How Animals Communicate

PhD student Ciara Sypherd unravels the mysteries of animal communication and cognition, bringing us closer to understanding the intricate languages of our non-human counterparts. Sypherd studies the signals and behaviors that shape the lives of various species, from ants to pigs, foxes, and sperm whales. An inaugural fellow at Harvard's Kempner Institute for Natural and Artificial Intelligence, Sypherd leverages machine learning to decipher a wide range of animal sounds and behaviors, revealing the nuanced ways in which animals interact and express themselves. Through her work, Sypherd aims to bridge the gap between humans and other species—not only deepening our understanding of the natural world but also underscoring the importance of empathy and compassion towards all living beings on Earth.