Find Academic Supervisors

Maude BaldwinView profile

Researcher

• Evolutionary Biology
• Sensory Systems
• Molecular Evolution
• +3 more

Maude Baldwin is the Director of the Evolution of Sensory and Physiological Systems department at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence. Her research focuses on the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying sensory receptor evolution in vertebrates, particularly in birds. Education : Ph.D. from Harvard University (Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, 2007-2014); B.A. from New York University (Gallatin School of Individualized Study, 2005). Research Interests include: Evolution of taste receptors, such as the repurposing of savory receptors for sweet detection in hummingbirds. Convergent evolution in sensory systems across vertebrates. Integrative approaches combining molecular methods, cell culture, and behavioral studies. Impact of dietary shifts on ecological and physiological adaptations. Publication Trends reveal a focus on comparative genomics , protein evolution , and sensory system adaptation , with specific attention to bird taste receptors , gene loss , and echolocation genetics . Labs & Teams : Baldwin leads a multidisciplinary team at the Max Planck Institute, recruiting researchers in comparative genomics , organoid technology , and vertebrate natural history . The group investigates sensory-diet coevolution and physiological trade-offs.

Noah J. CowanView profile

Professor

• Neuromechanics
• Robotics
• Neuroscience
• +5 more

Noah J. Cowan is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University's Whiting School of Engineering, with secondary appointments in Computer Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering, and Neuroscience. He is the founder and director of the Locomotion in Mechanical and Biological Systems (LIMBS) Laboratory, part of the Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics. His research focuses on neuromechanics, robotics, and control theory, bridging neuroscience, biomechanics, and engineering. Cowan's work investigates how organisms achieve precise locomotion and applies these insights to advance robotics, neuroprosthetics, and rehabilitation technologies. Education: B.S. Electrical Engineering (Ohio State, 1995), M.S. and Ph.D. Electrical Engineering & Computer Science (University of Michigan, 1997/2001). Postdoctoral fellowship at UC Berkeley (2001–2003) before joining Johns Hopkins. Research Interests: Neuromechanics of motion, bio-inspired robotics, multisensory integration in animals (e.g., electric fish, Drosophila), and sensorimotor control in clinical contexts like cerebellar ataxia. His lab studies how neural circuits interact with biomechanics to produce movement, with applications to robotic design and neurological disorder treatments. Awards & Recognition: Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (2010), IEEE Fellow, NSF CAREER Award (2009), and multiple teaching and research excellence awards at Johns Hopkins. His work has been published in top journals like Nature , Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , and IEEE Transactions on Robotics . Outreach & Mentorship: Longtime mentor for high school and undergraduate students in STEM, leading programs like the Baltimore Ingenuity Project and WISE. Served as team leader for the STEM Achievement in Baltimore Elementary Schools (SABES) initiative. Key Projects: Development of the LIMBS Lab’s VR systems for animal studies, bioelectric navigation technologies for medical devices, and collaborations with clinicians on upper limb movement disorders. His team’s research on electric fish and fruit flies has revealed principles of adaptive control applicable to robotics and AI.

Andrea Megela SimmonsView profile

Professor

• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Comparative Neuroscience
• Development
• +5 more

Andrea Megela Simmons is a Professor at Brown University in the Department of Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences with a secondary appointment in the Department of Neuroscience . She is a member of the Carney Institute for Brain Science and serves as a Principal Investigator on an ONR MURI project. Education : A.B. from the University of Pennsylvania (1973), Ph.D. from Harvard University (1978), Postdoctoral research at Cornell University Simmons specializes in cognitive and neural mechanisms of sound perception and communication across species including frogs, bats, dolphins, and humans. Her work bridges behavioral neuroscience, comparative neurology, and developmental studies to explore auditory processing, echolocation, and sensory integration. Her recent publications highlight interdisciplinary trends in auditory neuroscience, focusing on sound exposure effects, metamorphic neurodevelopment, and sensory-motor coordination in cluttered environments. Key subfields include echolocation, lateral line function, tectal connectivity, and acoustic adaptation across species. Scientific Awards : Fellow, Acoustical Society of America Simmons has received grants from the Office of Naval Research (ONR) for MURI projects and has taught courses such as Animal Behavior , Evolution and Development of the Brain , and Auditory Perception Laboratory .

Robert BarclayView profile

Professor

• Behavioral Ecology
• Physiological Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• +3 more

Robert Barclay is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Calgary, Faculty of Science. He holds a PhD (Carleton University, 1981), MSc (Carleton University, 1978), and BSc (Trent University, 1976). His research focuses on the behavioral and physiological ecology of mammals and birds, particularly bats, investigating roosting behavior, thermoregulation, and responses to environmental disturbances like wind energy, urbanization, and wildfires. He has contributed to understanding bat migration, torpor physiology, and conservation challenges. Key awards include the Order of the University of Calgary (2024), Faculty of Science Excellence in Research Award (2021), and multiple teaching awards. His work spans bat-habitat interactions, climate impacts, and wildlife management. Retired since 2021, he no longer advises students but retains a legacy of influential research and mentorship. Education: PhD Biological Sciences, Carleton University, 1981 MSc Biological Sciences, Carleton University, 1978 BSc Biological Sciences, Trent University, 1976 Research highlights include studies on bat responses to wind turbines, urbanization effects on prairie bats, and Yukon bat ecology. His publications address topics like bat diet, roost selection, and population dynamics. Collaborative projects include investigating bat fatalities at wind facilities and the impact of forest disturbances on bat communities.

Dmitri TymoczkoView profile

Professor

• Composition
• Music Theory
• Geometry of Music
• +5 more

Dmitri Tymoczko is a Professor of Music at Princeton University, where he has taught composition and theory since 2002. His work bridges the gap between academic music theory and contemporary composition, creating a unique interdisciplinary approach that has earned him recognition as a leading figure in modern music scholarship and creation. Tymoczko's research interests focus on the geometric modeling of musical structures, polystylistic composition that draws from genres spanning Renaissance to rock, and the mathematical foundations of tonality. His theoretical work explores how harmonic structures can be represented geometrically, revealing fundamental patterns that connect diverse musical traditions. He approaches composition as 'a logical deduction from absurd premises,' blending rigorous structural thinking with playful musical exploration. His scholarly publications and compositions reveal a consistent interest in the intersection of mathematical precision and expressive freedom. The articles demonstrate expertise across music theory, composition, and the cognitive aspects of musical perception, with recurring themes of geometric modeling, tonal structure, and genre hybridization. His work often challenges traditional boundaries between academic and popular music forms. Guggenheim fellowship Rhodes Scholarship Leonard Bernstein fellowship from Tanglewood Fellowship from the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study Block lectureship from the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics First music-theory article published in Science magazine Tymoczko maintains an active performance career alongside his academic work, with his compositions performed by leading ensembles including the Brentano Quartet, Newspeak, and Roomful of Teeth. His teaching integrates theoretical insights with practical composition, fostering a generation of musicians who understand music's structural foundations while embracing creative freedom. He has developed innovative tools like the musical programming language 'arca' to explore new compositional possibilities.

Roman KucView profile

Professor

• Robotics
• Biomimetic Sensors
• Digital Signal Processing
• +4 more

Roman Kuc is a Professor of Electrical Engineering at Yale University, affiliated with the School of Engineering & Applied Science. He directs the Intelligent Sensors Laboratory, focusing on biomimetic sensors for robotics and bioengineering. His research explores brain-based devices (BBDs), sonar sensing, and neuromorphic processing inspired by biological systems. He holds a BSEE from Illinois Institute of Technology and a PhD from Columbia University. Dr. Kuc’s work bridges signal processing, robotics, and bioengineering, with applications in autonomous systems and clinical diagnostics. He has published over 200 papers and authored textbooks like Electrical Engineering in Context and The Digital Information Age . Notable honors include an honorary doctorate from the Glushkov Institute of Cybernetics and the Yale Sheffield Distinguished Teaching Award. His research themes include cognitive mapping via sonar echoes, neural network-based classification of environmental features, and biomimetic approaches to echolocation. Recent work emphasizes sensorimotor integration and robust performance in uncertain environments. Scientific awards highlight his contributions to robotics, signal processing, and education. His lab develops systems that emulate biological sensory mechanisms, aiming to advance robotics, medical applications, and assistive technologies.

Adam A. PackView profile

Professor

• Marine Mammal Behavioral Ecology
• Bioacoustics
• Cetacean Cognition
• +5 more

Dr. Adam A. Pack is a Full Professor at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo with a joint appointment in the Departments of Psychology and Biology. He chairs the Psychology Department, contributes to the Master of Science Degree Program in Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science, and co-created the LOHE Bioacoustics Laboratory. He has led the Pack Marine Mammal Laboratory since 2008 and served as former chair of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale Sanctuary Advisory Council. Current research focuses on marine mammal behavioral ecology, cognition, and bioacoustics Over 30 years studying dolphin perception, whale social systems, and conservation Collaborations with NOAA, Pacific Whale Foundation, and Wild Dolphin Project Research Trends include: Humpback whale communication, mating systems, and habitat use Dolphin cognitive abilities, echolocation, and social behavior Conservation strategies for marine mammals Acoustic tagging and videogrammetry techniques Scientific Awards : 2017 University of Hawaii Board of Regents Award for Excellence in Teaching 2008 Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii 15-year Service Award 1999 APA Division 6 F.A. Beach Comparative Psychology Award Advising and Grants show mentorship of graduate students in multiple institutions. Notable grants include ONR and NOAA funding for whale endocrine studies and collision mitigation. Labs : Founded the Pack Marine Mammal Laboratory at UH Hilo, contributing to bioacoustics research infrastructure.

Marie RochView profile

Professor

• Bioacoustics
• Machine Learning
• Signal Processing
• +3 more

Professor Marie Roch is a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Computer Science at San Diego State University within the College of Sciences . Her groundbreaking research bridges Bioacoustics and Machine Learning , focusing on advanced algorithms for automated detection, classification, and analysis of marine mammal vocalizations using passive acoustic monitoring. Core research in marine bioacoustic signal processing and deep learning applications for echolocation click detection Published extensively in Journal of the Acoustical Society of America , Biological Reviews , and IEEE Transactions Developed deep learning frameworks for whale whistle extraction without human annotation Created open-source tools like Silbido Profundo for automated marine mammal call analysis Marie's work has been supported by over $3 million in grants from the DOD Office of Naval Research , Bureau of Ocean Energy Management , and Human Frontier Science Program . She actively mentors graduate students and serves on numerous thesis committees, with recent advisees working on deep learning for baleen whale calls and terrestrial animal recognition . Her Marine Acoustic Research Lab (MAR Lab) leads in developing the Tethys metadata workbench for ocean acoustic data management.

Ricardo RochaView profile

Associate Professor

• Conservation Science
• Biodiversity
• Habitat Restoration
• +7 more

Dr. Ricardo Rocha is an Associate Professor in Conservation Science and Tutorial Fellow at Jesus College, University of Oxford. He leads research addressing conservation challenges under global change, focusing on biodiversity restoration post-habitat loss, human-modified landscapes, and evidence-based decision-making. His work integrates ecological theory with large-scale field studies in tropical and island ecosystems. Key research interests include taxonomic/functional responses to habitat fragmentation, secondary forest regeneration, and managing agricultural landscapes for biodiversity. He investigates invasive species impacts (e.g., cats, geckos) and ecosystem service provision, using methods like DNA metabarcoding and passive acoustic monitoring. Dr. Rocha contributes to global conservation initiatives such as BioTIME 2.0 (biodiversity time series database) and the SOPWA project (sustainable oil palm in West Africa). His expertise spans tropical ecosystems, island biogeography, and interdisciplinary approaches to conservation. He collaborates widely, publishing on bat ecology, invasive species dynamics, and conservation policy. Recent work emphasizes island systems (Madeira, São Tomé) and human-wildlife interactions in agricultural settings.

Douglas NowacekView profile

Professor

• Marine Mammal Behavioral Ecology
• Marine Acoustic Ecology
• Ocean Noise
• +5 more

Douglas Nowacek is the Randolph K. Repass and Sally-Christine Rodgers University Distinguished Professor of Conservation Technology at Duke University, with joint appointments in the Nicholas School of the Environment and the Pratt School of Engineering . His research integrates marine mammal bioacoustics , behavioral ecology , and conservation technology to address ecological challenges related to ocean noise , offshore renewable energy , and anthropogenic impacts . Education : B.A., Ohio Wesleyan University (1991) Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1999) Research Focus : Nowacek investigates how marine mammals, particularly cetaceans and manatees , use sound for communication and foraging. He explores the effects of anthropogenic noise (e.g., seismic surveys, ship traffic) on species like North Atlantic right whales and bottlenose dolphins , emphasizing the need for noise regulation and marine habitat protection . His work also addresses plastic pollution and renewable energy planning . Article Trends : Recent publications highlight his focus on marine acoustics (e.g., bio-duck sounds, sonar effects), anthropogenic stressors (e.g., microplastics, seismic noise), and behavioral adaptations (e.g., humpback whale foraging, pilot whale diving). Collaborative studies with students and institutions like Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the University of Tasmania underscore his interdisciplinary approach. Scientific Awards : Sally Connally Hardie Visiting Researcher, University of St. Andrews (2018) Visiting Scholar, University of Tasmania (2013) Advising and Grants : Nowacek mentors students and researchers in projects such as acoustic monitoring and unmanned aerial systems for marine conservation. His lab has secured grants for seismic survey impacts , ocean noise regulation , and marine mammal telemetry . Labs and Teams : Leading the Nowacek Acoustics and Engineering Lab at Duke Marine Lab, he collaborates with the Marine Conservation Ecology group, integrating engineering tools (e.g., drones, sensors) with marine mammal research to advance conservation technology.

• Photography
• Media Studies
• Art History
• +3 more

Yanai Toister is an Associate Professor (tenure track) specializing in Communication Sciences, focusing on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of photography, media theory, and visual culture. His work explores topics such as post-visual imagery, drone aesthetics, sensory perception, and the philosophical underpinnings of photographic systems. He has been actively publishing since 2007, with notable contributions in journals like PHILOSOPHY OF PHOTOGRAPHY and Journal of Comparative Literature and Aesthetics . Research Interests: Toister's research spans photography history , digital art , information aesthetics , and sensory studies . He critically examines how technological advancements reshape visual perception, particularly through drone imagery, algorithmic programming, and electromagnetic spectrums. Publications: His recent articles analyze the speculative camera, post-visual imagery in drone culture, and the interplay between echolocation and participatory frameworks. Earlier works include studies on Flusserian theory, the Turin Shroud, and speed in photographic practice. Awards & Activities: While no specific awards are listed, Toister is an active academic, organizing exhibitions, reviewing for journals, and delivering lectures globally (e.g., University of Wyoming, 2025). He also serves in academic committees and evaluates funding applications.

Patrick MillerView profile

Professor

• Marine Mammals
• Behavioral Ecology
• Bioacoustics
• +4 more

Patrick Miller is a Professor in the School of Biology at University of St Andrews , with affiliations to the Scottish Oceans Institute , Sea Mammal Research Unit , and Institute of Behavioural and Neural Sciences . He leads research on the communication and behavioral ecology of marine mammals , focusing on how anthropogenic activities like naval sonar impact cetacean behavior and physiology. His work utilizes advanced tools such as hydrophone arrays and animal-attached tags to study species including sperm whales , northern bottlenose whales , and humpback whales . Research Interests include: Behavioral Ecology of marine mammals Bioacoustics and echolocation studies Impact of Underwater Noise on cetaceans Physiological Adaptation to marine environments Conservation Biology of endangered species Marine Technology development Article Trends show expertise in acoustic disturbance , foraging strategies , and whale vocalizations , with recent studies on sonar effects, dive capabilities, and behavioral responses to environmental stressors. Scientific Awards include the Kobe Award (2013) . Advisory Roles involve collaborations with institutions like the University of Tokyo (visiting professor) and European Commission (Marie Curie Fellowship). Projects include 3S3 Behavioral Response Studies (2015–2016) and Off-Range Beaked Whale Studies (ORBS) (2016–2017). Media Contributions highlight his work on whale conservation and naval sonar impacts .

Cynthia F. MossView profile

Professor

• Sensory coding
• Auditory neuroscience
• Spatial perception
• +6 more

Cynthia F. Moss is a Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Johns Hopkins University (JHU), with joint appointments in Neuroscience and Mechanical Engineering. She directs the Comparative Neural Systems and Behavior Laboratory (Bat Lab), investigating neural mechanisms of sensory perception and spatial navigation in echolocating bats. Her work combines neurophysiology, behavioral ecology, and engineering to study how bats process auditory information for navigation, communication, and obstacle avoidance. Dr. Moss earned a B.S. (summa cum laude) from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a Ph.D. from Brown University. She held prior faculty positions at Harvard University and the University of Maryland, where she directed the Neuroscience and Cognitive Science graduate program. Her research has received prestigious awards including the Hartmann Award (2017), James McKeen Cattell Award (2018), and Alexander von Humboldt Research Prize (2019). Her research focuses on sensory coding of natural stimuli, spatial perception, attention, and adaptive motor control. Key findings include discoveries about 3D auditory space representation in the midbrain, age-resistant hearing in bats, and the role of wing hairs in flight control. Her lab employs innovative techniques like wireless neural recording, two-photon imaging, and DREADDs-mediated inactivation to study neural circuits. Dr. Moss collaborates across disciplines, bridging neurobiology, robotics, and sensory systems engineering. Her work informs biomimetic technologies for sonar navigation and adaptive control systems. She actively mentors students and postdocs in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Whiting School of Engineering, and School of Medicine at JHU.

• Polar Science
• Arctic Marine Ecology
• Fisheries Management
• +3 more

Ole Arve Misund serves as a Professor at the Norwegian Fisheries College within UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø. His research spans polar science, Arctic marine ecology, fisheries management, and international relations in polar regions, with particular focus on Norway-Russia scientific cooperation dynamics following geopolitical shifts in 2022. His research interests center on climate change impacts on Arctic marine ecosystems, acoustic monitoring of marine organisms, and the geopolitical dimensions of polar research. Recent work examines boreal species migration into the Central Arctic Ocean, machine learning applications for backscatter analysis, and management frameworks for the Central Arctic Ocean. Analysis of his recent publications reveals strong interdisciplinary trends, integrating marine ecology with political science through studies of Russian-Norwegian scientific collaboration under sanctions, illegal fishing enforcement, and policy-relevant polar research. His work consistently bridges academic research with practical fisheries management and geopolitical considerations. Misund actively engages in science communication through Norwegian media outlets like Nordlys and Fiskeribladet, addressing topics from climate policy contradictions to Antarctic hydrological changes. His expeditionary work includes North Pole 2022 aboard the "Kronprins Haakon" research vessel. Professional activities demonstrate significant leadership in polar research infrastructure development and international scientific collaboration, particularly through the Norwegian Polar Institute where he contributes to strategic planning and policy advice. His work emphasizes evidence-based approaches to Arctic governance amid evolving geopolitical landscapes.

Christine ErbeView profile

Professor

• Underwater acoustics
• Marine mammal bioacoustics
• Anthropogenic noise impact on marine ecosystems
• +3 more

Christine Erbe is a John Curtin Distinguished Professor at Curtin University's School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. She holds a PhD in Geophysics and has extensive experience spanning academia, government, industry, and education. Her research focuses on underwater acoustics, marine mammal bioacoustics, and the impacts of anthropogenic noise on marine ecosystems. She is a Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America and former Chair of its Animal Bioacoustics committee. Education: PhD in Geophysics, University of British Columbia (1997) MSc in Physics, University of Dortmund (1993) BSc in Physics, University of Dortmund (1989) Grad. Dip. Ed. in Mathematics/Science Education, Queensland University of Technology (2007) Research Interests: Characterization of marine soundscapes Effects of noise on marine fauna behavior and physiology Sound propagation modeling in oceans Development of acoustic mitigation strategies Awards & Roles: Fellow, Acoustical Society of America Former ISO representative for underwater noise standards Her work includes pioneering studies on vessel noise impacts, passive acoustic monitoring, and the global library of underwater biological sounds (GLUBS). She leads the Centre for Marine Science & Technology and collaborates internationally on marine conservation and policy.