Education

• Postdoctoral, Development and Stem Cell Biology, UNC School of Medicine, 2019
• PhD, Oral and Craniofacial Biomedicine, UNC Adams School of Dentistry, 2017
• DDS, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, 2013
• BA, Biology, Huntington University, 2009

Research Interests

Stem cells, epithelial biology, mucosal immunology, virology, oral-systemic interactions, periodontal disease

Research Summary

To explore technologies to model and improve precision periodontal interventions, to better understand the connection of the oral cavity to systemic disease, and to discover the unique and undiscovered cell types among oral and craniofacial tissues across the lifespan

Available to Mentor

Undergraduate/college student, graduate student, undergraduate DDS or DH student, and junior faculty member

Biosketch

Byrd’s research interest focuses primarily in adult stem cells and their application for human health. His research areas include: how the lining of the oral cavity protects the head and neck from microbes, toxins, and injury; technologies for better post-operative wound healing and soft tissue grafting; and continuing work to contribute to the human cell atlas for categorizing the unique and undiscovered cell types that contribute to oral and craniofacial diseases. 

He published two peer-reviewed articles during his doctorate of philosophy studies, received numerous clinical honors and awards, and held various professional affiliations and memberships. His research has been supported by the NIH/NIDCR, including: the Training Program for the Next Generation of Oral Health Researchers (T90); an NIH/NIDCR Loan Repayment Program award; and a five-year Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08).