Prof. Mario Rollo

“An image has a thousand words, but a sound has a thousand images.” – Bernie Krause

After more than two decades in academia, I have had the privilege of exploring this world of sound from multiple angles—whether listening to the voices of marine mammals and fish, detecting the subtle vibrations of insects, or investigating the acoustic fingerprints of plants and soil organisms. My work has always revolved around deciphering the ways living beings use sound to communicate, adapt, and survive.

Now, at OSC, I bring this experience into a more applied setting, translating bioacoustic research into practical solutions for environmental monitoring and conservation. From assessing the impacts of underwater noise to refining acoustic detection methods, I enjoy the challenge of bridging scientific insight with real-world decision-making—always with a keen ear for what sound can reveal beyond the surface.

Away from work, I fully embrace my nickname Gizmo man, a title bestowed upon me by my esteemed PhD supervisor, reflecting my fascination with technology and its potential to push the boundaries of research. I am also a lifelong explorer of history and geography, fascinated by how landscapes—both natural and cultural—shape the world around us. Whether through sound or through stories, I am always looking for new ways to uncover the unseen.