Dr. Douglas Nowacek

Biography

Douglas Nowacek is a professor at Duke University, affiliated with the Pratt School of Engineering and the Division of Marine Science and Conservation. His research focuses on the intersection of marine mammal acoustic ecology, ocean noise, and renewable energy impacts on marine life. He investigates how marine mammals, particularly cetaceans, utilize sound for communication and as a tool for navigating their environments. His studies have addressed critical areas regarding the effects of anthropogenic noise, including its influence on foraging behaviors and social interactions among marine mammals. With a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Nowacek has published extensively on topics related to marine bioacoustics, including echolocation in bottlenose dolphins and the impacts of sound pollution on marine species. Nowacek has held visiting positions at prestigious institutions such as the University of St. Andrews and the University of Tasmania, furthering his expertise and contributions to the field. He teaches various courses on ocean engineering and bioacoustics, mentoring students and advancing research in marine science.

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