Academic focus: Biotechnologies for sustainable solutions in space and on Earth
Research summary: In the coming decades, space exploration will take us beyond Earth’s orbit, demanding highly efficient closed-loop systems to reduce costs and address key ethical considerations. While the idea of establishing space settlements is fascinating, it raises an important question: Why invest in costly space missions when pressing environmental challenges on Earth demand immediate attention and innovation? The answer lies in the fact that pioneering solutions for space can drive critical advancements in tackling environmental issues on Earth. The extreme constraints of space exploration push technological innovation toward high-performance, cost-effective and sustainable systems, which, in turn, catalyze progress in multiple scientific fields. By leveraging the ingenuity of space biotechnologies, our research group focuses on developing circular economy solutions – particularly synthetic waste biorecycling – to address terrestrial environmental challenges while enabling sustainable space exploration.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I love observing nature throughout the changing seasons. I also enjoy exploring different cultures, particularly through their culinary traditions. Recently, I’ve been diving into logic and debate.
What are three adjectives people might use to describe you?
Passionate, caring, bubbly
What brought you to Cornell CALS?
Beyond CALS’ overall excellence in research – especially in sustainable engineering – what solidified my decision was its highly interdisciplinary environment. When I interviewed, I was struck by the enthusiasm of my future colleagues. Their excitement about my research and the wealth of potential collaborations were truly inspiring. Additionally, CALS is home to the Carl Sagan Institute, a world-class center in astrobiology, which aligns closely with my interests. Finally, meeting CALS students – who are exceptionally brilliant and motivated – made the opportunity to work here even more exciting.
What do you think is important for people to understand about your field?
Space exploration is not – or should not be – about finding a Planet B. Instead, it is about expanding knowledge and pushing technological boundaries. Space science has a long history of driving innovations that improve life on Earth – think GPS, CT scans, home insulation and mobile cameras. Similarly, by tackling the challenges of space environments, we can develop sustainable, high-efficiency resource management strategies that improve life on our planet. In many ways, space research provides a model for optimizing how we use resources here on Earth.
What’s the most surprising/interesting thing you’ve discovered about Cornell and/or Ithaca so far?
I was intrigued to learn that Ithaca was a film capital from 1913 to 1920. I am from Rome, where there is a neighborhood known as the hub of Italian cinema, and I found this historical connection particularly fascinating.
If you had unlimited grant funding, what major problem in your field would you want to solve?
One of the biggest challenges we face is creating closed-loop systems that minimize waste, optimize resource efficiency and ensure long-term habitability beyond Earth. By investing in innovative bioprocesses, synthetic biology and bio-based materials, we could make space exploration more self-sufficient while also addressing critical environmental challenges on our planet.
If you could relate your work to one of the four transdisciplinary moonshots, which one would you most closely align with and why? They are: Redesigning 21st Century Agri-Food Systems; Accelerating Holistic Climate Solutions; Leading in Synthetic Biology; and Pioneering Life Science Breakthroughs.
It’s difficult to choose just one, as my research is deeply interdisciplinary – when planning for future space settlements, every aspect must be interconnected and circular. However, if I had to pick, I would align most closely with Accelerating Holistic Climate Solutions. That said, there’s a fifth “strategic wild card” moonshot that also strongly resonates with my work.
Learn more about Rosa from her CALS profile and research group website.
