Sofia Bernstein

Background

About Sofia Bernstein

Experienced lecturer, field biologist, and bioacoustician with a demonstrated history of working in the research industry, and a passion for teaching and community outreach. I have worked in higher education as a lecturer and graduate advisor in Biology, Anthropology, and Psychology, and have focused on integrating science communication and public outreach with my work. I have co-produced and hosted podcasts, engaged with museums to build content for exhibits, and have hosted lecture series for public outreach. As an artist, I regularly curate and promote shows that showcase underserved communities. Recenlty, I was awarded the 2025 BIPoC Network and Arts Fund Artist Award for my community work and joined a cohort of 25 artists who represent Houston's Cultural and Community Leaders. I have also showcased original visual and performance/sound art, as well as installations, at multimedia festivals and galleries across Texas. Skilled in Primatology, Cognitive Science, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Statistics, Passive Acoustic Monitoring, and Acoustic and Behavioral Research. Strong research professional with a Doctorate of Science in Cognitive Science, Behavior, and Bioacoustics from Kyoto University.My main interests focus on the evolution of language and behavior, and I conduct research on both human and nonhuman primates. I have over 13 years of research on the evolution of acoustic signals, communicative complexity, animal welfare science, and the use of noninvasive acoustic markers to monitor health. I mostly focus on the Macaca genus and small-bodied apes (e.g, gibbons), but I also have experience with a variety of New World and Old World monkey species. Currently, I am working on exploring the semiotic capabilities of nonhuman primate species (e.g, gibbons & macaques) through John Deely's Biosemiotic framework.