Instructors

Emmanuel Dufourq

Teaching: bioacoustics and image classifiers for animals

I am the AIMS-Carnegie junior research chair in data science, a resident researcher at AIMS, and  a senior lecturer in applied mathematics. I have a background in computer science (MSc) and applied mathematics (PhD). I discovered the wonderful world of machine learning and ecology during my fellowship where I obtained the Next Einstein AIMS-Canada fellowship in climate change science award. I lead the machine learning for ecology research group where I focus on passive acoustic monitoring of endangered species around the world.

Lorène Jeantet

Teaching: accelerometry and behaviour analysis

It is during my PhD at Centre National de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) in France that I discovered the world of deep learning while developing a model to automatically identify underwater behaviors of sea turtles from bio-loggers (animal-borne sensors). This experience ignited a passion within me to further enhance my expertise in deep learning, particularly in its application to conservation efforts. Currently, my research revolves around the creation of user-friendly tools based on deep learning techniques. The primary objective is to facilitate wildlife monitoring and streamline data processing in the field of ecology 

Matthew Van den Berg

Teaching: animal posture estimation

I am currently doing my research masters in applied mathematics through AIMS and Stellenbosch University and have previously obtained a BEng in Mechatronics from Stellenbosch University. I have worked in the manufacturing, solar and automotive industries before deciding to switch to world of machine learning at the end of 2022, with the desire to use the technology for conservation and to help the natural world. The topic for my masters is posture estimation for the Endangered African Penguin.

Milanto Rasolofohery

Class Tutor

I am part of the machine learning for ecology research group at AIMS. I obtained my undergraduate degree in physics at the University of Antananarivo-Madagascar. I also completed the AIMS structured master's program in 2021 and am currently pursuing my postgraduate studies at Stellenbosch University. I am working on computational bioacoustics with machine learning, in particular developing a real-time monitoring system for animal populations by combining compressed sensing, parallel computing, and deep learning techniques.

Credits:

Top image: This image was created with the assistance of DALL·E 3