User:Napzilla

Basic Information
Brian M Napoletano

Research Assistant

Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

Purdue University

Email: [mailto:brian@napoletano.net brian@napoletano.net]

Web:   http://napoletano.net

Research Themes

 * Variations in natural systems
 * Ecology of the soundscape

Biography
Brian Napoletano is presently a PhD Student at Purdue University in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources. He is working with Dr. Bryan Pijanowski in the Human and Environment Modeling and Analysis (HEMA) laboratory on the collection, analysis and interpretation of acoustic signals as measurable aspects of ecosystem processes. His research foci include the investigation of anthropogenic sounds as biological stressors, the development of a species-richness sensor network through the automated recording, identification and logging of specific vocalizations and the measure of the changes in acoustic signal groups (e.g. biological signals) over multiple temporal scales. In addition to these novel research topics, Brian is being trained in remote sensing and GIS techniques, as well as ecological modelling approaches, through his work with Dr. Pijanowski and his academic coursework. Eventually, Brian hopes to develop the methods to tie ecological acoustics into landscape-level processes and use the high data density of sound studies to develop robust models of ecosystem functioning.

Prior to studying at Purdue University, Brian worked with Dr. Stuart Gage as both an Undergraduate and Master’s level research assistant on the development of a conceptual and methodological framework with which to interpret acoustic signals in the environment. Brian began these studies with a Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunication, and proceeded to integrate this knowledge of Information Technology Systems into the development of biological monitoring systems (centred on acoustics) as the central focus of his Master’s research in the Department of Zoology.

In addition to research experience, Brian has sought experience in education. He served as an instructor and coordinator for the Introduction to Earth Systems Science course at Michigan State University in the Fall Semester of 2004, and he is worked with Dr. John Dunning Jr. of Purdue University as a Teaching Assistant for the Global Environmental Issues course. Both courses target students with both science and non-science majors and challenge them to attempt to examine the Earth from a global interdisciplinary perspective. During the 2006--2007 Academic Year, Brian worked with Dr. Walter Mills as a Teaching Assistant for an introductory-level GIS course, and in 2007--2008 he worked with Dr. Guofan Shao as on a graduate-level course in Remote Sensing. Brian hopes to continue teaching and his research within a University community as a faculty member.

Current Degree Sought

 * Doctor of Philosophy
 * Institution: Purdue University
 * College: Agriculture
 * Department: Forestry and Natural Resources
 * Specialisation: Remote Sensing and GIS

Highest Completed Degree

 * Master in Science
 * Institution: Michigan State University
 * College: Natural Science
 * Department: Zoology
 * Specialisation: Remote Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
 * Date of Completion: August 2004

Previous Degree

 * Bachelor of Arts
 * Institution: Michigan State University
 * College: Communication Arts and Sciences
 * Department: Telecommunication
 * Specialisation: Information Technology Services, Residential Initiative to Increase Student Awareness of the Environment
 * Date of Completion: August 2001

Computing Profile

 * Operating System: Ubuntu Linux
 * Data Management and Analysis: MySQL, R, some Octave
 * GIS: ArcGIS, IDRISI, GRASS, Imagine
 * Markup Languages: XML (esp. DocBook), XHTML, LaTeX2e
 * Programming Languages: Python, bash, very little C++
 * Preferred Editor: Vim