Dr. Claire Nichols

Associate Professor

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Biography

Claire Nichols is an Associate Professor of Geology and Planetary Processes at the University of Oxford and a Tutorial Fellow at St Edmund Hall. Her research focuses on the understanding of Earth's planetary formation, early environmental conditions, and habitability. She utilizes magnetism as a novel tool to unravel complex physical and chemical processes that have evolved over billions of years, shedding light on unresolved questions about Earth's earliest history. Her work includes investigating ancient records of Earth's magnetic field, characterizing magnetic mineralogy, studying lunar variations, and exploring terrestrial analogues for Martian environments. Nichols employs various techniques including synchrotron electron microscopy and paleomagnetism to advance her studies in planetary processes. In addition to her research, she is actively involved in numerous guest lectures, workshops, and organized symposia, playing a crucial role in the academic community.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor Geology Planetary Processes

2020-01-01 — Present

Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford • Oxford, UK

Tutorial Fellow

2021-01-01 — Present

St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford • Oxford, UK

Stipendiary Lecturer Earth Sciences

2021-01-01 — 2021-01-01

Exeter College, University of Oxford • Oxford, UK

Non-Tutorial Fellow

2020-01-01 — 2021-01-01

St Hugh’s College, University of Oxford • Oxford, UK

Postdoctoral Fellow

2018-01-01 — 2020-01-01

Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, MIT • Cambridge, MA, USA

Awards

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Mineralogical Society Distinguished Lecturer

2023-01-01
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Royal Society Exchange Grant

2022-01-01
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Royal Society Research Grant

2022-01-01
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National Environmental Isotope Facility Direct Access Grant

2021-01-01
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John Fell Fund

2020-01-01
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SCOL Fieldwork Grant

2019-01-01
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SCOL Postdoctoral Fellowship

2018-01-01
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National Geographic Explorer, Early Career Grant

2018-01-01
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Lewis & Clark Fund Field Research Astrobiology

2018-01-01
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Outstanding Student Presentation Award, AGU Fall Meeting

2017-01-01
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Royal Astronomical Society Grant

2017-01-01
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Geological Society Research Grant

2017-01-01
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Mineralogical Society Great Britain Bursary

2016-01-01
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Mineral Physics Group Great Britain Bursary

2016-01-01
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Royal Astronomical Society Grant

2016-01-01
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Jesus College Cambridge Doctoral Research Fund

2016-01-01
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British Geophysical Association Student Presentation

2016-01-01
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Newnham College Scholars Award

2014-01-01
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Isle Skye Mapping Project Award

2012-01-01
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Worts Travelling Scholars Fund

2012-01-01

Requirements for University of Oxford

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.7
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:24
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:25
Total
Required:110
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Politics, International Relations, Economics, History, Law, Philosophy or Sociology
Application Checklist
  • Three academic references
  • Official transcripts
  • CV/Resume
  • Statement of Purpose (1,000 words)
  • Two academic essays (2,000 words each)
Specialization Notes

Department of Politics and International Relations - Higher Level English requirement.