Amy Rowat, a distinguished professor, honored with the 2025 Gold Shield Faculty Prize
Amy Rowat, a Canadian-born scientist, is making waves in the world of academia and beyond, using food as a platform to engage the general public in scientific concepts. As a UCLA professor in the department of integrative biology & physiology, Rowat holds the prestigious Marcie H. Rothman Presidential Chair in Food Studies and is an Allen Distinguished Investigator.
Rowat's journey in academia began at Harvard University, where she was a postdoctoral research fellow in 2010. During her time there, she helped create the first 'science & cooking' class, a unique approach to learning that has since become her signature method. This innovative class has been replicated at UCLA, where Rowat is also the founder and director of Science & Food, an organisation dedicated to promoting scientific knowledge through food.
In 2011, Rowat had a unique opportunity to host famed Catalan chef Ferran Adrià at Harvard University. Over 1,000 people attended his lecture, demonstrating the public's growing interest in the intersection of science and food. This collaboration was just one of many that Rowat has facilitated, aiming to bridge the gap between the scientific community and the general public.
Rowat's research focuses on cancer cell mechanobiology, a field she uses to identify compounds that make cancer cells stiffer and less able to invade surrounding tissue. Her lab's work opens new therapeutic avenues aimed at blocking metastasis and making cancer treatments more effective and less toxic for patients.
Rowat's commitment to education is evident in her teaching style. An undergraduate in one of her classes praised her for making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging. Rowat serves as vice chair of graduate education in the department of integrative biology & physiology, and she is the faculty director of the Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies.
In recognition of her exceptional contributions to academia and her innovative approach to scientific education, Rowat was chosen to receive the 2025 Gold Shield Faculty Prize, sponsored by Gold Shield, Alumnae of UCLA. The prize comes with an unrestricted $30,000 award, which will support Rowat's lab's research on cancer cell mechanobiology.
Rowat's work demonstrates how fundamental science can drive transformative change across industries. Her classes at UCLA, before COVID, included an apple pie bake-off, showcasing her ability to make learning fun and engaging. Rowat's lab is also pioneering next-generation mechanotyping technologies, furthering the field of science and its applications.
Born and raised in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, Rowat's journey from her hometown to the forefront of scientific education is a testament to her dedication and passion for making science accessible and engaging for all.
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