Research Topics

Acoustical oceanography, Zooplankton behavior and ecology

My lab uses acoustics as a tool to study a variety of biological (and physical) oceanographic processes. We work in a variety of habitats ranging from shallow water estuaries to the mesopelagic organisms that live in the deep ocean. Our projects take place all over the world ranging from the local waters of New York to the polar oceans (and many other locations in between).

We are a sea-going lab that primarily uses active acoustic methods to study the distribution and abundance of zooplankton and fish in the ocean and the bottom-up and top-down oceanographic processes that affect these animals. In conjunction with the acoustic data, we collect net tows and trawls (and other data) to help us better understand the ecology of these organisms and habitats. These data along with tank-based scattering experiments, computer modelling work, and other research efforts improve our ability to identify, estimate, and conserve pelagic organisms.

We also use passive acoustic monitoring to study the coastal waters and beaches of New York as well as tropical reef ecosystems.  These projects rely on vocalizing animals and can be used to study the impact of human-activities on fish, invertebrates, marine mammals, and seabirds in these habitats.

Our most recent research activities and projects can be found on my research lab webpage. Please feel free to email me if you’re interested in joining my lab (as an undergrad, graduate student, or post-doctoral researcher).