Transforming respiratory care at the bedside using machine learning assisted on-chip vibrational spectroscopy

About the project

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a widespread respiratory condition affecting all ages, causes respiratory failure due to inflamed, fluid-filled lungs hindering gas exchange. COVID-19 highlighted ARDS globally, leading to hospitalizations and deaths.

No specific therapy exists, and surfactant loss worsens outcomes, with 30-50% mortality. Oxygen therapy is crucial but excessive administration can damage tissues. Our study proposes on-chip spectroscopy for rapid in-vivo surfactant analysis, aiding precise treatments and prevention across all ages.

This PhD project is focused on transforming respiratory care at the bedside to develop a user-friendly, palmtop spectrometer that brings rapid bedside biomarker diagnosis within easy reach for clinicians. Building on our success in mid-infrared spectroscopy and machine learning, our team is creating a practical point-of-care device.

Utilizing disposable enhanced spectroscopic chips, this project aims to analyse in-vivo surfactant metabolism swiftly. By doing so, clinicians can make informed decisions, stratify patients, and prescribe targeted therapies promptly.

Potential supervisors

Lead supervisor

Professor Senthil Murugan Ganapathy

Professorial Fellow-Research

Research interests

Integrated Photonic Devices;
Point-of-Care Diagnostics;
Lab-on-a-Chip;

Entry requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent.

Fees and funding

For UK students, tuition fees and a stipend at the UKRI rate plus £2,000 ORC enhancement tax-free per year for up to 3.5 years (totalling around £21,000 for 2024/25, rising annually).

EU and Horizon Europe students are eligible for scholarships. CSC students are eligible for fee waivers. Funding for other international applicants is very limited and highly competitive. Overseas students who have secured or are seeking external funding are welcome to apply.

How to apply

Apply now

You need to:

choose programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
choose PhD in Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) (Full time)
add supervisor Prof Senthil Murugan Ganapathy in section 2

Applications should include:

your CV (resumé)
2 reference letters
degree transcripts to date

Contact us

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

If you have a general question, email our doctoral college (feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk).

Postgraduate research project