Welcome!

I am a planetary scientist and astronomer in the Space and Atmospheric Electricity Group (SPATE) group at the University of Reading. My research focuses on our Solar System’s giant planets and their interactions with their space environments. I have returned to the UK following 10 years living in the US and Japan, working for NASA, the Japanese space agency (JAXA) and Boston University.

My research explores the dynamic upper atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn, using some of the world’s largest telescopes to investigate how these giant planets interact with their space environments. I study their spectacular aurorae, the enormous flows of energy that heat and reshape their upper atmospheres, and the connections between Saturn’s atmosphere and its rings. A major focus of my work is “ring rain” – material falling from Saturn’s rings into the planet– which is helping us understand how the rings are being eroded and, ultimately, how long they may survive.

Alongside my academic research, I’m passionate about making astronomy accessible to a wider audience. In my spare time, I create educational videos that visualise the extraordinary scales, motions and physical processes that shape the Solar System and beyond. This work has been recognised with the 2026 Carl Sagan Medal for Excellence in Public Communication in Planetary Science** and the 2021 Europlanet Prize for Public Engagement, and I was a finalist for the AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science.

I also work regularly as a science and media consultant, bringing expertise in planetary science, astronomy and scientific visualisation to organisations including the BBC, Encyclopaedia Infographica, Japan’s national broadcaster NHK, and more.