Alexandra Catherine Byrne

Alexandra Catherine Byrne serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurobiology within the T.H. Chan School of Medicine at UMass Chan Medical School. She holds additional appointments in the NeuroNexus Institute and the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, where she is affiliated with the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, Neuroscience Graduate Program, and Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP). Her laboratory investigates fundamental mechanisms of nervous system repair with direct relevance to human neurological conditions.

Her academic background includes:

• PhD in Molecular Genetics from the University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
• Postdoctoral training at Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA

Dr. Byrne's research focuses on the genetically regulated loss of axon regenerative capacity during aging. Using C. elegans as a model system, her lab employs laser axotomy, functional genomics, and advanced imaging to identify conserved molecular pathways. Key investigations include the roles of TIR-1/SARM1 in axon degeneration, PARP in synapse reformation, and DLK/PTEN pathways in regeneration. Her work demonstrates that regenerative decline is an active biological process rather than passive deterioration, with implications for spinal cord injury and neurodegenerative diseases.

Analysis of her publication record reveals consistent emphasis on molecular regulators of axon regeneration and degeneration across 2014-2025. The research bridges C. elegans genetics with mammalian relevance, particularly through conserved pathways like SARM1 and PARP. Recent work explores bacterial interactions in neuroprotection and functional recovery mechanisms, indicating expanding translational horizons.

No scientific awards or fellowships are documented in the provided materials.

Dr. Byrne actively mentors eight trainees including current PhD candidates Lauren O'Connor, Wenjia Huang, Eli Min, Brendan Philippon, Emily Goetz, and PREP scholar Noelia Genao, plus alumni Victoria Czech and Micah Belew. Her lab's publication output and active recruitment for research positions indicate successful grant funding, though specific awards aren't detailed in available information.

The Byrne Lab operates within UMass Chan's Department of Neurobiology and NeuroNexus Institute, utilizing C. elegans for high-resolution in vivo studies. The collaborative environment includes shared resources for laser axotomy, behavioral assays, and molecular genetics. Current recruitment for lab manager and postdoctoral positions reflects expanding research scope into neurodegeneration and functional regeneration mechanisms.