How breathing shapes airway biology and particle deposition

This PhD explores how the differences in mouth and nasal breathing change airway biology and particle deposition using advanced in vitro airway models and aerosol systems, linking respiratory physiology with aerosol science and bioengineering.

The 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. 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, and 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.

It is a full-time opportunity including participation in collaborative laboratory research within the Respiratory Technology Group at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research.

Scholarship details

This scholarship is available to eligible candidates to undertake a direct entry three-year PhD program. Applicants must, at the time of application:

• be an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident;
• meet Macquarie University's PhD admission requirements;
• hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent research experience
• not be enrolled in another PhD prorgram

The scholarship comprises:

• a tuition fee offset/scholarship
• a living allowance stipend

The value of each stipend scholarship is $39,700 per annum (full time, indexed) for three years.

Before submitting your application, submit an expression of interest including your:

• CV
• academic transcripts
• a short statement of research interests and relevant experience

If you are interested in applying for this PhD opportunity and would like more information, please contact Professor Daniela Traini at daniela.traini@mq.edu.au.