The Rowley Laboratory

Jamie Mackenzie

Lab Manager

​"I am a career biologist with diverse interests including the study of wildlife conservation, animal behavior, viral infections, and evolutionary mechanisms. My passion for scientific knowledge and my desire to work in microbiological research has led me to my current role as the lab manager here in the Rowley Lab. I am looking forward to expanding my skillset and contributing toward research that is both industrially and biomedically relevant. I also love beer, cycling and surfing"

Claire Warren

Lab Manager

"\I call myself a journeyman microbiologist. I’ve worked in many different science fields, food safety, animal health, hospitals, pharmaceuticals, and fermentation. My love of being in the laboratory and researching scientific questions has brought me back to UI after many years away. When I’m not at my bench you can find me in my art studio or playing around with my fermentations at home."

Micheal Rolfsmeier

Postdoctoral Fellow

​"I’m a seasoned molecular microbiologist with expertise in yeast, bacteria, and archaea. My previous work has included the dissection of biochemical mechanisms involved in DNA damage and repair as well as understanding basic molecular pathways in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. I’m excited to be working in the yeast model system to explore killer toxins and cellular defense mechanisms."

Jack Creagh

Graduate student

"I am interested in using the power of yeast genetics and molecular dynamics simulation to understand the secret inner life of cells. In the Rowley lab, I focus on understanding the interaction between yeast killer toxins and host cell membranes. Killer toxins are unique proteins that must retain stability in two diverse environments and this makes killer proteins fascinating and challenging to understand."

Jack Wagner

Graduate student

"I graduated from Montana State University with a bachelor's in Cell Biology and Neuroscience. Research has always been an alluring idea, now I am part of the Rowley lab, learning about yeast and their associated toxins. I will be further researching the cell protein Kre1 and the killer toxin K1 to further our understanding of their interactions."

Rosie Hill

Undergraduate research student

"I am an undergraduate student majoring in Biochemistry. I've enjoyed being part of the Rowley lab and getting involved in research. This fall I will be working on the role of Kre1 in killer toxin immunity."

Rim Tekle

Undergraduate research student

"I am a second-year undergraduate student studying Medical Science at the University of Idaho. Working in Dr. Rowley's lab has allowed me to hone my problem-solving abilities and determination. The Rowley lab has allowed me to work hands-on and develop my molecular skills. I work in the lab isolating yeasts from insects and identifying killer yeasts."

Dayna Buitron

Undergraduate research student

"I’m a second-year undergraduate student majoring in Microbiology. Joining the Rowley lab has been a great learning experience that I can apply to my classes and have thoroughly enjoyed. I currently do research on the KRE1 gene for K1 intoxication."

Sarah Coss

Undergraduate research student

"I am an undergraduate student studying Biochemistry and Mathematical Biology with an interest in medical science research. I am currently working to identify the toxic domains of the K1L toxin and KKT genes."

Lily Givens

Undergraduate research student

"I am an undergraduate student majoring in Microbiology and minoring in Math. My project focuses on the novel toxin K21L and it's homolog K21. I'm looking forward to applying the knowledge I have learned in my minor courses to my research through molecular modeling. Pursuing undergraduate research in the Rowley lab has been an invaluable experience that has no doubt benefited my overall education at the University of Idaho thus far."

Kasen Evans

Undergraduate research student

"I am a second-year undergraduate student studying biochemistry. I have thoroughly enjoyed doing research in the Rowley lab and being able to apply what I learn from my classes. I am currently researching the pathogenicity of K62 in Galleria mellonella"

Anna Mangen

Undergraduate researcher

"I am an undergraduate student studying Medical Sciences at the University of Idaho. I have really enjoyed understanding more about the research field and obtaining the knowledge that comes with it. I am currently working on the genetic engineering of brewing yeast to express killer toxins"

Dean Collins

Undergraduate researcher

"My name is Dean, this is my first semester at U Idaho, and I am studying biotechnology and plant genomics. I have always had a love for science and do a couple of my own projects with hybridizing flowers. I also love to go hiking and going to lots of national parks."

Ashlynn Heath

Undergraduate researcher

"I am an undergraduate student studying Biochemistry with a minor in Pre-Health Studies. I have enjoyed being a part of the Rowley Lab and applying all the knowledge and skills I've learned. My current research focuses on K28 and a protective mechanism Ktd1"

Brendan Wood

Undergraduate researcher

"I am a senior undergraduate student studying Medical Sciences with a Pre-medical track. Joining the Rowley lab has been a great experience so far, with significant growth through applying skills learned in my undergraduate courses. Currently, I am analyzing which mutations of the K2-variant cause the increased antifungal activity towards Saccharomyces cerevisiae."