Joel Richardson AFHEA
PhD studentResearch Overview
Magnetospheric dynamics at Earth are primarily driven by coupling between the magnetised solar wind and the magnetospheric magnetic field and plasma. This coupling is highly variable and strongly controlled by the relative orientation of the interplanetary and magnetospheric magnetic fields.Many studies have revealed that the magnetosphere has a non-linear response to solar wind drivers. During periods of enhanced solar wind driving, magnetospheric activity ceases to increase in line with increasing driving conditions, an effect known as “saturation”. No consensus has been reached over the cause. I will be analysing measurements made by the ESA Cluster spacecraft to confirm or discount the non-linear response of the system to interplanetary drivers.
Profile
Before coming to Lancaster, I graduated from Downing College, University of Cambridge, with a BA in Natural Sciences (now MA Cantab.). I completed my MSc in Fusion Energy at the University of York. My master’s project involved analysing in-situ satellite data to detect the presence of interplanetary shocks. I also worked for a year within the physics outreach team at the University of York, collaborating with academics to develop projects and delivering them to young people and the public, primarily focused on astronomy and nuclear physics.
Current Teaching
I am currently a Postgraduate Teaching Assistant, helping with the teaching of undergraduate workshops and laboratory classes, and with the marking of worksheets, for the following modules:
- Phys133: Oscillations and Waves
- Phys222: Electromagnetism
- Phys232: Relativity
- Phys281: Computer Simulation
- Phys465: Statistical Data Analysis
Physics PGR Conference 2026
Participation in conference - Academic
Science Community Day
Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition
Using Cluster as a Solar Wind Monitor to Investigate Uncertainties in OMNI Time Propagation
Oral presentation
Binding Blocks UK: A National, Inclusive Programme for Nuclear Physics Education
Oral presentation
50th IoP Annual Plasma Physics Conference - Lecture and Exhibition
Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition
Astrocampus 10th Anniversary
Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition
PGTA Prize for Teaching Excellence
Prize (including medals and awards)
- Space and Planetary Physics