I am a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in Philosophy and a certificate candidate in Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. I hold an MA in Philosophy and a BA in Legal Studies and Philosophy from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

My research focuses on the philosophy of race and ethics, specifically exploring the complexities of racial identity, including non-paradigmatic forms of identification. 

I am especially passionate about public philosophy, particularly in developing and teaching curricula for the general public, with a special focus on educating individuals in jails and prisons.

Beyond the academic realm, my interests include running, reading, watching films, experiencing art and performance, and photography, with a fondness for 35mm film.

As of June 2023, I am known as Asil M. Martinez, previously recognized as Lisa M. Martinez. I use they/them pronouns.