Wenjing Wang | Anthropogenic Noise | Best Researcher Award

Wenjing Wang | Anthropogenic Noise | Best Researcher Award

Enes Bioacoustics Research Lab | China

Author Profile

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

Wenjing Wang’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Aquaculture from Shanghai Ocean University, where she developed a solid foundation in aquatic biology, aquaculture practices, and water quality management. Her undergraduate research explored the relationship between water quality changes in Penaeus vannamei greenhouse cultivation ponds and shrimp health, integrating both environmental and biological analyses. This early immersion in applied aquatic sciences laid the groundwork for her advanced research trajectory.

Professional Endeavors

Wang’s professional research career spans diverse topics within marine biology and aquatic physiology. She pursued a Master’s degree in Marine Biology at the University of Algarve, focusing on neurobiology, reproductive physiology, and behavioral ecology. Her doctoral studies at Jean Monnet University in Saint-Étienne, France, have centered on the long-term ecological and neurophysiological impacts of anthropogenic noise on aquatic species, particularly the African cichlid Maylandia zebra. Her work integrates field experiments, controlled laboratory trials, behavioral assays, electrophysiological measurements, molecular biology techniques (PCR, qPCR, RNA analysis), and advanced histological methods, demonstrating both technical versatility and scientific depth.

Contributions and Research Focus

Wang’s research primarily examines how environmental stressors-such as boat noise, temperature changes, and ocean acidification—affect aquatic species’ behavior, learning ability, growth, sensory perception, and gene expression.

Key contributions include:

  • Boat Noise and Fish Cognition - Investigating the impact of short- and long-term boat noise on boldness, aggression, anxiety, group behaviors, and learning ability in Maylandia zebra juveniles.

  • Neurophysiology under Environmental Stress - Studying c-fos and BDNF gene expression as markers of learning in noise-exposed fish, and assessing neuronal sensitivity in gilthead seabream under high pCO₂/low pH conditions.

  • Chemical Communication in Fish - Identifying olfactory components in the feces of dominant Mozambique tilapia using HPLC and electro-olfactogram recordings.

  • Reproductive and Developmental Physiology - Exploring the effects of temperature and photoperiod on gonad maturation in sea cucumbers and germ cell progression in European sea bass.

Impact and Influence

Wang’s work addresses critical gaps in understanding how anthropogenic environmental changes alter aquatic life at both behavioral and physiological levels. Her studies on noise pollution provide valuable data that can inform environmental policy, conservation strategies, and sustainable boating practices. By combining molecular and behavioral approaches, her research bridges fundamental science with applied ecological management. Her presentations at key scientific conferences-such as SFECA, JJBA, and thematic seminars on aquatic life and noise-have contributed to raising awareness within the scientific community and beyond.

Academic Citations and Recognition

Although still in the early stages of her career, Wang’s research outputs are gaining visibility through conference proceedings, seminar presentations, and collaborative projects with leading marine biologists in Europe. The interdisciplinary and applied nature of her work positions her for strong future citation impact, particularly in marine ecology, sensory biology, and conservation physiology.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Wang is poised to leave a lasting impact on the field of aquatic sensory ecology by:

  • Advancing the mechanistic understanding of how environmental stressors affect fish cognition and neural pathways.

  • Providing data crucial for designing noise-mitigation measures in aquatic environments.

  • Inspiring integrative approaches that combine molecular biology, ethology, and environmental science.

Her anticipated publications and continued collaboration with international research groups will further solidify her role as a key contributor to marine conservation science.

Additional Strengths

  • Multidisciplinary Expertise – Spanning neurobiology, sensory physiology, aquaculture, and environmental stress biology.

  • Technical Mastery – Proficient in behavioral assays, electrophysiology, HPLC, histology, and molecular genetics techniques.

  • International Collaboration – Experience working with research teams across France, Portugal, and China.

  • Communication Skills – Active participation in scientific conferences, both as a presenter and poster contributor.

Areas of Improvement

  • Expanding peer-reviewed publications to increase global academic visibility.

  • Broadening research beyond fish to other marine taxa for comparative ecological insights.

  • Strengthening outreach to policymakers and conservation organizations to enhance the real-world impact of findings.

Conclusion

Wenjing Wang exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated and innovative researcher whose work advances both theoretical and applied marine biology. Her ability to integrate molecular techniques with behavioral ecology offers a comprehensive understanding of how environmental stressors affect aquatic organisms. With continued focus on publishing high-impact papers and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, Wang is well-positioned to make enduring contributions to marine conservation science.

Notable Publications

"Long‐Term Boat Noise Effects on Growth and Behavioural Patterns During Early Life Stages of the African Cichlid Maylandia zebra

  • Author: W Wang, T Turco, A Pradeau, PJ Fonseca, RO Vasconcelos
  • Journal: Freshwater Biology
  • Year: 2025

"Chronic Boat Noise Impacts on the Early Life Stages of Cichlids (Maylandia zebra): Preliminary Findings

  • Author: W Wang, T Turco, PJ Fonseca, RO Vasconcelos, G Coureaud
  • Journal: The Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life
  • Year: 2024

"Independent effects of seawater pH and high PCO2 on olfactory sensitivity in fish: possible role of carbonic anhydrase

  • Author: Z Velez, RA Costa, W Wang, PC Hubbard
  • Journal: Journal of Experimental Biology
  • Year: 2021

"Dynamic Effect of Chronic Boat Noise on Growth and Behaviour in Early Life Stages of the African Cichlid Maylandia Zebra

  • Author: W Wang, T Turco, A Pradeau, P Fonseca, R Vasconcelos, MC P Amorim
  • Journal: 2023 International Conference on Innovative Computing