Projects
I'm working with NOAA's Southwest Acoustic Ecology Lab, and
we are ADRIFT in the California Current.
Follow along on our Sound Bytes blog.
Anthropogenic noise has been recognized as a threat to marine mammals for over 30 years, making noise exposure a central issue for their conservation and management.
Bycatch and negative fishery interactions remain the principle threat to marine mammals around the world.
Studying the acoustic behavior of dolphins
Acoustic Ecology & Oceanography
In a world largely devoid of light, marine predators chase down prey that are sparse, fleeting, and mobile. I study the sounds that dolphins make to understand their behavior over a range of time scales and in remote habitats. A combination of passive and active acoustic techniques are used to study how predators respond to the movements of potential prey.
Training future researchers
Science Education & Mentorship
I mentor high school students through their own investigations of marine mammal acoustic ecology. A combination of direct and virtual instruction is used to teach students about passive acoustic monitoring, oceanography and marine mammal biology.
Designing investigations with teachers
Curriculum Development
The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are designed to bring authentic content and practices of science and engineering into the classroom, but teachers need new curricula to support the new standards. I work with San Diego teachers to develop NGSS lessons that bring actual oceanographic investigations into the classroom.
Translating science for policy
Science Education & Policy
The National Academy of Sciences is the is the leading source of trusted, independent advice on issues of science and technology in the United States. In 2018, I worked with the Academy's Board on Science Education to develop consensus reports on current topics in science education.
Interactive Science Education
Science Education & Exhibit design
The sounds of humans, animals and geologic sounds make up underwater soundscapes. Aquarium guests learn about acoustic ecology and become underwater DJs by orchestrating their own soundscapes.
Science Education and Outreach
I'm passionate about connecting researchers with their local communities. I often visit local classrooms and volunteer as a featured researcher at informal science centers to teach people about research and potential career paths in science.
Oceanography
Going out to sea for weeks at a time allows me to deploy acoustic recorders and survey remote marine ecosystems. I blog and make videos to show landlubbers what it's like to be a marine biologist on the high seas.
You can learn a lot by listening...