Mr Neil Lewis

I am a post doc working with Matt Browning. My aim is to investigate the mechanisms that lead to the generation of solar-like differential rotation in stellar convection zones. A focus of my work is developing an understanding of the relative importance of hydrodynamic vs. MHD routes to solar-like differential rotation, using simulations of magnetoconvection. 

Previously, I worked as a post doc in Mathematics with James Screen, on the ArctiCONNECT project. During this period, I conducted research into the mechanisms through which Arctic warming may have an effect on Earth's weather and climate (focusing on the mid-latitudes). 

Before arriving in Exeter, I completed a DPhil in Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics at the University of Oxford under the supervision of Prof. Peter Read. The topic of my thesis was atmospheric circulation on slowly rotating planets (e.g., Venus, Titan) and extrasolar planets. Prior to this, I did my undergraduate degree in Mathematics here in Exeter.

I maintain an interest in all topics that fall under the umbrella of 'Geophysical and Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics', and I continue pursue research into the dynamics of planetary atmospheres. Current interests of mine include the interaction between 'deep' and 'shallow' jets on Jupiter, and the occurence of bistability in GCM simulations of terrestrial tidally-locked exoplanets. I am also conducting research into the dynamics of persistent extreme weather events on Earth. 

Finally, I am a lead developer of the Isca GCM framework for modeling the atmospheres of Earth and other planets. For my research into stellar atmospheres, I make use of the Python framework Dedalus.