LIFD Early Career Researcher spotlight: Rhiannon Nicholls

Name: Rhiannon Nicholls

Thesis Title: The formation of large-scale vortices on Jupiter and Saturn

School/Faculty: CDT in Fluid Dynamics, School of Computer Science

Supervisors: Dr. Evy Kersalé, Prof. David Hughes, Prof. Chris Davies

Tell us a bit about yourself:

I am in the final year of my PhD, having previously completed an integrated master’s in Mathematics at the University of Exeter, where I developed a strong interest in fluid dynamics, particularly magnetohydrodynamics. After a few years working and travelling, I joined the CDT in Fluid Dynamics at Leeds, which has been a fantastic opportunity to deepen my knowledge in my favourite area of mathematics. Outside of research, I enjoy travelling, wild swimming, and tennis.

What is your research about?:

Polar vortices are a common feature of atmospheric circulation across the solar system. Recent missions to Jupiter and Saturn have revealed their polar regions in unprecedented detail, uncovering unexpected structures such as the cluster of nine vortices at Jupiter’s north pole. These discoveries raise key questions about their formation. One hypothesis is that such vortex patterns result from rotating convection in the planets’ stratified outer layers, where viscosity and density vary with depth. My project aims to investigate the instabilities of rotating stratified convection through a simplified two-layer model.

What did you wish you knew before starting a PhD?:

Research often takes longer than expected, so setting realistic goals and deadlines is key to staying on track. I’ve found that both coding and writing usually take more time than anticipated.

What are your plans for the future?:

My immediate goal is to complete my thesis on time. While I have enjoyed my PhD, I am undecided about pursuing a career in academia or industry and will keep an open mind about my next steps.