Measuring the rapture of the deep

This exciting new project, a collaboration between the Diving Medicine group at the Department of Anaesthesiology and the Biomimetics Lab at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, will enable the study of the effects of hyperbaric gas on the brain. We will develop a robust self-contained underwater EEG system consisting of hydrogel electrodes, signal acquisition and processing electronics. The system will be optimised for saltwater environments and tested in the lab, pool, and open water. Physiological extremes that will be explored include narcosis, hypoxia, hypercapnia, and oxygen toxicity. The system will provide real-time feedback to divers and dive supervisors, utilising various human-machine interfaces, including a dive computer, head-up display, and surface computer. This will substantially advance our understanding of the effects of hyperbaric gas on human physiology and improve dive safety.

Our project will cover a wide range of different skills and topics and might be right for you if you have experience with or an interest in learning about:

• Software: C, C++, Python, Matlab
• Platforms & Tools: Linux, microcontrollers
• Hardware: Prototyping (3D printing, electronics), EEG Sensors (hydrogel materials
• Diving physiology: an extreme diving environment that forms the project background 

This project is eligible for funding but is subject to eligibility criteria & funding availability.

Page expires: 30 March 2026