Teaching
Undergraduate thesis examples from the Rycyk Manatee and Acoustic Ecology Lab
The underwater vocal repertoire of the North American river otter (Lontra canadensis)
Characteristics of wild Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) vocalizations in different sized groups
Growth patterns and the effect of pH on the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) vibrissae
The phenology of humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae), blue (Balaenoptera musculus), fin (Balaenoptera physalus), sperm (Physeter macrocephalus), and killer whales (Orcinus orca) determined by passive acoustic monitoring near Barkley Canyon
Distribution of the Bigg's killer whale exotype in the Salish Sea with regards to seasonality and pinniped vulnerability
Courses Taught
Research Methods in Biology
Marine Ecology Laboratory
The Inquisitive Scientist
Animal Behavior Lecture
Animal Behavior Laboratory
Marine Mammal Biology
Analysis of Florida Manatee Mortality Events
Introduction to Environmental Studies
Foundations of Biology I
Marine Mammal Behavior
Biology Oceanography Lecture & Lab
Marine Ecology Senior Seminar
Principles of Ecology
Marine Mammal Science
Introduction to Environmental Science
General Biology: From Molecules to Organisms
Environmental Science Capstone
Environmental Science and Policy Capstone
January Term Courses
Acoustic Ecology of Sarasota Bay ISP (2019): A group ISP in 2019 offered students the opportunity to learn about sound propagation, identifying sounds produced by fish and mammals, build a sound library from Sarasota Bay Listening Network recordings, and propose bioacoustics research projects. Additionally, the group went kayaking with manatees in Weeki Wachee, observed manatees at the Manatee Viewing Center at TECO, and visited Loggerhead Instruments to see how acoustic monitoring stations are built.
Natural History of the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador (2018): This course included three weeks in Ecuador, exploring a cloud forest, rainforest, tundra, and the Galapagos. It was a rigorous expedition across many ecosystems that provided students with the opportunity to study and contrast the unique biodiversity in these environments.
Santa Lucia Cloud Forest Reserve
Yasuni National Park, Mandaru Panga
Isabela, Galapagos Islands
Giant Tortoise Breeding Center
Sirenian Biology (2016 & 2017): These courses attracted students from around the country and included trips across Florida to study manatees in the wild and participate in a manatee necropsy. Coursework included lectures, discussion, and group research projects designed by the students and used previously collected data.