Combining the duties of teaching biology at an honors college, serving as the athletic department's Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR) and assistant women's basketball coach is an unusual trifecta, but one handled expertly by this week's CAC INTRODUCING ... candidate, Dr. Jeffrey Byrd of St. Mary's College (Md.).

What is your background in the role you play?  I have been a faculty member in the biology department for 20 years.  As an avid sports fan and strong supporter of student participation in athletics, I was regularly found at all sporting events on campus.  This naturally led to a direct interaction with the student-athletes as the FAR.

What is your favorite spot on campus?  I just love this campus and many spots are very special to me.  If I have to pick just one, then it would be sitting on the dock of our River Center watching the sun set over the St. Mary's River.  It gives me time to reflect on the wonderful day I just spent working with the students.

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)?   Some of the other roles I play on campus are: faculty senator, assistant coach for the SMCM women's basketball team, and faculty advisor for the SMCM women's softball club.  Off campus, I serve as the cantor for a local church and am involved with the church's organization that tries to provide relief to those in our local community in need.

What was your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?   I majored in microbiology and learned that the most important thing you can do to ward off disease transmission is to wash your hands.  That sounds trite but the microbiology behind this statement is strong.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life (and why)?   I have two that I can point to from my early life:  my Little League coach, Mr. Dunn, and my 9th grade biology teacher, Ms. Pond.  I have always been an infielder, shortstop or second baseman, but early in my career I longed to be a pitcher.  Mr Dunn gave me that opportunity on my 12th birthday.  I got shellacked.  Over the years I played for Mr. Dunn, he taught me to strive for my dreams, learn from mistakes, and determine what my limitations are and work on them.  I never pitched again but always worked at being the best infielder I could be.  Ms. Pond taught me the love of science.  She had an infectious love of science and did not hold that back from her students.  The first time she let me use the microscope on my own I knew I found what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.  I learned from her that I need to always demonstrate my love of what I do and be willing and patient to share that love with others.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?  Exercise!!  I know I should say study hard but children these days need to be active.  With the proper exercise, they will generate a confidence in themselves that will carry over into their studies.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?  Sports - playing, watching, or coaching.  As I said, I will play or watch anything that is available.

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?  Cal Ripken - his streak of games played was an inspiration to me personally and professionally.  You need to have a passion for what you do and get up everyday willing to do it no matter how you feel.  He exemplified that quality while being humble and having a servant attitude.  To that end, I have worked for the past 20 years at SMCM without ever cancelling a class for personal sickness.  I have strived to be in the best health possible and to come to work everyday to do the best I could do on that given day.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?    Louis Pasteur, Robert Koch, and George Washington - I told you I am a microbiologist and the first two I would love to talk to about microbiology being the two of the leading scientists as the field was developing.  George Washington I would love to meet to discuss his leadership qualities.