Introduction 

This summer, I carried out research titled ‘Development of High-Fidelity recording systems used to capture coral soundscapes’. My project explored the acoustic environment of coral reefs, focusing on snapping shrimp due to their abundance in Hong Kong as well as their noisy and distinctive presence in coral reefs.  
 
What fascinated me, was the idea that the health of marine ecosystems can be assessed by listening to the sounds they produce. Traditional methods of monitoring reefs are often invasive or resource-intensive, whereas bioacoustics offers a non-invasive and scalable alternative. By capturing and analysing reef soundscape, changes linked to biodiversity and environmental stress are detectable, which is becoming increasingly more important due to climate change.  

To investigate this, I travelled to Hong Kong where I constructed traps to catch snapping shrimp and recorded their snap sounds with a hydrophone. I then processed these recordings with high-pass and low-pass filters to remove background noise and isolate the signals of interest. Through this process I hoped to gain insight to whether acoustic cues might provide information about animal behaviour and reef health.  
 
This reflective report outlines the research I conducted, the significance of this work and the relevance in both the field of technology and marine biology. More importantly this reflection considers the impact the project has had on me personally and professionally, including the leadership skills I developed and how this experience has shaped my future academic and career plans. 

Research 

My project centred on developing a recording system capable of capturing the soundscape of coral reef environments, with a particular focus on snapping shrimp. These shrimps are an apex acoustic species: despite their small size, the snaps they produce are among the loudest biological sounds in the ocean and can dominate reef soundscapes. Scientists are increasingly recognising that these sounds are not just background noise but carry ecological information, potentially reflecting habitat quality, biodiversity, and the presence of healthy reef structures. 

The first stage of my research took place in Hong Kong. I designed and built a trap to safely capture snapping shrimp from local reef habitats. The process of designing the trap required me to balance effectiveness with ethical considerations, ensuring that the shrimp were not harmed while also creating conditions suitable for recording their behaviour. I researched into the behaviours of Alpheus snapping shrimp, the most common species, and discovered that they are particularly attracted to green lights. I used this insight to incorporate fluorescent green lights into a trap deployed overnight. My prior research also suggested that these shrimps usually inhabit rocky, muddy shores, which I then explored to find a suited place. This was my first introduction to field equipment design in marine biology context, and I found that problem solving with limited resources was both challenging and rewarding. 

Once the shrimp were caught, I faced the challenge of housing them sustainably and ethically for long-term research. Through observation, I discovered that the shrimp displayed aggressive behaviour when kept together, which required a new approach. Using SolidWorks, I designed a CAD model of an individual housing system that allowed shrimp to be kept separately within the same tank, with flowing water to maintain suitable conditions. The design incorporated a two-layer tray system: the upper tray had holes large enough for waste to pass through but not for food or shrimp, while the lower tray collected waste and allowed water to filter through. I then 3D-printed the housing but encountered an unexpected issue with the printer size limitations. To resolve this, I redesigned the structure into three interlocking parts that could be printed separately and assembled effectively. 

To collect my data, I used the SOUNDTRAP ST400 STD - compact recorder from OceanInstruments to record the characteristic snaps they produced. Hydrophones are highly sensitive underwater microphones that utilise the piezoelectric effect to convert underwater sound pressure changes into electrical signals. Sound waves under water create pressure changes that cause the piezoelectric material to undergo mechanical stress. When subjected to an electric field, a piezoelectric material deforms, which generates a dielectric displacement in response to this mechanical stress. This can be measured as an electrical charge and recorded as audio. Working with hydrophone technology gave me a practical understanding of how sound travels differently in aquatic environments compared to air. I quickly discovered that capturing clean recordings was not straightforward, the aquatic environment is full of competing noise sources, from waves and currents to human activity, and isolating the signals of interest required careful setup and patience.  

Back in the lab, I processed the recordings using digital filters. Applying high-pass and low-pass filters allowed me to remove much of the background noise and focus on the frequency range of snapping shrimp which is about 20-200kHz . This step was crucial not only for making the recordings clearer but also for preparing the data for any subsequent analysis. By filtering the recordings, I could more confidently attribute specific acoustic events to shrimp activity. 

Throughout this process, my central interest was whether listening to the acoustic environment could reveal information about animal health and behaviour. I noticed that the snaps varied in intensity and frequency depending on the circumstances, suggesting that the acoustic environment is more nuances than I initially expected. Although my project was not long enough for me to produce definite conclusions, it gave me first-hand experience of how bioacoustics data is collected and processed, as well as the limitations and complexities involved.  

What stood out to me most was how interdisciplinary this research felt. Building the trap and setting up the hydrophone required practical engineering skills, whilst filtering the data demanded digital signal processing techniques. At the same time, the ecological implications kept the project grounded in biology and conservation. For me, this blend of disciplines was one of the most rewarding aspects of the research, and it has encouraged me to think about how engineering skills can be applied in environmental science contexts. 

Impact of this research 

One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was recognising how even small-scale contributions to research can connect to larger scientific and environmental challenges. Coral reefs are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, yet they are also some of the most threatened. Climate change, overfishing, and pollution have led to widespread reef degradation, and finding effective ways to monitor their health has become a global priority. 

Traditional reef monitoring relies heavily on direct observation, such as diver surveys and visual assessments. While valuable, these methods are labour-intensive, depended on specialist expertise, and often limited in scale. In contrast, bioacoustics monitoring has the potential to offer a non-invasive, scalable, and cost-effective way of assessing reef ecosystems. By ‘listening’ to reefs, researchers can collect continuous data over long periods of time, even in, locations where diving is impractical. 

My research contributed to this growing field by focusing on one of the dominant sound producers in reef environments: Alpheus shrimp. Their acoustic activity can reflect both the abundance of individuals and the structural complexity of reef habitats. In healthy reefs, snapping shrimp populations tend to thrive, producing a characteristic ‘crackling’ background noise that is noticeably quieter in degraded or damaged reefs. Developing recording systems that can capture these sounds with high-fidelity is therefore an important step toward using bioacoustics as a practical conservation tool. 

Beyond its ecological value, this project also has technological significance. Working with hydrophone and digital filters highlighted how engineering approaches can enhance environmental monitoring. Designing systems that are robust, accurate, and adaptable is essential if bioacoustics monitoring is to be used on a large scale. This project, though small in scope, gave me a sense of how innovation in recording technology could directly support conservation efforts. 

On a personal level, I found it influential to see how interdisciplinary work can create impact. My background in engineering meant I approached the project with a different perspective than a typical marine biologist might, focusing on the design and refinement of the tools used to capture data. At the same time, I came to appreciate how the ecological questions guided every decision. This balance between technical precision and ecological relevance is what makes the research impactful. It shows that solutions to environmental problems often require collaboration across fields. 

Ultimately, while my project alone could not answer all the questions about reef health and acoustics, it reinforced the importance of exploring new methods of conservation. Listening to coral reefs is more than a scientific curiosity: it represents a promising pathway toward protecting ecosystems that are vital for biodiversity and for the communities that rely on them. 

On a broader scale, bioacoustic monitoring has the potential to inform marine policy and conservation strategies worldwide. High-fidelity recording systems could be deployed in vulnerable reefs to provide early warnings of ecosystem decline, helping governments and NGOs target interventions more effectively. In addition, long term acoustic datasets could support global initiatives such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals by offering measurable indicators of ecosystem health. Real-world applications may also extend beyond conservation, influencing fisheries management, eco-tourism and education by making reef soundscapes accessible to wider audiences. In this way, the work I contributed to in Hong Kong connects to an international effort to safeguard marine environments. 

Dissemination of research 

An important part of research is communicating findings to both academic audiences and the wider public. While my project is small in scale, I have thought carefully about how to share my work and contribute to conversations around marine bioacoustics. 

During the research period, I gave a presentation to my supervisor and relevant academics in Hong Kong. Receiving feedback that refined both the practical aspects of the recordings and the broader ecological significance. Explaining my work to others also clarified its aims and limitations, helping me shape the projects direction. I documented my progress through photographs and field notes, which not only captured challenges and solutions but also provided accessible ways of engaging non-specialists. I found that people responded with curiosity when I shared images of the equipment, shrimp and recording setup. 

Looking ahead, I am preparing a poster for the Laidlaw Research Conference and passing my setup to another student at the University of Hong Ko g to continue monitoring. I also plan to share my experience through the Laidlaw Scholars Network, where my project-bridging ecology and engineering may be of interest with scholars across disciplines. 

Beyond academia, I see potential for outreach through talks or online platforms, making reef soundscapes accessible to inspire awareness and action in conservation. 

Impact on me 

Conducting this research had a significant impact on me, both academically and personally. Before beginning the project, I had limited experience with fieldwork in marine environments and almost none with bioacoustics. Engaging with a subject so different from my degree challenged me to adapt quickly, develop new skills, and gain confidence in approaching unfamiliar problems with curiosity and persistence. 

The hands-on nature of the research was particularly valuable. Building traps, deploying hydrophones, and processing recordings demanded problem-solving beyond standard laboratory protocols. For example, designing an effective trap required balancing ethical considerations with practically, a skill central to engineering. Similarly, working with noisy underwater recordings taught me to experiment with filters and tools until I found effective methods. These experiences showed me that research is less about instant results and more about embracing setbacks as opportunities to learn. 

The project also broadened my perspective on the relevance of engineering in different contexts. As an aerospace engineering student, I usually focus on systems for flight and propulsion. This research revealed how engineering skills, system design, signal analysis, and problem solving can be applied in environmental science and conservation. It reinforced my understanding of engineering science as a versatile toolkit for addressing global challenges. 

Beyond technical lessons, I developed greater independence and resilience. Conducting research abroad required me to step outside my comfort zone and adapt when things did not go as planned, such as equipment failures or software limitations. These challenges strengthened my ability to manage uncertainty and continue moving projects forward. 

Finally, listening to the soundscapes of coral reefs deepened my appreciation of the natural environment, reminding me that ecosystems are as acoustically rich as they are visually striking. This impression has endured, reinforcing my belief that science is driven by curiosity, creativity, and discovery. 

Leadership skills gained 

One of the unexpected but most valuable outcomes of this project was the development of my leadership skills. Although I was not leading a team in the traditional sense, the independent nature of the research required me to take ownership of every stage of process, from planning and preparation to data collection and analysis. This independence fostered a sense of responsibility that I had not experienced to the same extent in my previous academic work. 

Leadership, in context, often meant self-leadership. For example, when my initial housing design did not work as effectively as I hoped, I had to take the initiative to re-think the design, source new materials, and test alternative solutions. No one else could make those decisions for me, and learning to trust my judgement was an important step in developing confidence as a researcher. Similarly, when unexpected noise interfered with the recordings, I had to quickly adapt my approach by experimenting with different filter settings until I achieved usable data. These moments reminded me that leadership often involves resilience, flexibility, and persistence in the face of setbacks. 

At the same time, the project gave me opportunities to practice collaborative leadership. Although I was primarily responsible for my own work, I relied on advice and feedback from supervisors, peers, and local researchers in Hong Kong. Learning how to communicate my challenges clearly and seek constructive input was a skill. I found that explaining my project to others not only helped me improve my methods but also reinforced my ability to articulate technical problems in ways that non-specialists could understand. 

Perhaps most importantly, this project helped me understand that leadership is not about always having the right answers but about creating a mindset where challenges are approached proactively. By the end of research period, I felt more capable of taking initiative, making decisions under uncertainty, and reflecting on both successes and failures as part of the learning process. These skills will stay with me far beyond this project and will shape how I approach future opportunities in research, education, and my career.  

Future plans 

This research project has not only developed my technical skills but also helped me to think differently about my future. From this experience, I learnt that I love to travel and experience the world through other cultures. Living and working in Hong Kong gave me a new perspective, and it has encouraged me to consider doing my placement year abroad and perhaps even moving overseas for work in the future. The idea of working at an aerospace company outside of the UK now feels both exciting and achievable.  

The project also opened my eyes to how broad the field of engineering really is. Before this summer, I mainly thought of aerospace as my only path, but my work with bioacoustics and coral soundscapes showed me just how transferable engineering skills can be. Since then, I have begun to explore possibilities in environmental engineering and even marine engineering. I have always had a love for the sea and the environment, something that grew from my time working and campaigning with Lush, and this project reminded me how important it is to align my career with my values. The idea that I could use my engineering skills to help address global environmental challenges is something I find genuinely inspiring. 

I haven't decided exactly what I want to do yet, but this experience has reassured me that I don’t need to limit myself to a single path. Instead, I now see a wide range of opportunities that tie together both my interests in engineering and my passion for the environment. Whether I continue into aerospace, pivot toward environmental engineering or explore interdisciplinary research that bridges the two, I know that the skills and confidence I have gained from this experience will help me make the most of opportunities. 

Conclusion 

Looking back on my summer research project, I feel proud of what I have achieved and grateful for the experiences it gave me. On the surface, the project was about recording snapping shrimp and exploring the potential of coral soundscapes, but in reality, it was about so much more. It was about learning to take initiative, adapting to challenges in the field, and realising that research is not a straight line to results but a process of persistence and discovery. 

Scientifically, the project introduced me to the exciting possibilities of bioacoustics monitoring as a tool for conservation. I was able to see how small innovations in technology and recording systems can contribute to larger efforts to protect fragile ecosystems. Personally, the most important outcome of the project was the perspective it gave me on my own future. Travelling to Hong Kong, conducting research in a new cultural environment, and working across disciplines opened my eyes to possibilities I had not considered before. I now feel more open to pursuing international opportunities, whether in aerospace, environmental engineering, or other fields that combine technical innovation with environmental responsibility. 

Ultimately, this project has shown me that research is not only about generating data but also about growth – for science, for society, and for the individuals who take part in it. I am excited to carry these lessons forward, wherever my academic and career journey takes me.