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"

Miranda Stanton

Lab Manager

"I am a molecular biologist with a passion for science outreach. I previously worked in a membrane protein biogenesis lab and before that I was a master’s student in the Rowley Lab. I’m excited to be back and contributing to the yEvo outreach project! The yEvo program is an outreach initiative that uses hands-on experiments to increase students understanding of biology and spark interest in STEM careers. Outside of work you can find me exploring the outdoors with my dog, Rue!"

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."

Nimarsha Kamaradiwela Arachchige

Postdoctoral Fellow

“I am a biochemist and biophysical chemist specializing in membrane protein characterization. My research expertise includes investigating protein structure, dynamics, and membrane interactions using complementary biochemical and biophysical approaches. I am excited to apply my expertise in membrane protein characterization to investigate fungal killer toxins using yeast model systems in the Rowley Lab.”

Brookelynne Verrette

Graduate student

"I graduated from Pace University with a B.S. in Biology. Before starting graduate school, I worked as a research assistant at Harvard Medical School, where I studied immune responses to COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. My current research in the Rowley Lab focuses on understanding the interaction between the yeast killer toxin K1 and Kre1. Outside of lab, I enjoy thrifting, dancing, and spending time with my cats, Baja and Guinness"

Chase Johnson

Graduate student

"My name is Chase, I graduated from the University of Arizona with a B.S. in Biochemistry. Before I began my first year of graduate school here at the University of Idaho, I worked on RNAi in female Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes to disrupt blood-meal digestion and halt reproduction. In the Rowley lab, I am currently working on a large-scale screen of killer yeast to identify new toxins. My favorite hobbies are fishing, hiking, and going to the gym."

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"

Keshav Phutela

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."

Joanna Suewing

Undergraduate research student

'I am an undergraduate student majoring in Medical Science and Nutrition Science at the University of Idaho. I am really enjoying the experience of being able to get into research here in the Rowley Lab! I’m currently working to characterise potentially novel toxins produced by strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.'

Quinn Ding

Undergraduate research student

'I am a senior undergraduate student majoring in Medical Sciences. My research focuses on exploring potential mechanism of extracellular transmission of mycoviruses. I am really enjoying being part of the Rowley Lab.'

Lynda Clayton

Undergraduate research student

"I am a rising senior, majoring in Microbiology and Biochemistry with hopes to go on to grad school to continue my studies. In the Rowley lab, I have been working on confirming the processing pathway of K1-like killer toxins. When I'm not in the lab, you can find me testing a new recipe or in the gym!"

Aiden Grossman

Undergraduate research student

"I am an undergraduate pre - medical student at the University of Idaho hoping to become a part of the WWAMI program in the future. I have been enjoying working in the Rowley lab this summer, and am looking forward to continuing my research in the fall where I will be screening a large number of commercially available brewing yeasts for a killer phenotype."

Zachary Page

Undergraduate research student

"My name is Zack. I am a transfer student from North Idaho College, majoring in biochemistry. I look forward to gaining research experience in the Rowley lab and building critical career skills. Outside of academics, I enjoy hiking and being outdoors."