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School of Biological Sciences

Award Enables Student to Research In Russia

Image of Sam RastrickSam Rastrick, a third year PhD student at Bangor University is to undertake research in St Petersburg, Russia, thanks to a Student Award from the Welsh Livery Guild.

Sam, whose research has already taken him to Svarlbad inside the Arctic Circle, is conducting vital research into how small creatures at the bottom of the food web, are able to cope with climate change. Sam is comparing small sea shore crustaceans and how they react to temperature change. The crustaceans are common to many coastal areas of the globe and so are a good species to study. He has atlrady studied species in cold, temperate and hot climates.

Sam needs to study the species in St Petersburg as they already have to cope with changes of temperature on the Baltic coastline.

“We’re delighted to be able to make this award to Sam, and were particularly impressed with the quality and timeliness of his project," explained Dr Keith Williams, Senior Warden of the Welsh Livery Guild.

“Without this Award it would have been impossible for me to carry out this research. I feel quite passionate about the research as it is vitally important to find out about keystone species and their ability to survive future climate change.”

Sam, who is 25, achieved his first degree in Zoology and Marine Zoology and his Masters degree in Ecology at Bangor University. He comes originally from Trent Drive, Thornbury, near Bristol and attended Castle School, Bristol.

The Welsh Livery Guild promotes education, science and the fine arts and in particular the promotion of skills and associated professional activities in Wales.

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