Richard Curtis Bird

Richard Curtis Bird is a Professor in Molecular Biology and Cancer Genetics at the Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University, affiliated with the College of Veterinary Medicine. He has been at Auburn since 1985 and specializes in translational cancer research using canine models.

• Education: PhD in Cellular Biology and Molecular Genetics (University of Toronto, 1982), B.Sc.(Honors) in Biology (McMaster University, 1977)

Research Interests focus on regulatory mechanisms of gene expression controlling cell proliferation and oncogenic evasion. His lab employs techniques like quantitative PCR, gene cloning, flow cytometry, and promoter analysis to study:

• Defects in oncogenes (c-erbB-2, c-myc) and tumor suppressor genes (p53, p16/INK4A, p21/Cip1) in canine mammary tumors
• Development of a neoplastic progression model identifying 5-7 key mutations in canine mammary carcinoma
• Therapeutic strategies targeting cyclin/CDK complexes, apoptosis regulation, and immune modulation via hybrid-dendritic cell vaccines

Scientific Awards

• Medical Research Council Post-Doctoral Fellowship

His work bridges veterinary and human oncology, focusing on spontaneous canine tumors with intact immune systems to develop advanced gene and cell therapies translatable to human patients.