Penguin Vocalizations – Helen Rößler
Joining Ocean Tramp Antarctica Trip departing Dec 1, 2019
Helen’s Research:
Helen has focused on sound production and perception in marine vertebrates. She previously investigated underwater calls in Icelandic harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and their geographical and environmental difference. With a similar approach, she is now examining penguin vocalizations on land. One of the goals of her PhD project is to examine whether the exposure of penguins to the vocalizations of penguins of other species (i.e. heterospecific vocalizations) can alter the quality of their own vocalizations. This research focuses on the ecstatic display of Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua), which may or may not breed in contact with other brush-tailed penguins (Adélie (P. adeliae) and chinstrap (P. antarcticus) penguins). This research will bring insight into the communication of colonial seabirds and whether it can be altered by the species composition of colonies.
Get ready for some noisy Penguins and exciting recordings while onboard! Join us in Antarctica on Dec 1, 2019 to help with this research.
Who is Helen?
Helen Rößler started her working career as a physiotherapist for children, specialising in neurological disorders. Between 2003 and 2013, she worked in a children’s hospital and private practice in southern Germany. During that time, she had a stint as an assistant in a dolphin assisted therapy program for traumatized or disabled children on Curaçao (Dutch Caribbean).
In 2012, Helen started her second career as a biologist. Her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Hohenheim (Stuttgart, Germany) and James Cook University Townsville (Australia) led her to a research assistant position working on whale shark (Rhincodon typus) and cetacean abundancy in the Philippines in 2016 with the NGO LAMAVE. Afterwards, she specialised with a Master’s degree in animal sound communication and behaviour at the University of Southern Denmark (Odense, Denmark) in 2018. Currently, Helen is a PhD candidate at the German Oceanographic Museum (Stralsund, Germany) and investigates acoustic communication and hearing in penguins.
Join us in ANTARCTICA!!!!!
