In vitro biophysics project – improving efficacy of pulmonary surfactant to increase survival following mechanical ventilation of lung injury patients. BACKGROUND:  Our lab discovered that an existing molecule lowers surface tension in the lungs and, during mechanical ventilation of injured lungs, reduces ventilation injury and improves oxygenation.  The molecule is a promising potential therapeutic for treating acute lung injury, such as that caused by COVID-19. OPENING/PROJECT:  An opening is available for a Ph.D. student to work on a biophysics project.  The project will comprise working with an in vitro surfactometer to replicate the effect of the therapeutic on pulmonary surfactant and investigate mechanism of action. The project will