Ruth Finkelstein

Ruth Finkelstein is a Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of abscisic acid (ABA) signaling in plants, particularly its role in seed development, dormancy, and stress responses. She has been a faculty member since 1989 and previously served as a Monitoring Editor for Plant Physiology (2000–2005) and Associate Dean for the Division of Mathematical, Life, and Physical Sciences (2006–2008).

Dr. Finkelstein earned her Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from Indiana University in 1986. Her postdoctoral work at Michigan State University’s Plant Research Laboratory (1986–1988) expanded her expertise in genetic approaches to study ABA signaling. Her lab uses genetic, molecular, and physiological tools to dissect ABA’s role in regulating plant growth and stress responses, with applications in crop improvement.

Her research integrates ABA signaling pathways with cross-talk involving other hormones, nutrient status, and environmental cues. Key contributions include identifying transcription factors like ABI4 and ABI5, and elucidating interactions between ABA signaling proteins and chromatin modifiers. These studies aim to develop models for ABA’s role in seed quality, yield, and stress tolerance.

Notable affiliations: Finkelstein Lab, Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB), Division of Mathematical, Life, and Physical Sciences at UCSB.