About the Project
Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF2014). In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Graduate School, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career.
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/supporting-you/research/
Project Detail:
Extreme environments place intense demands on the human body. For example, human activity at high-altitude typically exposes the body to low oxygen levels, solar radiation, snow, rain, exercise, cognitive load and wind; while working at sea also combines disorientation, cold water immersion, high pressure and breathing gas toxicity. Each stressor, both in isolation, but more commonly combined with other stressors, impose a complex network of cardiovascular, respiratory and neuromuscular tensions, resulting in a substantial barrier to effective human performance and health.
Yet, despite the prevalence of combined stressors in nature, multifactorial and integrative research studies are often superseded by narrow, single factor investigations. The limitations in this reductionist approach are increasingly apparent. In many cases the differential influence of underlying or secondary factors can limit the repeatability and translatability of cutting edge human science. This doctoral project therefore aims to develop a broader understanding of the human response to environmental challenges. By examining the predisposing factors that differentially impact physiological function in extreme environments, the project will aim to identify the underlying mechanisms that dictate the human response to complex, co-existing stressors. This might include exploring the inter-individual, behavioural and environmental factors that differentially influence e.g. the onset of hypoxia induced acute mountain sickness, motion sickness and/or hyperbaric decompression illness.
This project will aim to encourage the development of evidenced-based design solutions that combat the deleterious effects of extreme environments. The candidate will primarily draw upon current research in cardiovascular physiology, neurophysiology and thermoregulation to direct their research. Such outputs not only offer practical application to various occupational groups, military personnel and athletes/outdoor pursuit enthusiasts, but also translate into many clinical settings in which the body is critically challenged.
Applications from exercise science, ergonomics and/or human physiology are welcomed. A background in environmental ergonomics and an enthusiasm to pursue a novel research approach is desired. Candidates will have access to a wide range of ‘cutting edge’ facilities at the Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre, including two environmental chambers, a driving/flying simulator with motion platform and a vision and lighting laboratory. Thus, initial experience operating such equipment is desirable. Candidates will also have the opportunity to develop a range of research skills and techniques for the assessment of human performance and physiology.
General information about the Design School and Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre can be found athttp://www.lboro.ac.uk/EERC
Entry requirements:
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 1st class Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in environmental ergonomics or environmental physiology are essential.
Funding information:
This is an open call for candidates who are sponsored or who have their own funding.
Contact details:
Dr Alex Lloyd, [Email Address Removed], +44 (0) 1509 228314
How to apply:
All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select ‘Loughborough Design School’
Quote reference: LDS/AL/2017
Reference: LDS/AL/2017
Starting: 1st July 2017 or 1st October 2017
Primary supervisor: Dr Alex Lloyd
Secondary supervisors: Prof George Havenith, Dr Simon Hodder.