Optical and Multiwavelength Variability Studies of Active Galaxies

Highlights of recent results of observational and theoretical research on a class of active galaxies termed blazars, at Ohio University are presented. Specifically, we use the MDM observatory on Kitt Peak, AZ, to study the long- and short-term variability of blazars in the optical, and correlate such observations with simultaneous studies at radio, near-infrared, X-ray, and gamma-rays in intensive multiwavelength observing campaigns. I will focus on the role of undergraduate and graduate students in the observations, data collection and reduction, and theoretical interpretation.