Carla Rothlin

Carla Vanina Rothlin, Ph.D., is the Director of the Center for Immunology, Co-Leader of the Masonic Cancer Center (MCC) Immunology Program, Andersen Chair in Immunology at MCC, and Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at the University of Minnesota. Originally from Argentina, Dr. Rothlin studied Biochemistry and Pharmacy at the University of Buenos Aires, where she also completed her Ph.D. under the mentorship of Dr. Ana Belen Elgoyhen, investigating nicotinic receptors in the inner ear. She continued her scientific training at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in San Diego as a Pew Latin American Fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Greg Lemke. There, she began her work in immunology, focusing on the mechanisms by which the immune system interprets signals from dying cells and maintains tolerance to self. Dr. Rothlin’s research program investigates the molecular and cellular processes that dictate the response to cell death in homeostasis, inflammation and repair. Together with her long-time collaborator Dr. Sourav Ghosh, their laboratory studies how immune responses are initiated, modulated, and resolved in diverse physiological and pathological contexts, including autoimmunity, cancer, infection, and tissue injury. Their interdisciplinary approach integrates immunology, neurobiology, and cell signaling to uncover novel therapeutic targets. Her work has been recognized by leading scientific foundations, including the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. In addition to her research, Dr. Rothlin plays a central role in mentoring early-career scientists and advancing inclusive, collaborative environments in science. She is committed to democratizing access to cutting-edge immunological knowledge globally. As the founder of Global Immunotalks and Global Immunocourses, she has created platforms that connect scientists across continents and foster a vibrant international immunology community. Through her research, mentorship, and global initiatives, Dr. Rothlin continues to shape the future discoveries in immunology.