Burial stress of the hermit crab, Pagurus samuelis

She is investigating hypotheses regarding the lack of hermit crabs found in association with gastropod shells in the fossil record. Although many gastropod shells are found throughout the fossil record with evidence that they have been "hermitted" (Walker & Carlton, 1995), questions remain as to why so few hermit crabs are found.

Janelle's work focuses on the behaviors of Pagurus samuelis in various conditions of burial stress. She is also using innovative techniques to investigate fossil gastropod shells that may hold hermit crabs that have not previously been recognized by museum curatorial staff.