Planetary Astrochemistry Lab
We experimentally simulate planetary environments and use them to test prebiotic chemistry.
About me
I am currently an STFC-funded PhD student at the Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge.
I grew up in Nicosia, Cyprus. After finishing high school, I moved to Cambridge, UK where I studied Physical Natural Sciences (BA/MA) and Astrophysics (MSci) at Trinity College. I then took 2 years of: partly working remotely (ML Lead in a startup; for more info see my LinkedIn),
and partly travelling (wherever covid allowed; for more info see below or ask!)
Research Interests
Planetary Science:Atmospheres, Interiors, and processes tying in the 2. Using our limited observations of exoplanets or celestial bodies in our solar system, how much information can we extract on their biological and geological processes? Habitability / Origins of Life:
What kind of planetary and environmental conditions can produce and sustain life, and how can we search for them?
Research Groups
Planetary Astrochemistry Lab
Planetary Chemistry
We study the evolution and habitability of planets in the solar system and around other stars.
Leverhulme Centre for Life in the Universe
We aim to develop a deeper understanding of life, its emergence, and its distribution in the Universe.
Publications
Photochemistry of Venus-like Planets Orbiting K- and M-dwarf Stars
Jordan, S., Rimmer, P.B., Shorttle, O., Constantinou, T., 2021
Hydroxide Salts in the Clouds of Venus: Their Effect on the Sulfur Cycle and Cloud Droplet pH
Rimmer, P.B., Jordan, S., Constantinou, T., Woitke, P., Shorttle, O., Hobbs, R., Paschodimas, A., 2021
Conferences
Co-organised:
LCLU Annual Science Day, Cambridge, March 2024
Invited Seminar: "Link Between Geochemistry and Atmospheres"
LCLU Coffee Meetings, Cambridge, January 2024
Talk: "Was Venus Ever Habitable?"
Rocky Worlds III, Zurich, January 2024
Talk: "Was Venus Ever Habitable?"
IoA Wednesday Seminar, Cambridge, October 2023
Invited Poster: "Was Venus Ever Habitable?"
Life in the Universe II, Boston, September 2023
Talk: "Was Venus Ever Habitable?"
UKEXOM 2023, London, August 2023
Talk: "Was Venus Ever Habitable?"
LCLU Science Day, Cambridge, March 2023
Invited talk: "Venus as Candidate for Constraining Volcanism and Surface Conditions"
RAS Specialist Discussion Meeting: Abiotic baselines in astrobiology, London, January 2023
Venus graphics
Coming soon!
Non-Research
Often found on weekend adventures, cycling day-trips around Cambridge, out for a run/walk, reading at a coffee shop, or trying to earn a solo gliding license when the weather allows! I also solo-travel and explore as much as possible, with only 1 continent to go!
Hiking and bamboo-rafting in a jungle in north Thailand
Breakfast after summiting Mt Kenya
Kayaking in Antarctica
Sailing around the Aeolian Islands with Stromboli erupting in the background
Look mum, no hands! (Gliding over Cambridgeshire)