Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication, University of Georgia (2024)
Master of Agricultural and Environmental Education, University of Georgia (2021)
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communication, University of Georgia (2016)
Biography
Dr. Allison Byrd, originally from Cleveland, Georgia, has a background in communicating agricultural and environmental sciences across various disciplines - ranging from dairy, beef, and pork to seaweed and turfgrass. Dr. Byrd is passionate about exploring the relationship dimensions between science and the public, specifically related to culture and communication. Her research interests focus on understanding how individuals’ cultural characteristics and personal experiences influence their interpretation of scientific information surrounding the food system.
Byrd leads the development and instruction of courses for a graduate certificate in science communication and leadership, designed specifically for doctoral students in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Open to students across disciplines, the program seeks to equip participants with essential career competencies and interpersonal skills that prepare them for success in both academic and industry settings.
Recent Publications
Lamm, A. J., Lamm, K. W., Byrd, A. R., Yazdanpanah, M., Gabler, N., Johnson, A. K., Sanders, C., Masambuka-Kanchewa, F., & Retallick, M. S. (2025). When machines speak science: Testing consumers’ perceptions of AI-generated communication messages. Journal of Applied Communications, 109(3). https://doi.org/10.4148/1051-0834.2594
Byrd, A. R., Lamm, A. J., Holt, J., Lamm, K. W., & Sapp, R. (2025). Dynamics of gratifications sought from students during the online search for graduate programs. Journal of Applied Communications, 109(1). https://doi.org/10.4148/1051-0834.2574
Byrd, A. R., & Lamm, A. J. (2024). Exploring communication in agricultural and environmental science graduate student recruitment: A media richness approach. Journal of Agricultural Education, 65(2), 177-190. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.v65i2.2454
Lamm, A. J., Lamm, K. W., Byrd, A., Gabler, N., Sanders, C. E., & Retallick, M. S. (2025). Utilizing dimensions of trust to communicate with consumers about the science behind food. Foods, 14(10), 1674. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14101674
Byrd, A., Gibson, K. E., Sanders, C. E., Corry, R., Lamm, K. W., & Lamm, A. J. (2023). An educational exploration of Generation Z's systems thinking tendencies and green consumer values. Journal of Agricultural Education, 64(4), 15-28. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.v64i4.64