Troy University

Applications are now open for local students in grades 6 – 12 for the IDEA Bank’s “Just Start” Youth Entrepreneurship Academy.

'Just Start' Youth Entrepreneurship Academy registration is now open - Troy Today

Katie Byrd’s career was shaped by a conversation during her senior year at Troy University when a psychology statistics course introduced her to a field she had never heard of before: quantitative psychology.

Katie graduated in 2018 with a degree in mathematics, a psychology minor and a perfect 4.0 GPA in the Honors College. She also studied abroad in Germany, served as T-ROY, built lifelong friendships, met her husband and found mentors who helped shape the direction of her future.

She carried those experiences to the University of Southern California, where she earned her Ph.D. and combined her strengths in mathematics, psychology and research into a career focused on real-world impact.

At the same time, she found another way to tell stories and connect with people. Inspired by her own wedding experience and a love of travel that began during her time abroad, she built a destination wedding photography business while completing her Ph.D., traveling extensively and photographing couples around the world.

Today, Katie serves as a Quantitative Research Analyst for the National Resident Matching Program (N**P), the organization responsible for the residency Match process for medical students across the United States. In her role, she analyzes Match data, identifies trends and helps provide research-driven insights that support both medical students and residency programs during one of the most important transitions in a physician’s career.

Her passion also inspired a podcast focused on health research literacy, where she breaks down complex medical studies into approachable conversations designed to help everyday audiences better understand health information and scientific research.

Katie’s path reflects the curiosity, creativity and determination that first took shape at Troy University.