
Lab Members
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."
Nathan Taggart
Graduate student
"I’m a PhD student in the Microbiology, Molecular Biology, & Biochemistry program. I study host-virus interactions in Saccharomyces yeast. Specifically, I study how double-stranded RNA viruses protect their genomes from degradation by the host. I also collect Rubik’s cubes and cool rocks."
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."
Rodolfo Bizarria Jr
J1 Visiting Scholar
"I'm fascinated by yeasts and their interactions. Over the last years, I have been isolating yeasts from insects and digging into their ecological roles. In the Rowley lab, I'm interested to explore the ecology of killer yeasts in natural populations, and how diverse and spread double-stranded RNA viruses are in Saccharomicotina lineages"
Nathan LaVoie
Undergraduate research student
"I am an undergraduate studying Biological Engineering and Math here at the University of Idaho. Joining the Rowley lab has been the perfect opportunity to explore my field of interest and find out what I want to do for graduate school. I hope to graduate in 2024 and pursue an MD-PhD program to become a Medical Scientist."
Day Scott
Undergraduate research student
"I am a McNair Scholar and non-traditional undergraduate studying Wildlife Science and Biology at the University of Idaho. In the Rowley lab, I’ll be focusing on identifying “killer” yeast in insects. I couldn’t be more excited that my passion in research has extended to the molecular level. Combined with my studies in avian ecology - I’m officially researching “the birds and the bees"