Dr. Rosa Santomartino

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Rosa Santomartino is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering at Cornell University. She is a space microbiologist with a deep interest in understanding microbial behavior under space conditions. Her research leverages her expertise in microbiology and molecular biology to advance sustainable space exploration while addressing pressing environmental challenges on Earth. Rosa earned her Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Sapienza University of Rome and has completed postdoctoral research in microbial astrobiology at the University of Edinburgh. Notably, she led groundbreaking experiments aboard the International Space Station and has collaborated with NASA and the European Space Agency. In 2022, she became co-director of the UK Centre for Astrobiology at the University of Edinburgh and received a prestigious Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship. Her research group investigates plastic-degrading microorganisms and technologies to facilitate resource utilization in space, contributing to both space applications and Earth-based waste management strategies.

Research Interests

Awards

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European Astrobiology Network Association conference poster prize

2024-01-01
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Personal invitation U.S. Embassy (London) VIP Reception honouring ‘Women Space Sector’

2023-01-01
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Space&Earth Award

2023-01-01
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Moray Endowment Fund

2023-01-01
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Changemaker Award creation departmental Biolab Sustainability Group

2023-01-01
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Co-director UK Centre Astrobiology

2022-01-01
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Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship

2022-01-01
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Moray Endowment Fund

2022-01-01
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European Astrobiology Network Association conference poster prize

2021-01-01
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Title Doctor Europaeus

2018-01-01
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FEMS Meeting Grant Young Scientists

2017-01-01
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FEMS Research Grant

2016-01-01

Requirements for Cornell University

Master Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Listening
Required:15
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Architecture or related field
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Portfolio (SlideRoom)
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Personal Statement
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Department of Architecture