Medical Imaging for Human Brain and Heart using Photonics and AI

This project aims to develop an optical system, combining an eye-safe laser with high-speed cameras (such as CMOS and SPAD cameras), to capture human heart sounds and monitor brain activity. Leveraging AI technology, particularly deep neural networks, we can extract vital signs from the collected laser speckle signals, such as blood pressure and heart rate, and provide further diagnostics, including the detection of heart murmurs and brain abnormalities.

The applications of this project are primarily clinical, such as identifying various heart diseases and detecting neurodegenerative diseases, particularly in newborns. The successful candidate will collaborate with NHS clinical fellows at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow and Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. Additionally, the candidate will work with Professor Daniele Faccio’s Extreme Light group at the University of Glasgow and the industrial partner ‘Light-Hearted AI’ to evaluate different laser systems (e.g., pulse laser, infrared laser) and test various speckle imaging methods.

For informal enquiries about the project, contact Dr Haobo Li, [email protected].

For general enquiries about the University of Dundee, contact [email protected]

Our research community thrives on the diversity of students and staff which helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for postgraduate research. We welcome applications from all talented individuals and are committed to widening access to those who have the ability and potential to benefit from higher education.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must have obtained, or expect to obtain, a UK honours degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent for non-UK qualifications), and/or a Masters degree in a relevant discipline. For international qualifications, please see equivalent entry requirements here: www.dundee.ac.uk/study/international/country/.

English language requirement: IELTS (Academic) overall score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 5.5 in reading, listening, speaking and 6.0 in writing). The University of Dundee accepts a variety of equivalent qualifications and alternative ways to demonstrate language proficiency; please see full details of the University’s English language requirements here: www.dundee.ac.uk/guides/english-language-requirements.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Step 1: Email Dr Haobo Li ([email protected])  to (1) send a copy of your CV and (2) discuss your potential application and any practicalities (e.g. suitable start date).

Step 2: After discussion with Dr Haobo Li, formal applications can be made via our direct application system. When applying, please follow the instructions below:

Candidates must apply for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Biomedical Engineering (3 or 4 year) using our direct application system: apply for a PhD in Biomedical Engineering

Please select the study mode (full-time/part-time) and start date agreed with the lead supervisor.

In the Research Proposal section, please:

–         Enter the lead supervisor’s name in the ‘proposed supervisor’ box

–         Enter the project title listed at the top of this page in the ‘proposed project title’ box

In the ‘personal statement’ section, please outline your suitability for the project selected.