Nadia Hamilton

PhD student

Research Overview

I previously completed a bachelor’s degree (BSc) in Applied marine biology at Bangor University, where my dissertation research investigated the relationship between toxicity and aposematism in nudibranchs. I later went on to study an MPhil in Biological Science (Zoology) at The University of Cambridge, investigating the relationship between visual perception and asocial, and social behaviours in three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus).

I have previously worked as a research assistant for the Marine Sensory Ecology Group (The University of Queensland) and the Marine Behavioural Ecology group (The University of Cambridge). My previous research experience involves investigations into the sensory systems of both marine and aquatic fish species. With particular focus on colour perception in Rhinecanthus aculeatus and the acoustic drivers of behaviours in Pterois spp. During my time as research assistant, I was fortunate enough to visit research institutes include Lizard Island research station (Australia) and CARMABI (Curaçao) where I partook in several research projects all spanning the field of sensory and behavioural ecology.

My current PhD research focuses on the relationship between aggression and colouration across various species of Chaetodontidae, and how anthropogenic change may alter such factors to combine her experience in both visual and behavioural ecology. I hope to utilise several interdisciplinary techniques including video analyses, fieldwork practices, AI, and statistical modelling throughout my PhD to investigate aspects of this overarching topic.