Irina Tolkova, Ph.D.

I am a Rose Postdoctoral Fellow focused on developing robust methods for acoustic localization, sound source separation, and abundance estimation. Prior to joining the Yang Center, I completed my Ph.D. in applied mathematics at Harvard University, conducting interdisciplinary research across bioacoustics, signal processing, machine learning, and robotics.

The overarching goal of my work is to improve data quality and fill knowledge gaps for informing conservation decisions across both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. My projects have included designing multi-channel source separation algorithms for distinguishing concurrently vocalizing birds, implementing an acoustic abundance estimation pipeline for beaked whales offshore Guam, distinguishing individual identity in North Atlantic right whales through their vocalizations, and deploying recording units for monitoring ecosystem change surrounding a bison reintroduction.

Alongside research, I’m passionate about teaching, mentorship, and outreach. I’m keen to teach courses across mathematics and bioacoustics, mentor undergraduate researchers, and volunteer in our community. Lastly, I’m an avid runner, love to hike and bike, and am learning filmmaking!

I’m always glad to talk – please feel free to reach me via email.