Dr. Byrne is an Associate Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology in the Carver College of Medicine, with a secondary appointment in Biomedical Engineering. He is a member of Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center and a practicing radiation oncologist and biomedical engineer whose work bridges clinical medicine, engineering, and translational science. Dr. Byrne has a longstanding commitment to physician-scientist education and training. He earned his M.D. and Ph.D. through the Medical Scientist Training Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, completed residency in the Harvard Radiation Oncology Program, and pursued postdoctoral research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. As Co-Chair of the Iowa MSTP Admissions Committee, he helps lead the recruitment, evaluation, and selection of prospective M.D./Ph.D. students. He is particularly committed to a holistic admissions process that recognizes scientific potential, intellectual curiosity, resilience, clinical motivation, and the diverse experiences and perspectives applicants bring to physician-scientist training. He also mentors MSTP students throughout their training and career development.

Dr. Byrne’s research focuses on engineering new technologies to improve the therapeutic index of cancer treatment. His laboratory develops biomaterials, therapeutic delivery systems, RNA therapeutics, and medical devices designed to overcome treatment resistance while reducing toxicity.