I am a biologist who studies sound: how it travels, how animals use it to communicate, and how human-made noise interferes

As a Professor in the Department of Biology at Saint Louis University—where I’ve been on faculty since 2014—I lead my lab in science investigating acoustic and vibrational communication in insects and other animals, with a focus on the effects of anthropogenic noise.

My research combines the physics of sounds with physiology and behavior. My work involves sound measurement at varying distances—using sound level meters, recordings, and cutting-edge technology—both in air and through plants and soil. My lab has shown that low-frequency noise—comprising the same frequency range produced by heavy equipment, generators, and industrial cooling—is more disruptive to insect signaling than higher-frequency noise (manuscript in preparation).

Fowler-Finn Environmental Acoustics brings this expertise to communities and decision-makers facing noise from construction, industry and infrastructure. My goal is accurate data and honest interpretation, explained so that anyone can follow.

Learn more about my research group at fowlerfinnlab.com.

 Qualifications:

Ph.D. 2009 Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Ph.D. program 2004-2005, Environmental Science, Policy and Management, UC-Berkeley

B.A. 2004 Biology (Neurobiology and Behavior) Cornell University

Professor of Biology, Saint Louis University 2025 - present

Associate Professor of Biology, Saint Louis University, 2020-2025

Assistant Professor of Biology, Saint Louis University, 2014-2020

Long-standing record of research funding from the National Science Foundation

Peer-reviewed publications on human-made noise and on acoustic and vibrational communication

Field experience with sound level meters, long-term acoustic monitoring, and laser vibrometry

Expert witness experience in environmental noise litigation (2026)