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Doug Nowacek, the Randolph K. Repass and Sally-Christine Rodgers University Distinguished Professor of Conservation Technology in Environment and Engineering, has been named the director of research innovation and advancement for the Office of Climate and Sustainability, effective Aug. 1.
In his new role, he will support Duke's Climate Commitment research innovation goals. His role includes helping to coordinate university-wide, interdisciplinary research collaborations on climate and sustainability, leading the Scholars for Climate and Advanced Leadership in Environment and Sustainability (SCALES) postdoctoral fellows program, building and sharing Climate Commitment-funded research grants, and serving as chair of the Climate Commitment Advisory Council's research subcommittee.
Nowacek succeeds Norman Wirzba in the role. Wirzba served as director of research for the past two years as the Climate Commitment and Office of Climate and Sustainability rapidly expanded.
Toddi Steelman, vice president and vice provost for climate and sustainability, said Nowacek’s experience is a huge advantage for the Climate Commitment – and for Duke’s future, and she thanked Wirzba for his leadership.
“I welcome Doug into this role to help further grow our climate research portfolio and opportunities at Duke. Doug’s expertise in climate and oceans is globally recognized, and he is a wonderful partner to many across schools and units. Thanks to Norman, we have made tremendous strides since the startup of both the Climate Commitment and OCS, and I sincerely thank him for the upward trajectory he has led. We will continue to grow our signature areas of oceans, health and finance and policy. Over this next year, we will expand our connections with the humanities and liberal arts—thanks to work that Norman initiated. There are abundant research opportunities ahead, and I sincerely thank Norman and Doug for their leadership,” Steelman said.
Nowacek, who has faculty appointments both in the Nicholas School and the Pratt School of Engineering, joined Duke in 2008. His area of focus is on oceans research, studying how marine mammals use sound to communicate and explore their environment. His fascination with the acoustical abilities of dolphins and whales began in an undergraduate biology class at Ohio Wesleyan University, but it wasn't until he immersed himself in the culture of marine science as part of a summer program at Duke, specifically at the Marine Laboratory, that he decided to pursue research as a career.
Nowacek studies how human activities affect whales, dolphins and other marine life, and develops practical, science-based solutions to protect them. His research examines the effects of underwater noise, tracks endangered whales to better understand their behavior, and develops new technologies to monitor ocean ecosystems. He also helps guide responsible offshore wind development, supports international whale conservation efforts, and works with scientists, government, industry and nonprofits to inform environmental policy and protect ocean biodiversity.
He has dedicated his career to studying noise in the ocean, specifically how noise affects marine mammals like whales and dolphins, with work from his lab featured in National Geographic.
“All these things humans do in the ocean are noisy – industrial development, shipping, military activity – (and) can have an impact on marine life – just like noise can affect human lives,” said Nowacek. He said this noise poses three major potential threats to marine mammals – masking natural sounds, causing hearing damage, and inducing chronic stress.
Nowacek regularly works closely with industry leaders, government agencies, international organizations and conservation groups to develop practical approaches that reduce ocean noise while minimizing impacts on economic activity. His research reflects Duke's broader commitment to generating knowledge that informs real-world decisions and advances solutions for both people and the planet.
As director of research for OCS, Nowacek plans to collaborate broadly with faculty and scholars across Duke – and across the globe.
“My research perspective is always to come from a collaborative angle and say, how can we work together on issues to make an impact? That is the way I will approach this role and I look forward to the opportunities ahead,” he said.
Through the Climate Commitment, Duke continues to invest in interdisciplinary research that advances climate solutions while preparing future leaders to address the complex environmental challenges facing communities around the world. Learn more about the Climate Commitment: https://climate.duke.edu/
The Office of Climate and Sustainability coordinates climate and sustainability efforts at Duke. The office also encompasses Duke Forest, the Duke Campus Farm, Sarah P. Duke Gardens, the Duke Lemur Center and the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainability. The units and teams work across campus and our community for climate action and sustainability. Learn more: https://sustainability.duke.edu/