Rosa Santomartino

Dr. Rosa Santomartino (she/her) is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering at Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Beginning May 2025, she will transition to an Assistant Professor role. A space microbiologist and biotechnologist, she specializes in microbial behavior under space conditions to advance sustainable exploration and environmental solutions on Earth.

• Education: BSc in Biotechnology (University of Rome 'Tor Vergata'), MSc in Genomics, Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology (Sapienza University of Rome), PhD in Molecular Biology (Sapienza University of Rome) with internships at Lyon 1 and UNAM.

Her research integrates microbiology, molecular biology, systems biology, and geomicrobiology to develop biotechnologies for space resource utilization, waste upcycling, and closed-loop life support systems. Notably, her work on plastic-degrading and bioleaching microorganisms addresses both space and terrestrial environmental challenges, including circular economy strategies for waste recycling.

Dr. Santomartino has led experiments like BioRock and BioAsteroid aboard the International Space Station, collaborating with NASA and ESA. She co-directed the UK Centre for Astrobiology and received the Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship. Her advocacy for equity, diversity, and inclusion is central to her academic mission.

• Scientific Awards:
  • European Astrobiology Network Association conference poster prize (2024, 2021)
  • Space&Earth Award (2023)
  • Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship (2022)
  • Changemaker Award (2023)
  • Doctor Europaeus title (2018)

Her work bridges space science and Earth-based sustainability, aiming to create ethical, cost-effective biotechnologies for future space settlements and immediate environmental crises on Earth.