Faculty Profile

Byers has a Master's degree in Gerontology from Eastern Illinois University. As a gerontologist, her interests are healthy aging, chronic disease prevention and management, brain health, combating social isolation, and educating about informed decision-making during life transitions. Byers is researching the impact of community programming on social engagement and activation for older people.

Byers collaborates with the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute (IHSI) to offer graduate students the opportunity to learn the art of science communication. Through this ongoing program, students have the opportunity to create and deliver a community program about their research through the Community Seminar Series offered in the fall, spring and summer.

Byers is all but dissertation (ABD) in a doctoral degree in public administration from the University of Illinois-Springfield, where she is currently a student.