Understanding the auditory domain in the human uterine environment

About this opportunity

It is remarkable how much we do not know about human development. Those models which do exist related to the auditory environment within the human uterus are of poor quality. The general principle currently employed by experimental psychology is to increase the decibel presentation and assume for a 20dB reduction through maternal tissue to the foetus. This approach is based on research with sheep. 

This Ph.D. opportunity revolves around the desire to rectify this crude approach across the sciences. This research team has recently examined and updated our understanding of light within the human uterus. We found that the fetus does not develop in a completely dark environment as previously assumed. As the human auditory sensory system begins within the womb, and there is motivation in fields such as developmental psychology and photoacoustics to explore the extent to which an auditory stimulus penetrates maternal abdominal tissue and to determine how transdermal auditory stimuli are detected and interpreted by the human fetus. 

We propose to develop a Monte Carlo model utilising third trimester histological properties of maternal tissue to simulate auditory stimuli. This modeling will provides quantitative guidance on the interactions between auditory stimuli and maternal tissue to practitioners and researchers in the fields of fetal development, ultrasound, and developmental psychology.

Our prior student won the Koko Kairangi Best Thesis Prize (Zac Isaac), which was posted via the University's social media team. Perhaps this information could be included in this opportunity? (https://www.facebook.com/WaikatoUniversity/posts/congrats-to-phd-student-zac-isaac-whos-just-received-the-2025-koko-kairangi-best/1183842923784741/) 

Essential: Modeling skills and a background in mathematics
Essential: Python programming skills
Desirable: An understanding of developmental psychology and biology

The general Higher Degrees admission criteria also apply.