Meet Tim Evans, Statistics summer scholar

Every year, the Department of Statistics at the University of Auckland offers summer scholarships to a number of students so they can work with our staff on real-world projects.  Tim (below) is working with Associate Professor Rachel Fewster on a project called Acoustics as a method of wildlife monitoring. Tim explains:

“My research project involves taking noisy audio recordings taken in the bush and trying to extract key features and parameters from these recordings. These features can then be used to train a statistical model that will be able to recognise patterns in bird song and calls of a specific species. The project will focus on recordings of an endangered native species, the kōkako.

“This research will be of significant use to the conservation efforts for the kōkako. Currently, population estimates rely on being able to find kōkako nests during fledging season and banding new chicks when they fledge. This is extremely difficult, as it relies on extensive hours from volunteers working in dense bush. The vast majority of chicks fledge without being banded.

“With the kōkako detection model, we will be able to use triangulation to pinpoint the position of the birds when they call or sing. This will enable us to monitor their behaviour and narrow down kōkako nests and territories. This will make far easier the process of finding nests and banding and monitor new chicks, and will give rangers and volunteers information about birds’ whereabouts.

“I hold a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. I am now studying a Graduate Diploma in Science majoring in Mathematics. Statistics appeals to me as it is provides a scientist with a formal language of the real world.”

“In my spare time this summer, I hope to be getting out for the odd surf. I also hope to get out on our yacht with my dad and my brother.”