Breathing as a Driving Force Behind the Fight or Flight Response to Stress (Ryan Brindle)

On campus: this project is scheduled to begin on 6/08/2026 and run for 10 weeks, finishing on 8/14/2026.

Project Description

When stressed breathing patterns change dramatically. However, the degree to which stress-related breathing drives the cardiovascular stress response (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure) is unknown. This project aims to document stress-related changes in breathing and cardiovascular activity and quantify the degree to which breathing drives cardiovascular changes under stress. Students working in the Sleep and Stress Laboratory will gain experience in human subjects research, learn the deep physiology of the fight or flight response, become proficient in measuring human respiratory and cardiovascular activity, and analyzing time series physiological data.

Prerequisites

None

Special Comments

None

Project Information (subject to change)

Estimated Start Date: 6/08/2026

Estimated End Date: 8/14/2026

Estimated Project Duration: 10 weeks

Maximum Number of Students Sought: 3

Research Location: On campus

Travel Required? No (If “yes”: )

Contact Information: Ryan Brindle (email: rbrindle@wlu.edu)