His research interests include agritourism, wine tourism and tourism stakeholder understanding and participation. Dr. Byrd has taught a range of courses including Destination Management, Event Planning, Food and Beverage, and Strategic Management. He is recipient of the 2013 Senior Teaching Excellence Award in the Bryan School of Business and Economics and the 2011 Gail M. Hennis Excellence in Teaching Award in the School of Health and Human Performance at University of North Carolina Greensboro.