Laura Rowley, Ph.D.

Vice President, Life Science Economic Development

Department: Life Sciences Economic Development

Contact Information

919-549-8864

[email protected]

About

Rowley joined NCBiotech in January 2017 and was promoted to vice president of life science economic development in 2022. In this capacity, she is responsible for leading efforts to create, manage and measure programs leveraging North Carolina’s technology-based assets to attract and retain life sciences jobs and investments.

Rowley earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Furman University in Greenville, S.C., and completed her Ph.D. in genetics and molecular biology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

At NCBiotech, she has combined her training as a scientist with her commitment to collaboration. Her leadership has effectively leveraged state and federal funding and grants from the U.S. EDA, U.S. ETA, and National Institution for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) to launch and expand initiatives to increase awareness and create pathways to connect job seekers and employers including the NC CRO Collaborative, NC Life Sciences Apprenticeship Consortium, and NCBiotech’s Military Outreach & Veterans Engagement (MOVE). 

She is an engaged member of the community, representing NCBiotech on advisory committees including NCBioImpact, NIIMBL Workforce Activities Committee, and Durham Public Schools Career & Technical Education.