That would help tell rescuers which whales had the best shot of survival.
Her project, supported by the new $10,000 Bob Kerridge Animal Welfare Fellowship, will also look at the human element of these events - and how the views of people involved might change over the course of them.
"New Zealand has an international reputation not only for its high incidence of mass strandings, but also its degree of public engagement at such events," Stockin said.
"The public and media play a significant role, which can dramatically change the outcome of management decisions we see on beaches during emotive events such as a mass stranding."
Kerridge believed the study would make an important difference in the future.
"Humans have a great empathy and connection with whales, and the tragedy of their many strandings is one of the great mysteries of the ocean and one that has a major emotional impact on those who experience them," he said.
"It is our belief that Dr Stockin's study will lead to a greater understanding and consequently more humane and effective management of whales in distress."