David V Martin

G'day! ​​I am an Australian astrophysicist, presently an Assistant Professor of Physics & Astronomy at Tufts University. Prior to moving to the Boston area, I was a NASA Sagan Fellow at The Ohio State University.

​For information on AST-51/151, AST-191 or AST-31, please go to the Teaching page.

I expect to take on 1 new PhD student in the current application cycle (i.e. starting Fall 2025) and welcome applications to the PhD in Astrophysics at Tufts University (link)

I am trying to understand how planets and stars form and evolve. A lot of my research has been on planets in multi-star systems. I am an "end to end" astrophysicist: I like to construct observing programs to hunt for planets in diverse stellar systems and then create theoretical models to explain the observations. I also work on celestial mechanics, evolved stellar systems (e.g. white dwarfs and black holes), tidal physics, fundamental stellar properties and stellar flares. ​You can check out recent seminars on my work at McGill and Monash.

I have a strong commitment to student mentorship and have been very lucky to supervise nine amazing students (check out their work here). I am also committed to building an inclusive and diverse work environment where all are welcome! Check out resources here!

I did my PhD at the Université de Genève (download thesis here) and I was a Fellow of the Swiss National Science Foundation at The University of Chicago.
I was lucky to be named in the Astronomy Magazine as one of the "25 Rising Stars in Astronomy". Stanley appreciated his mention. I also organised the GLEAM 2022 Exoplanets Conference. For the social event I took 70 "astrologers" to the NHL...

Beyond astrophysics, I play Australian Football (semi competently) and ice hockey (barely competently). I used to play cricket, but my career was derailed by a serious injury known as lack of talent.

​I also play guitar, bass and drums at a volume which has been referred to as "reckless" and "irresponsible". ​I love making pizza, which has received rave reviews such as "it's adequate" and "I suppose it's better than nothing."

I also have a bunch of pets which I name astronomical things after:

- Stanley (dog)
- Baker (cat)
- Fat Cat (cat)
- Snow White (cat)