Dr Marina Duarte
School of Science, Engineering & Environment
Current positions
University Fellow
Biography
I grew up in the countryside in Southeast Brazil (one of the most biodiverse regions on our planet) and have always been fascinated by animals and nature. I graduated in Biological Sciences in 2007 at the PUC Minas, Brazil, where I also obtained my MSc in Zoology (2011). It was during the MSc that I started to research the effects of sound pollution on wildlife. I did a PhD in Ecology researching the effects of noise on animal communication at the UFMG, Brazil (2011-2015). During the PhD, I conducted part of my research at the Laboratory of Soundscape Ecology, Department of Basic and Fundamental Sciences, University of Urbino, Italy.
For 14 years, I worked as the Coordinator of the Laboratory of Bioacoustics at the Museum of Natural Sciences at PUC Minas. During this time, I also taught undergraduate and postgraduate courses, conducted fieldwork, and supervised BSc, MSc, and PhD students. My research has involved most animal groups that produce sounds such as insects, fishes, amphibians, birds and mammals (especially, primates).
In 2023, I joined the University of Salford, Manchester, as a permanent member of academic staff, conducting research on environmental pollution, with a focus on the effects of noise pollution on wildlife.
Areas of Research
Bioacoustics; Ecoacoustics; Effects of noise pollution on Wildlife; Wildlife conservation.
Areas of Supervision
Effects of noise on Wildlife; Bioacoustics; Ecoacoustics
Throughout my academic career, I have developed integrated approaches to teaching Ecology, Bioacoustics, Animal Communication, and Environmental Pollution, always emphasising the connection between theory and practice.
Practical learning projects: Since 2010, I have designed and delivered undergraduate and postgraduate modules that combine lectures with hands-on activities, including soundscape analysis, field data collection, and the use of bioacoustic tools.
Field-based teaching: I regularly organise practical field activities outside the classroom, including expeditions to natural habitats, particularly in the Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, and urban areas to demonstrate how anthropogenic noise impacts wildlife.
Supervision: I have supervised over 20 students (BSc, MSc, and PhD) in the development of original research projects involving diverse animal taxa (insects, fish, amphibians, birds, and primates).
Integration of technological innovation: I make extensive use of AI and bioacoustic analysis software (e.g. R, Raven, Kaleidoscope) and acoustic databases to equip students with advanced techniques in ecological research.
Since joining the University of Salford in August 2023, I have brought this experience into the UK context, contributing to teaching through collaboration with colleagues, adapting content to fit the international curriculum, and incorporating global perspectives into the study of bioacoustics and environmental pollution.
Qualifications
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Ecology, Conservation and Wildlife Management
2011 - 2015 -
Vertebrate Zoology
2008 - 2010 -
BSc Biology
2003 - 2007
Recognitions
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Global Talent Visa / Royal Society