Sam's research leverages emerging artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automated sensing technologies to understand natural ecosystems and inform the conservation of biodiversity. 

At CU, he is advised by Dr. Esther Rolf and Dr. Sara Beery, and his current research projects focus on:

• Training machine learning models to extract rich insights from airborne LiDAR
• Providing user-friendly tools for analyzing passive acoustic monitoring datasets
• Developing automated methods for individual identification of birds by their vocal signatures

Sam's work emphasizes open science and inclusivity. He leads the development of Dipper, a desktop tool for passive acoustic monitoring analysis, and OpenSoundscape, an open-source Python package for bioacoustics analysis. He works closely with ecologists and conservation practitioners to apply these approaches to real-world data, enabling large-scale investigation of ecological processes and supporting conservation decision-making.

Outside of work, Sam spends his time making music, exploring the outdoors, and building community through shared experiences of learning and creative expression.