Peter Simard

Peter Simard is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies at Eckerd College. He holds a Ph.D. in Marine Science from the University of South Florida (2012) and a B.S. in Marine Biology from Dalhousie University (1995). His research focuses on cetacean behavior, ecology, conservation, and marine bioacoustics, including studies on bottlenose dolphin spatial patterns, boat noise effects, and habitat use near reefs in the Gulf of Mexico. His work is part of the Eckerd College Dolphin Project.

Research highlights include investigations on sperm whales in the Galapagos, dusky dolphins in New Zealand, and Amazon River dolphins in Brazil. He co-founded Blind Bay Cetacean Studies in Nova Scotia to study cetacean ecology. Courses taught include GIS for Environmental Studies, Marine Mammal Science, and Bioacoustics.

Publications emphasize acoustic monitoring, boat noise impacts, and environmental sound changes due to red tides. His research integrates fieldwork, acoustic technologies, and interdisciplinary approaches to marine conservation.

Advising and grants: While no specific grants are listed, his research contributions highlight collaborative projects with institutions like Texas A&M and the Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia. He mentors students through Eckerd’s Environmental Studies program and research initiatives.

Labs/Teams: Core member of the Eckerd College Dolphin Project, contributing to long-term ecological studies and student training in marine science.