Summer Nash

Hi, my name is Summer! I am a third-year student pursuing a degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare at the University of Plymouth. From a young age, I have been passionate about animals - mainly revolving around my pets. Since moving to Plymouth, my interests have expanded to include marine life and the ocean sparking a new appreciation for aquatic ecosystems and their inhabitants. My focus lies in exploring ways to optimise conditions to ensure the highest quality of life for animals in these environments.

Projects

  • For my dissertation, my research centres on observing hermit crabs and their behaviour during shell selection, comparing patterns between Clibanarius erythropus and Pagurus bernhardus. The project has allowed me to dive deeper into the nuanced behaviours of marine species. 

  • Ari and I are working to understand the sensory biology of hermit crabs by examining the morphology of the claws and their many setae. Hermit crabs use setae to help detect information from the environment, for example, calcium, which in hand may help them to determine whether a gastropod shell is suitable.