Ellen Rothenberg

Ellen Rothenberg is the Edward B. Lewis Professor of Biology at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). She earned her A.B. in Biochemical Sciences from Harvard University (1972) and a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from MIT (1977). Her academic career at Caltech spans roles from Assistant Professor (1982–88) to her current position. She holds the Ruddock Professorship (2007–21), Distinguished Professor (2021–), and Lewis Professor (2021–).

Her research focuses on transcriptional networks governing T-cell development and signaling, particularly how hematopoietic stem cells commit to T-lymphocyte lineages. Using in vitro systems, molecular genetics, and genomic approaches, her lab explores transcription factor interactions, chromatin dynamics, and signaling pathways that drive T-cell identity. Key interests include understanding stem-cell multipotentiality loss, irreversible commitment mechanisms, and links to autoimmune predisposition.

Rothenberg is an Andrew D. White Professor-at-Large at Cornell University (2021–2027), collaborating with immunology and molecular biology departments. She has organized international conferences, served on NIH review panels, and advises biotech firms like Century Therapeutics. Her honors include membership in the National Academy of Sciences, AAAS and American Academy of Arts and Sciences fellowships, and the Feynman Teaching Prize (2016).

• Education:
  • A.B., Harvard University, Biochemical Sciences, 1972
  • Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Molecular Biology, 1977
• Awards:
  • AAAS Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences Fellow
  • Member, National Academy of Sciences
  • American Association of Immunologists Distinguished Fellow
  • Richard P. Feynman Prize for Excellence in Teaching (2016)
• External Roles:
  • Cornell’s ADW-PAL (2021–2027), collaborating with faculty hosts Brian Rudd and Andrew Grimson
  • Scientific Advisor, Century Therapeutics, A2 Biotherapeutics, Kite Pharma

Her work bridges basic research and clinical applications, including immunogenomics symposia and public lectures on T-cell programming. Ongoing projects explore evolutionary origins of lymphocyte development through comparative analysis of basal vertebrates.