Jonathan Squire

Jonathan Squire is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Otago, New Zealand, where he leads research in plasma physics and fluid dynamics as part of the Otago space physics group. His work bridges theoretical, computational, and observational approaches to understand fundamental processes in astrophysical systems.

Dr. Squire's research interests focus on astrophysical plasma physics and fluid dynamics, particularly examining how basic dynamical processes like instabilities and turbulence affect systems such as the solar corona and wind, stars, galaxy clusters, accretion disks, planet formation, the interstellar medium, and cosmic rays. His approach combines analytic theory, numerical simulations, and code development to tackle complex plasma phenomena.

His recent publications reveal strong trends in kinetic plasma turbulence, with particular emphasis on imbalanced turbulence in the solar wind, high-beta plasmas, and dust-gas interactions. A significant portion of his work connects theoretical predictions with observations from missions like Parker Solar Probe, especially regarding solar wind switchbacks and ion heating mechanisms. His group has made notable contributions to understanding the "helicity barrier" effect in plasma turbulence and the Resonant Drag Instability in dusty fluids.

• Fulbright Science and Technology fellowship for graduate studies at Princeton
• Sherman Fairchild postdoctoral fellowship at Caltech astronomy department

Dr. Squire advises PhD students interested in plasma physics and fluid dynamics, with current projects focused on solar corona heating and solar wind turbulence. His group develops advanced computational tools including the VEST package for vector calculus and NMSTools for numerical solutions of eigenvalue ODEs. The Otago space physics group maintains active collaborations with leading institutions worldwide, including Princeton, Caltech, Oxford, and Berkeley.