Candidate Statement: Paul Martini

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Nominated Office: Councilor

Affiliation: The Ohio State University

Position/title: Professor of Astronomy

PhD institution: The Ohio State University (2000)

Areas of scientific interest:

  • multi-wavelength extragalactic astronomy, especially galaxies and AGN
  • instrumentation for ground-based telescopes

AAS positions: n/a

Other relevant positions and experience: 

  • Gemini Observatory Science and Technology Advisory Committee (Member: 2013-present, Chair: 2014-present)
  • Chandra Users' Committee (Member: 2013-present)
  • US TMT Science Working Group (2013-2014)
  • Dark Energy Survey Collaboration Science Committee (2008-present)
  • Einstein Fellowship Panel
  • Scientific Organizing Committee Chair, Gemini 2015 Science and Futures Meeting
  • Scientific Organizing Committee Member, LBT 2014 Users' Meeting
  • Scientific Organizing Committee Member, 4th Spitzer Science Center Conference
  • NASA Review Panels for Chandra, Hubble, and Spitzer
  • NSF Review Panels for AST and ATI 

Candidate Statement: The field of astronomy enjoys great popular interest, and it is very important that the Society works to translate this interest into stronger popular support for science and science education. If elected as a Councilor, I would help strengthen the Society's efforts to communicate the importance of scientific research and education to policy makers, educators, and the general public. Regular and consistent communication with policy makers is critical to keep the resources available to the astronomy community allocated in close alignment with our priorities, as expressed by our strategic planning processes. As a multi-wavelength observer and instrumentalist, I am directly impacted by many of these planning efforts. I would also endeavor to strengthen the Society's efforts to support the training and mentoring of the next generation of astronomers. A critical component of this effort is to help the astronomy community identify and eliminate biases and barriers that inhibit the participation of historically under-represented groups. Finally, the education landscape is changing rapidly due to substantial growth in on-line learning and new technology tools. As one who regularly teaches non-science majors, I am eager to expand the Society's role as a forum for sharing resources and research results on effective teaching.