Martin received a veterinary degree and a doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the Ludwig-Maximilians University in Munich, and a Ph.D. in Food Science from Cornell, where he currently is the Gellert Family Professor of Food Safety. His research interests focus on farm-to-table microbial food quality and food safety and the application of molecular tools to study the transmission of foodborne pathogens and spoilage organisms, including translation of the associated research findings into reducing foodborne illnesses and food spoilage. His team has substantial research expertise in different foodborne pathogens, including, but not limited to, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Bacillus cereus. His team is also passionate about communicating research and research findings to a range of audiences from pre-K to industry leaders and is regularly asked to help industry with a range of microbial food safety and quality challenges. Students and staff that were previously associated with his team have pursued successful careers in a range of environments, including industry, government, academia, and non-for profits.