Paul Andrew Rowley

Dr. Paul Andrew Rowley is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Idaho, part of the College of Science. His research focuses on antifungal proteins (killer toxins) and their mechanisms of action against fungal cells, particularly in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and pathogenic fungi. He emphasizes undergraduate research mentorship, having hosted 57 students over 8 years through federal and institutional grants. His work bridges molecular biology, evolutionary biology, and clinical applications.

Education: B.A. in Microbiology/Virology from the University of Warwick (2002); Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of Aberdeen (2007). Postdoctoral training at the University of Texas at Austin and the Biofrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder.

Research interests include killer toxin cytotoxicity, yeast evolution, and virus-host interactions. Notable projects explore applications of killer toxins against Candida infections and fungal pathogens. The Rowley Lab promotes inclusive research environments and has developed outreach programs like yEvo for high school students.

Honors include the 2024 Faculty of the Year Award, 2022 College of Science Early Career Award, and ASM Science Teaching Fellowship (2014). His lab has secured grants from the Hypothesis Fund and NIH for undergraduate research and toxin discovery. Ongoing projects investigate toxin mechanisms in brewing yeast and novel viruses in Saccharomyces species.