Joel Rothman

Joel Rothman is a Distinguished Professor of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), holding the Wilcox Family Chair in Biotechnology. He is the Director and Founder of the Center for Aging and Longevity Studies (CALS) and affiliated with the Neuroscience Research Institute (NRI). His research focuses on aging mechanisms, mitochondrial genetics, and stress resilience in model organisms like C. elegans and tardigrades. Key areas include understanding how genetic pathways control longevity, mitochondrial DNA quality control, and cellular responses to extreme environments.

Rothman's lab investigates interstellar biology through Project Starlight, exploring how microscopic organisms survive near-light-speed travel. Research also encompasses developmental reprogramming, stem cell biology, and cancer-related apoptosis. Collaborations with physics and engineering teams at UCSB integrate interdisciplinary approaches to space biology and biotechnology.

His work is supported by grants such as NIH R01 HD081266 and R01 GM143771. Advising includes mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in molecular genetics, genomics, and cell biology. The lab is located in Bio II Building, UCSB, with a focus on advancing strategies to enhance human healthspan and resilience against age-related diseases.