Theses

Taking Nature’s Pulse

Abi (Nighthill) KnoppAugust 19, 2014

The Tropical Ecology Lab at University of Puerto Rico, San Piedras, blurs the lines between natural history and science. An array of remote microphones collects sounds from the forests and wetlands, and researchers use computers to analyze the soundscapes themselves.

People have taken delight in nature throughout human history, but more recently the work of the natural historian has become more like that of the scientist. Using methods and tools of science, today’s naturalists can record nature with precision-and through this, learn more about it. Ecologists now pay heed to the often-forgotten sense of hearing. The Tropical Ecology Lab at University of Puerto Rico, San Piedras, blurs the lines between natural history and science. An array of remote microphones collects sounds from the forests and wetlands, and researchers use computers to analyze the soundscapes themselves.

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Tagged asecology nature science soundscapes technology

Written by

Abi (Nighthill) Knopp

Abi Knopp lives in Western Massachusetts, where she is pursuing further education toward licensure in Speech-Language Pathology. She has worked with Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice since 2016, where she supports clinical operations for a team of home health professionals.

In addition to her S.M. in Science Writing from MIT, she holds a B.A. in Creative Writing from Columbia College Chicago. In past roles she has taught science writing through MIT's MOSTEC summer program, volunteered at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, interned as a radio producer for "Living on Earth," taught and developed a college-level course at Portland State University, and served as an editor for multiple literary magazines.

On her own time Abi likes to hike, paint, repair, bake, and fall asleep to the sound of a good podcast.

Thesis: Taking Nature's Pulse

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