Alex Corbett

Alex Corbett

PhD Student in Astrophysics at the University of Bristol

Hi, I am Alex

I am a PhD student in astrophysics at the University of Bristol. I am adapting the Met Office’s new 3D modelling system, LFRic, for high-resolution cloud-resolving simulations of hydrogen-dominated atmospheres in an effort to improve our understanding of atmospheric convection on exoplanets.

Before I started my PhD, I completed my MSci in Physics with Astrophysics at the University of Bristol. For my dissertation, I used smoothed-particle hydrodynamics simulations to investigate whether consecutive giant impacts could explain Uranus’ extreme obliquity and rotation period.

Example simulation of non-condensing convection
Non-condensing convection caused by a Rayleigh-Taylor instability that shows a virtual temperature inversion caused by non-dilute water vapour interface in a hydrogen-dominated atmosphere.

Timeline

August 2026
Saw the total solar eclipse in Spain!
June 2026
Presented my progress at the 2026 Momentum User Workshop at the Met Office in Exeter. Helped deliver LFRic training for idealised modelling.
March 2026
Presented my progress at the 2026 UK Exoplanet Meeting.
September 2025
Started my PhD in astrophysics!
July 2025
Graduated in MSci Physics with Astrophysics (First Class Honours) from the University of Bristol.