How a scholarship PhD student is revolutionising the future of aviation
The University of Salford’s Levi Kaganowich is joining the efforts to curb noise pollution, a growing government concern after studies have exposed its damaging impact on human health.
Currently heading into his third year of his PhD, Levi is drawing on his mathematical background and undergraduate dissertation to research new methods to mask sound waves and reduce the sound made by aviation. As the future of aviation looks to expand via electricity-powered small-scale flights, or the use of drones for delivery and emergency medical response, it is essential that any adverse effects from noise pollution are kept to a minimum.
Unbeknown to most, noise pollution can have drastic effects on our physical health, causing serious conditions such as heart attacks, type 2 diabetes, strokes and potentially even dementia*. Levi’s postgraduate research, along with the rest of the acoustics team at the University of Salford, will support expansion of the industry in a manner that doesn’t add significant noise pollution to the environment.
Levi told us about his pathway into this groundbreaking field and how he ended up specialising in acoustics.
Levi Kaganowich
“I had completed my undergraduate degree in Mathematics at the University of Salford but ended up initially entering a completely different field - youth work- something that I am extremely passionate about.
“Despite having several incredible years within this industry, I realised that I missed academia and yearned to return to the research-focused work that I had experienced whilst undertaking my dissertation.
“I reached out to one of my old lecturers at the University of Salford, Dr Olga Umnova, who had supported me through my undergraduate studies. She told me about the exciting opportunities available within the Acoustics lab.
“I just knew that it was something I had to do.”
The University of Salford offers several funded PhD opportunities for students like Levi who meet certain widening participation criteria. This is to support the University’s aim of bringing new perspectives and experiences into the research arena and developing a whole new generation of researchers at Salford.
“As the first in my family to attend University, the opportunity to take on this project has been life changing.
“I have been able to do something that I genuinely love, and that I am truly interested in, without having to worry about how this will impact me financially.
“The funding has not only allowed me to pursue my passion but will also open so many doors once I have completed the PhD. Acoustics is an industry that is crying out more for researchers, but many do not have the opportunity that I have had. There will likely be many jobs and future opportunities for me to choose from, in a job climate that is extremely competitive.”
Air traffic will become much busier in the not-too distant future with companies such as Manna Air Delivery, already taking advantage of these technologies. Levi told us he is hoping that his research will have a positive impact on the future of our skies.
“The government is making serious efforts to tackle noise pollution following the reports of these serious health implications. Alongside many other academics, experts and professionals up and down the country, we are collectively aiming to ensure that aviation is a safer, more environmental field.
“It would be a dream to know that my research has played a part in having a real-world impact on aviation, allowing us to maximise its true potential in a range of different fields.
“Whether that be medical, construction, or logistics, the possibilities of uses for small-scale aviation are endless, and will ultimately transform our future.”
The Postgraduate Research Widening Participation scholarships are currently open for applications until Friday 30 January 2026. There are also a number of acoustics scholarships currently open for application until January 2026.
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