Zaaz Santhanam

I am a MSc student on the Marine Vertebrate Ecology course at the University of Exeter, Penryn Campus. Broadly, I am interested in using physiological ecology of charismatic species to illustrate the need for robust protections of the world’s natural treasures. Specifically, this means understanding how the ecology of these animals (i.e., marine mammals) shapes their physiology, and how anthropogenic phenomena are pushing these animals to their physiological limits.

My MSc thesis will focus on using stable isotope analysis (SIA) to investigate the trophic and foraging ecology of grey and common seal populations in Cornwall, Scotland, and Southeast England. SIA will allow us to look at niche overlap between the two species, and test some hypotheses regarding competition with fisheries.

I am originally from the United States, and majored in marine biology and political science at the University of North Caroline Wilmington, where I originally met Luis! I am very much enjoying Cornwall, and I can usually be found surfing, cooking, or drinking coffee!