How airway biology and particle deposition are shaped
This PhD project is part of an Australian Research Council Discovery Project examining how different breathing modes (mouth versus nasal breathing) influence airway surface biology and particle deposition.
Using advanced in vitro airway models and aerosol systems, this research explores how the differences in mouth and nasal breathing change airway biology and particle deposition.
Key details
- 20258046
- PhD
- Applications close on 30 April 2026
- Domestic
- Medicine and health
- $39,700 p.a.
While nasal breathing naturally humidifies and filters air, mouth breathing exposes the airway epithelium to drier and chemically different environments that may affect barrier integrity, mucus function and particle transport.
The student will work with advanced 3D-printed airway models, microfluidic epithelial systems and aerosol deposition platforms to study how humidity, pH and osmotic pressure alter epithelial permeability and mucus properties.
The project sits at the interface of:
- respiratory biology
- pharmaceutical science
- bioengineering.
This research will provide fundamental insight into airway physiology under environmentally relevant conditions and support the development of more physiologically accurate in vitro models for respiratory research, aerosol medicine and environmental exposure studies.
Availability
The scholarship is available to candidates eligible to undertake a direct entry three-year PhD program.
Awards will only be available to applicants who, at the time of application:
- are Australian citizens or Australian permanent residents
- meet Macquarie University’s PhD admission requirements
- hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent research experience.
Awards will not be available to those who:
- are enrolled in another PhD program
- do not meet domestic candidature requirements.
Award-holders may:
- undertake the scholarship on a full-time basis
- participate in collaborative laboratory research within the Respiratory Technology Group at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research.
Components
The scholarship comprises:
- a tuition fee offset/scholarship
- a living allowance stipend.
The value of this stipend scholarship is $39,700 per annum (full time, indexed) for three years.
How to apply
Before submitting your application, submit an expression of interest (EOI) to Professor Daniela Traini at daniela.traini@mq.edu.au.
Your EOI should include:
- a CV
- academic transcripts
- a short statement of research interests and relevant experience.