ENSTA Bretagne : recherche en acoustique passive sur les mammifères marins
© Gaëtan Richard / ENSTA Bretagne

Mathilde, a PhD student working on passive acoustics to monitor cetaceans / Lab-STICC

07 March 2024
A better understanding of the movements and behavior of cetaceans through their vocalizations: this is the focus of Mathilde’s thesis, which is based on passive acoustics, a non-intrusive technique.
Mathilde
PhD student
PhD student working on passive acoustics to monitor cetaceans / Lab-STICC

Her thesis covers two main aspects.

  • The first is to optimize the collection of sound recordings. By implementing sub-sampling strategies, Mathilde aims to increase the length of time that recording equipment can be used for better monitoring. 
  • The second aspect of her thesis is to interpret the processed data and link them with environmental information to better understand the interactions between the movements of cetaceans and their environment (water temperature, presence of prey, and so on). 

After obtaining a Diploma in Technological Studies in sales, Mathilde decided to retrain in order to give meaning to her work. For her, research was an obvious choice. With a Master’s in Bioacoustics and a Master’s in Oceanography, Mathilde would like to continue her career as a research professor and help improve our understanding of mammals.