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Douglas Nowacek

Randolph K. Repass and Sally-Christine Rodgers University Distinguished Professor of Conservation Technology in Environment and Engineering
Marine Science and Conservation
Duke Univ Marine Lab, 135 Duke Marine Lab Rd, Beaufort, NC 28516

Overview


Sound propagates very efficiently through sea water, and marine mammals take advantage of this medium to communicate and explore their environment. My research is focused on the link between acoustic and motor behavior in marine mammals, primarily cetaceans and manatees, specifically, how they use sound in ecological processes. The cetaceans, or whales and dolphins, are divided into two main groups, the toothed whales (odontocetes) and the baleen whales (mysticetes). One of my specific areas of research is the use of echolocation and foraging behavior in one of the odontocetes, the bottlenose dolphin. Another focus of my current research is the effect(s) of anthropogenic noise on marine mammals.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Randolph K. Repass and Sally-Christine Rodgers University Distinguished Professor of Conservation Technology in Environment and Engineering · 2018 - Present Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School of the Environment
Professor in the Division of Marine Science and Conservation · 2018 - Present Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School of the Environment
Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering · 2018 - Present Electrical and Computer Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering

In the News


Published October 16, 2024
Plastic Pollution Sounds Just Like Food to Deep-Diving Whales
Published August 10, 2023
Marine Lab Study Finds Microplastics Embedded in Tissues of Whales and Dolphins
Published October 17, 2021
Can Wind Farms Provide Sustainable Energy Without Risking Sea Life?

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Recent Publications


Multiclass Steroid Profiling in Short-Finned Pilot Whale Blubber Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Journal Article Rapid communications in mass spectrometry : RCM · March 2025 RationaleWildlife scientists are quantifying steroid hormones in a growing number of tissues and employing novel methods that must undergo validation before application. This study tested the accuracy and precision of liquid chromatography-tandem ... Full text Cite

Leveraging built marine structures to benefit and minimize impacts on natural habitats

Journal Article BioScience · February 1, 2025 Many natural marine habitats are decreasing in extent despite global conservation and restoration efforts. In contrast, built marine structures, such as hardened shorelines, offshore energy and aquaculture infrastructure, and artificial reefs, are increasi ... Full text Cite

Recommendations for built marine infrastructure that supports natural habitats

Journal Article Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment · January 1, 2025 The extent of built marine infrastructure—from energy infrastructure and ports to artificial reefs and aquaculture—is increasing globally. The rise in built structure coverage is concurrent with losses and degradation of many natural habitats. Although his ... Full text Cite
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Recent Grants



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Education, Training & Certifications


Massachusetts Institute of Technology · 1999 Ph.D.
Ohio Wesleyan University · 1991 B.A.

External Links


Nowacek Lab Page