Paul Martini

Paul Martini is a Professor of Astronomy and Physics (Courtesy) at The Ohio State University, affiliated with the Department of Astronomy within the College of Arts and Sciences. He serves as Vice Chair of the Department and leads research in observational cosmology, astronomical instrumentation, and galaxy/black hole evolution. His work focuses on the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), contributing to its design and analyzing Lyman-alpha forest observations for cosmological studies. Martini's research also explores AGN fueling mechanisms, quasar lifetimes, and the interplay between galaxies and supermassive black holes.

He earned his Ph.D. (2000) and M.S. (1998) in Astronomy from Ohio State and a B.S. in Physics from Temple University. Notable awards include Fellowships from the American Physical Society (2022), AAAS (2020), and Radcliffe Institute (2020-2021). His leadership roles include chairing DESI's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee (2020-2023) and serving on committees for Gemini Observatory and Chandra X-ray Observatory.

Martini has advised four doctoral students, including David Atlee and Linda Watson, and contributed to instrumentation like OSMOS, MMIRS, and DESI. His teaching spans courses like Numerical Methods in Astrophysics and Black Holes. Key research outputs include DESI cosmology analyses, OzDES reverberation mapping projects, and studies on AGN demographics across cosmic environments.