender. These findings suggest that greater social media use is linked to lower embodiment in adolescence and highlights maladaptive emotion regulation as a relevant factor in this association.Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Awards (JCURA)UndergraduateReviewe