Hannah Sanderson

Listen to me talk about my research here!

I am working with James Bryson and Claire Nichols on magnetic field generation in rocky bodies (planets, moons and planetesimals). Magnetic field generation in these bodies requires a partially molten metallic core, in which flow is being driven (often by convection). Therefore, observations of active magnetic fields and historical magnetic fields, recorded as magnetic remanences in rocks, can tell us about the interiors of rocky bodies and their thermal histories.

Currently, I am focussed on magnetic field generation in planetesimals. Planetesimals were small, rocky bodies which formed in the early Solar System and were the building blocks of the terrestrial planets, so we can gain unique insights into Earth’s formation by better understanding the interior compositions and dynamics of these small bodies. I have developed an updated thermal evolution model of planetesimals to predict the timing of dynamo generation in these bodies and to interpret the meteorite paleomagnetic record. In particular, I am interested in the role of mantle viscosity and radiogenic heating in planetesimal dynamo generation. 

I am funded by NERC as part of the Oxford DTP in Environmental Research.

Previous research

For my master’s thesis, I worked with Amy Bonsor to investigate whether the Gaia telescope could find planets around white dwarfs. This involved examining the effects of post-main-sequence stellar evolution on planetary systems, running N-body simulations of planetary systems and understanding the sensitivity of the astrometric detection method.

One of my other areas of interest is stellar magnetic fields and I was able to explore this in the summer of my third year of my undergraduate degree on a summer research placement. I collaborated with Moira Jardine at the University of St Andrews to investigate whether dust in magnetic stable points in M dwarf coronae could explain the “scallop-shell” phenomenon observed in some M dwarfs. You can read more about my experience on the placement here.

I teach tutorials for first year Mathematics for Earth Sciences and third year Vector Calculus. I also demonstrate on the first year Arran field course and first year Computing and Statistics course.

I am one of the leaders of the department’s LGBTQ+ affinity group. The idea of the affinity group is to provide a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ members of the department to find community and solidarity in a relaxed space. We run monthly events, including relaxed lunches, ice-cream trips and talk screenings.

I am involved in outreach for the Physics and the Earth Sciences departments and Exeter College. I have developed a workshop on planetary interiors for KS1, KS2 and KS3 students, which has also been delivered as part of the Oxplore programme. I have taught mock tutorials on the Physics UNIQ Summer School and for Exeter and Queens College. I have been involved in Marie Curious events. If you want me to come deliver a workshop at your school – get in touch!