Dr Hannah Wakeford

Panelist: Astrophysics

Hannah Wakeford is an Associate Professor in Astrophysics in the School of Physics at the University of Bristol, UK where she leads a group investigating the atmospheres of transiting exoplanets using space-based telescopes. Dr Wakeford is an expert in the analysis of time series and spectroscopic observational data with a keen interest in understanding the impact of the instrument and telescope on the measurements being made. Dr Wakeford is currently the lead of a UKRI Frontiers Research Grant (formerly European Research Starting Grant) to examine the 3D properties of exoplanet atmospheres through observations with Hubble and JWST to better understand the links between planetary dynamics and chemistry. Dr Wakeford has also developed theoretical models for exotic clouds in exoplanet atmospheres and uses them to interpret observations and make predictions for future measurements. She is also an accomplished science communicator having authored the popular science book Bang!! A complete History of the Universe, has appeared on TV and radio, and hosts Exocast: The Exoplanet Podcast.