Multiscale computational modelling of nutrient absorption mechanisms in the small intestine

Fully funded | Masters or PhD

Nutrient absorption is a critical yet complex process that determines the nutritional value of foods and impacts human health. This PhD project aims to advance our understanding of digestive processes by improving existing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models of the small intestine and developing robust experimental validation techniques.

This project will develop comprehensive computational models of nutrient absorption and create a novel in-vitro experimental setup to validate these models. The research will integrate advanced numerical techniques with physiologically realistic simulations, focusing on tracking nutrient transport, enzymatic interactions, and absorption mechanisms across multiple scales. Experimental validation will be achieved through microfluidic platforms designed to precisely simulate intestinal environments. Additionally you will get to work with our collaborators in NZ and in the USA. 

Desired skills

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering, physics, applied mathematics or equivalent. Experience with mathematical modelling, data analytics, computational fluid dynamics and microfluidics. Some familiarity with MATLAB, Python, and CFD simulations will be desirable.

Funding

Riddet Institute

Contact and supervisors

For more information or to apply for this project, please follow the link to the supervisors below: 

Contact/Main supervisors

Supporting Supervisor

  • Leo Cheng

Page expires: 20 December 2025