BIO

Dr David White is a Senior Researcher at the Centre of Chiropractic Research within the New Zealand College of Chiropractic. Acting in his role as Co-Director of the BioDesign Research Hub, David is a strong advocate of interdisciplinary design-centric research. Leading the Augmented Breathing research theme within the BioDesign Hub lab has enabled the development of new treatment opportunities for many chronic physical and neurological diseases. Keen to apply his research, David is also the Chief Scientific Officer of My Better Breathing Ltd, a start-up company commercialising the Goodair Nosebuds developed from his research. With an emphasis on the human upper airway, Dr White has been investigating the role augmented nasal breathing practices delivered by new technologies enables new treatment options for many chronic diseases. This includes the development of the new sleep breathing therapy system called the Dreamflo that offers a new and improved treatment paradigm for obstructive sleep apnoea sufferers. The role augmented breathing has on influencing the autonomic nervous system that regulates many aspects of wellbeing, including sleep quality, digestion, hormone release, mood, and stress, is of particular interest. Current projects include research developing breathing neurotherapies, as potential treatment for neurological decline or disease, developing pulmonary rehabilitation support technology for COPD sufferers, and the development of a new breathing technologies that augment inhaled nitric oxide, an endogenous gas associated with good health outcomes. Dr White’s applied biomedical research has provided advances in other breathing therapies and devices including a lung simulator, pressure limiting flow regulator, simulator of premature neonate lung surfactant dynamics, airway tracheal tissue test apparatus and novel patented breathing interface systems. With a strong industry and academic background in mechanical design, David maintains his connections with industry, having undertaken over twenty engineering design consultancy projects including diagnosis of building ventilation issues through to the design of land speed record vehicles, freeze crystallisation water purification system and kinematic sculpture development. With a focus on applied research, Dr White has assisted over ten start-up companies in developing their technologies from initial idea through to final production-ready product and is listed inventor in seven patents.

DEGREES

- PhD - Auckland University of Technology
- ME - Auckland University of Technology
- BE (Mech) - The University of Auckland

CERTIFICATIONS

New Zealand Certificate of Engineering (NZCE - Mech)

LANGUAGES

English