Smart Forests Radio Smart Forests

In this episode, we speak to Alex Rogers, Professor of Computer Science at the University of Oxford. We discuss how Alex's research team developed the acoustic recording device AudioMoth, how low-cost technologies can democratise biodiversity monitoring, and how sensing technologies can lead to certain species and environments being monitored more than others.
Interviewers: Max Ritts and Michelle Westerlaken


Producer: Harry Murdoch
Image source: https://www.openacousticdevices.info/

In this radio episode, we speak to Sophie Nitoslawski, PhD candidate in urban forestry at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Sophie talks about the ecological and social importance of urban forests, public and private sector collaborations, and the need to think across multiple scales when designing and implementing smart forest technologies.

Interviewers: Jennifer Gabrys and Max Ritts

Producer: Harry Murdoch
Image source: Sophie Nitoslawski, https://urbandatalab.io/blog/using-existing-data-to-tackle-big-urban-forest-questions-introducing-sophie/

In this radio episode, we speak to Dr Lindsey Rustad, Director of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Northeast Climate Hub and Team Leader for the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire. Lindsey discusses setting up the USDA Smart Forests network, different types of sensors used for real-time environmental monitoring, and the role of forest ecosystems in addressing climate change.

Interviewers: Jennifer Gabrys and Michelle Westerlaken
Producer: Harry Murdoch
Image source: WaterViz, https://waterviz.org/

In this episode, we speak to Ed Cooper, founder of BioCap. Ed discusses developing a spatial plan and regional network to support nature-based solutions in West Berkshire, including local carbon offsetting schemes and habitat restoration, and the need for more granular data in digital mapping.

Interviewers: Jennifer Gabrys and Danilo Urzedo

Producer: Harry Murdoch
Image source: BioCap, https://www.biocap.org.uk

In this episode, we speak to Dr Carlos Souza, a researcher at Imazon, the Amazon Institute of People and the Environment. Carlos discusses developing remote sensing tools to map and monitor but also predict deforestation and environmental change. He also reflects on collaborating with big tech companies, and asymmetry of access to information and digital technologies in the Amazon.

Interviewers: Danilo Urzedo, Jennifer Gabrys, and Michelle Westerlaken

Producer: Harry Murdoch
Image source: PrevisIA, https://previsia.org/

In this episode, we talk to Dr Nadina Galle, ecological engineer and founder of the Internet of Nature concept and podcast. Nadina describes ways that technology can facilitate interactions between humans and nature in urban environments, from monitoring soil and tree health, to quantifying and incentivising public health impacts of spending time outside, to communicating about and across ecosystems.


Interviewers: Michelle Westerlaken and Jennifer Gabrys


Producer: Harry Murdoch
Image source: Nadina Galle, https://www.nadinagalle.com/ion.