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Our state-of-the-art climate chamber can simulate environmental conditions of the past, present, and future. The climate chamber allows precise control of ambient temperature, humidity, airflow, and solar radiation — key environmental factors that influence human heat strain.

Capabilities of the Thermal Ergonomics Laboratory:

• data acquisition systems for real-time monitoring of thermophysiological responses to extreme climates, including but not limited to local sweat rate, local skin blood flow, and core and skin temperature.
• ultrasound machines capable of performing both cardiac and foetal ultrasounds, enabling the study of cardiovascular responses to heat exposure, and fetal monitoring for our studies on extreme heat and pregnancy,
• water-perfused suits, which allow researchers to precisely control skin temperature by circulating water at specific temperatures through a network of tubing,
• wireless ibuttons, skin temperature sensors, and telemetric pill monitoring to record real-time skin and core temperature responses,
• COSMED metabolic systems for measuring cardiorespiratory responses, including oxygen consumption during rest and exercise,
• hydration assessment tools,
• lode exercise equipment, including recumbent ergometers, upright cycle ergometers and treadmills,
• the capability to conduct overnight studies, which includes the ability to monitor sleep and brain activity (EEG), through our NOX polysomnography systems,
• capability to conduct research on the combined impacts of bushfire smoke and extreme heat, and
• capability to mimic occupational settings, such as ready-made garment factories, to better understand the impacts of heat and health on performance across a different work environment.