Student research project
Can smartphones estimate circadian light exposure?
Evaluating an everyday device against research-grade light measurements.
The question
Smartphones are carried through many everyday environments. Could their measurements support useful estimates of circadian light exposure, and where would those estimates become unreliable?
The project
Evaluate smartphone-derived light information against suitable reference measurements. The project focuses on accuracy, variability between devices and conditions, and the difference between a convenient proxy and a defensible exposure measure.
What you will do
- Review phone sensing capabilities and biologically relevant light metrics.
- Develop a reproducible calibration or comparison workflow using controlled measurements or an agreed dataset.
- Quantify errors, uncertainty and practical limits across relevant conditions.
Possible scope
A thesis or engineering project could address validation and modelling. A shorter placement could focus on a defined device comparison or analysis component. Programming, signal processing or measurement-science experience would be useful.
How to apply
Send a short motivation, CV, relevant skills, preferred project, dates, format and location. Mention external funding. Contact Prof. Manuel Spitschan using the address below.
Location, timing and scope are agreed with the supervisor; availability depends on capacity and the work involved.