For my PhD, I am developing vibroacoustic monitoring of soil invertebrates. 

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Soil vibroacoustics is a very new method of monitoring belowground biodiversity. Vibroacousic research is a promising sampling method which can provide ecological data whilst causing little habitat disturbance. However, the novel research thus far has been largely experimental. For instance, researchers have conducted their studies in different regions, soil types, and habitats, and using a wide range of sensors and study designs. 

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Therefore, the first part of my PhD focuses on testing different sensors, and seeing how varying soil types and conditions affect the propagation of sound/vibrations in the soil.

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In future, I will (a) develop a sound library of savanna soil invertebrates, (b) test if vibroacoustic data is representative of the soil invertebrate community sampled using traditional methods, and (c) assess whether soil invertebrates and the soil soundscape differ across varying habitat types in Kenyan savanna.