![\"Tim](\"https:\/\/www2.whoi.edu\/staff\/tstanton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2017\/04\/tim-stanton2.jpg\")
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I study the physics of the acoustical scattering by complex objects. The research has been principally focused on acoustic scattering by marine organisms, such as zooplankton and fish, although I have also studied acoustic scattering by the seafloor, sea ice, and microstructure. In order to address the complexities of this important topic, I develop analytical physics-based models, conduct laboratory experiments, and conduct at-sea experiments. The complexity lies in the fact that the acoustic “targets” are normally quite irregular in shape. Consider, for example, euphausiids that have the shape of shrimp, or pteropods that have the shape of a snail. Exact mathematical models of scattering normally involve a simple shape such as a sphere or infinitely long cylinder. However, predictions of scattering by such simple objects sometimes deviate significantly from the scattering by the actual irregular objects. My research is therefore focused on developing accurate (approximate) scattering models by realistic objects. Given the challenges associated with modeling realistic objects, I keep the development of the models grounded with laboratory data. In collaboration with biologists, I apply the models to data collected at sea where acoustics is used as one of the tools for characterizing distributions of marine life.<\/p>\n
Signal processing is also integral to the research as the scattering analyses are both in the spectral and time domains, and involve matched filter processing and echo statistics.\u00a0 The scattering by objects in the ocean is stochastic and I have connected fundamental physical scattering processes to key parameters of the echo statistics. \u00a0As a result, the statistical formulations are predictive and are based on known properties of the scatterer, sonar system, and propagation environment.<\/p>\n
Papers that summarize my research<\/strong>:<\/p>\n 1986\u00a0Stanton, T.K. and C.S. Clay, “Sonar echo statistics as a remote sensing tool: Volume and Sea Floor<\/a>, ” IEEE J. Oceanic Eng.<\/em> OE-11<\/strong>, 79-96.\u00a0 Much work has been done on this topic since-see, for example, the 2018 tutorial listed below.<\/p>\n 2000\u00a0Stanton, T.K. and D. Chu, “Review and recommendations for modeling of acoustic scattering by fluid-like elongated zooplankton: Euphausiids and copepods<\/a> ,” ICES J. Mar. Sci<\/em>. 57<\/strong>(4), 793-807.<\/p>\n 2009 Stanton, T.K., “Broadband acoustic sensing of the ocean<\/a>,” J. Marine Acoustic. Soc. Jpn. 36, 95-107. \u00a0This includes a summary of our scattering model development.<\/p>\n 2012 Stanton, T.K., “30 years of advances in active bioacoustics: A personal perspective,” Methods in Oceanography, doi:10.1016\/j.mio.2012.07.002, 49-77.\u00a0\u00a0This comes with a video presentation summarizing the paper.<\/p>\n 2018 Stanton, T.K., W.-J. Lee, and K. Baik, “Echo statistics associated with discrete scatterers: A tutorial on physics-based methods,” J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 144<\/strong>, 3124-3171.\u00a0 This is open access and includes all software used in the predictions.<\/p>\n 2021 Stanton, T.K., W.-J. Lee, and K. Baik, “Echo classification: Statistics of echo fluctuations,”\u00a0 Acoustics Today 17(2), 61-69.\u00a0 This is an easy-to-read version of the above 2018 tutorial on the subject.\u00a0 Open access.<\/p>\n Press Release on Fish Acoustics Research.<\/a><\/p>\n Some details of the research<\/a> Why acoustics?<\/a><\/p>\n Opportunities for students in my laboratory: <\/strong><\/p>\n WHOI is an accredited institution of higher education.\u00a0 To date, more than 1000 advanced degrees have been awarded by WHOI. \u00a0 Most of the degrees have been doctoral and the rest are at the masters level.\u00a0 Most of the advanced degrees are through the joint graduate education program between MIT and WHOI.\u00a0 At any given time, I advise 1-3 doctoral or masters graduate students.\u00a0 I welcome applications from students from a variety of backgrounds, including Physics, Applied Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.\u00a0 The deadline for applications to the graduate program is normally in early January of each year.\u00a0 However, it is vital to contact me much earlier to discuss your interests.\u00a0 For more details on the graduate program and application, see the WHOI Academic program website.<\/p>\n\n\n