Postdoc • University of Cambridge
I work on stable isotope fractionation in minerals, melts, and metallic systems, connecting atomic-scale processes to planetary evolution. My website also brings together teaching, outreach, publications, conference presentations, and a downloadable CV.
About
Research, education, and public engagement.
I am a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Earth Sciences at the University of Cambridge, working at the intersection of isotope geochemistry, mineral physics, and planetary science. My research investigates how magma oceans and planetary differentiation shaped the chemical evolution of the early Earth and other rocky planets.
I am particularly interested in connecting processes across scales—from atomic bonding and mineral–melt interactions to the evolution of entire planetary interiors. By combining first-principles atomistic simulations, high-temperature experiments, and planetary modelling, I develop quantitative frameworks for interpreting stable isotope signatures and constraining the composition and evolution of the Bulk Silicate Earth. My longer-term goal is to integrate multiple isotope systems to reconstruct Earth's chemical history before the surviving geological record began.
Alongside my research, I have a long-standing commitment to eduction and public engagement. Through teaching, student mentoring, outreach, and international space-eduction initiatives, I aim to make Earth and planetary science accesible to broader audiences and support the next generation of scientists.
Education
Academic training and degrees.
01
University of Oxford
PhD / DPhil in Earth Sciences, 2026.
02
VU Amsterdam
MSc in Geology & Geochemistry, cum laude, 2022.
03
VU Amsterdam
BSc in Earth Sciences, 2019.
Research
Building a predictive picture of planetary differentiation.
01
Isotope fractionation
Using Mg and Si isotopes to trace bonding environments, mineral transformations, and melt processes at high temperature.
02
Magma oceans
Connecting crystallisation, core formation, and deep-mantle reservoirs to the chemical evolution of terrestrial planets.
03
Experiments + simulation
Combining high-pressure experiments with ab initio molecular dynamics and DFT to generate testable predictions.
CV
Download the full curriculum vitae.
The CV includes education, awards, positions, publications, conference papers, extracurricular activities, skills, and references.
Download CV (PDF)
Publications
Scrollable publication and conference lists.
The lists below mirror the content from the CV so visitors can quickly browse papers and presentations.
Publications
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1.
B De Winter and X Liu T Elliot A Walker, E Melekhova, The magnitude of equilibrium isotope fractionation of Mg between forsterite, diopside and melt at liquidus temperatures , Chemical Geology (Submitted).
View preprint →
2.
I Nikogosian CJ De Hoog A Gartner JJ Bracco G Davies N Luciani, B De Winter and JM Koornneef, Constraining the multiple mantle sources beneath Vulture (Italy) from geochemistry and boron isotopes of melt inclusions , PhD Thesis chapter (2024).
Conference presentations
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1.
B De Winter and X Liu T Elliot A Walker, E Melekhova, Calibrating Mg isotope signatures for magma ocean evolution: A combined experimental and computational approach , Goldschmidt 2025 Conference (2025).
2.
B De Winter and X Liu T Elliot A Walker, E Melekhova, Isotopic hide-and-seek in the deep mantle, unveiling magnesium and silicon isotope fractionation in magma oceans to constrain primitive mantle heterogeneity , AGU 2024 (2024).
3.
B De Winter and A Walker, Using first-principles molecular dynamics to predict Si and Mg isotope fractionation between silicate melts and mantle minerals , AGU 2024 (2024).
4.
I Nikogosian CJ De Hoog A Gartner JJ Bracco G Davies N Luciani, B De Winter and JM Koornneef, Investigating combined arc and OIB signatures at a post-collisional subduction setting by geochemical and boron isotope analyses of melt inclusions from Vulture, Italy , Goldschmidt 2022 Conference (2022).
Space education / activities
Making space science engaging, collaborative, and hands-on.
ACHIEVED Academy
Free space engineering education and mission design experience for students, supported by expert speakers.
Oxford Space Network
Community-building through talks, drinks, and informal networking for researchers and students interested in space.
SGAC leadership
International volunteer work across Europe and beyond, with project coordination and student engagement.
Outreach and mentoring
School visits, science fairs, seminar organisation, and support for early-career scientists.
Contact
For talks, collaborations, and general enquiries.
Use the form to send either a speaker request or a general contact message. Submissions are delivered to bd520@cam.ac.uk through a hosted form service.
Email
bd520@cam.ac.uk
Request types
Speaker request / General contact