A trailblazer in astroparticle physics, Angela Olinto has made groundbreaking contributions to understanding the universe's inflationary origins, the cosmological impact of magnetic fields, and the internal structure of neutron stars. Her research has far-reaching implications, influencing everything from cosmic processes to the development of life. Olinto is the principal investigator for two NASA programs investigating high-energy cosmic particles: the Probe of Extreme Multi-Messenger Astrophysics (POEMMA) and the Extreme Universe Space Observatory (EUSO) balloon missions.
Born in Boston and raised in Brazil, Olinto earned her undergraduate degree from Pontifícia Universidade Católica in Rio de Janeiro. She later received her PhD in physics from MIT before starting her career at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Since joining the University of Chicago in 1990, she has twice chaired the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics and became the divisional dean in 2018. She moved to Columbia in 2024 to take the role of University Provost.