Current Ph.D. Students
Taylor Machette
Ph.D. Candidate Marine Science & Conservation, Duke University
Nick Kaney
Dissertation Title: Nonlinear acoustic phenomena: occurrence, function and parallels to a song bird
Nick’s broad research interests examine animal behavior and ecology through a bioacoustics lens. These interests have led him to work on long term passive acoustic monitoring data sets of species such as North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) and satellite telemetry data on Goose-beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris). He has also conducted behavioral sampling and play-back experiments of nearshore species such as bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris). Nick’s dissertation focuses on acoustic nonlinear phenomena in the phonations of pilot whales via a long term suction cup tag data set and playback experiments off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. As part of his dissertation, he is framing this work both in the larger Artiodactyla lineage using phylogenetic methods and mimicking his pilot whale studies in Northern mockingbirds (Mimus poltglottus). Nick is easily distracted by any sound producing or sensitive animal, in land or sea, so beware in conversation…
Ph.D. Candidate Marine Science & Conservation, Duke University
B.S. Biology 2023, Duke University
Viola Panigada
Viola’s research interests lie in using modern remote sensing approaches and modelling frameworks to inform and enhance the conservation of vulnerable and threatened species. Her proposed PhD project focuses on fin whale movement ecology in the North Atlantic Ocean and exchanges with the Mediterranean Sea, building up on her previous research on the topic. Viola‘s past work involved analysing fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) and spinetail devil ray (Mobula mobular) movements and behavioral ecology and using satellite imagery to identify and count whale and albatross species from space.
Ph.D. Student Marine Science & Conservation, Duke University
Meghan Bradley
Meg’s proposed research focuses on improving marine mammal detection and monitoring by integrating unmanned aerial systems (UAS) with advanced sensor technologies. She aims to identify sources of observer bias, incorporate these findings into ecological models, and ultimately strengthen marine mammal conservation and management. Her research interests have been shaped by her experience leading the N.C. North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) aerial survey team, where she gained firsthand experience with the challenges of traditional aerial survey methods. At Duke, Meg has supported the Behavioral Response Study (BRS) off Manteo N.C., that uses biologging tags to monitor the diving behavior of goose-beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) before, during, and after sonar exposure. She is also a member of the Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Squad, deploying fixed hydrophone systems in offshore wind development areas and analyzing mysticete calls detected by these systems.
Ph.D. Student Marine Science & Conservation, Duke University
Janet Reddy
Ph.D. Student Marine Science & Conservation, Duke University
Project Manager: WoW
Kristin Hodge