Chrystal Starbird
@drstarbird.bsky.social
Scientist, mother, perpetual learner. Assistant Professor, Structural Biologist, Advocate, and Speaker. Views my own.
signal @starbic.01
www.starbirdlab.com
signal @starbic.01
www.starbirdlab.com
Pinned
Chrystal Starbird
@drstarbird.bsky.social
· Nov 11
Hi All! I’m a structural biologist who studies the structural basis of signaling via RTKs. I’m a new Assistant Professor at UNC and a #firstgen scholar who fights to make science accessible! I’m a bit spicy 😁, but try my best to lead with kindness. A recent lab outing:
I could remember 2025 for ALL the bad things, and there were plenty: personally and collectively
But I’ll end it thanking my friends and family for the laughter and joy that got me through, and my lab for their hard work and dedication
Just need 2026 to be better. That’s the bar #HappyNewYear
But I’ll end it thanking my friends and family for the laughter and joy that got me through, and my lab for their hard work and dedication
Just need 2026 to be better. That’s the bar #HappyNewYear
December 31, 2025 at 10:25 PM
I could remember 2025 for ALL the bad things, and there were plenty: personally and collectively
But I’ll end it thanking my friends and family for the laughter and joy that got me through, and my lab for their hard work and dedication
Just need 2026 to be better. That’s the bar #HappyNewYear
But I’ll end it thanking my friends and family for the laughter and joy that got me through, and my lab for their hard work and dedication
Just need 2026 to be better. That’s the bar #HappyNewYear
It’s so good to be back in Nashville!
(For the record, I asked for normal hot chicken and my kids got the order wrong. But it’s still Prince’s, so I ate it ofc 😁)
(For the record, I asked for normal hot chicken and my kids got the order wrong. But it’s still Prince’s, so I ate it ofc 😁)
December 30, 2025 at 9:57 PM
It’s so good to be back in Nashville!
(For the record, I asked for normal hot chicken and my kids got the order wrong. But it’s still Prince’s, so I ate it ofc 😁)
(For the record, I asked for normal hot chicken and my kids got the order wrong. But it’s still Prince’s, so I ate it ofc 😁)
As I think about what I need to get myself back into a routine, I’ve been thinking about my favorite trainer, who we lost a year and a half ago. I was there when he opened his gym and it’s not easy to find someone who pushes you so effortlessly. Miss you 💔
December 27, 2025 at 7:39 PM
As I think about what I need to get myself back into a routine, I’ve been thinking about my favorite trainer, who we lost a year and a half ago. I was there when he opened his gym and it’s not easy to find someone who pushes you so effortlessly. Miss you 💔
My healthy 21 year old son almost had to be hospitalized with the recent flu, and he was the only one who did not get the vaccine. It was a scary experience for all of us. Thankfully the rest of us experienced mild illness #VaccinesWork
It's not too late to get your flu shot. Flu circulates year round but more intensely during flu season. For N. hemisphere:
Onset: October–November
Peak: December–February (most often January)
Decline: March
Tail end: April–May (occasionally later)
This is why we give shots until the end of February
Onset: October–November
Peak: December–February (most often January)
Decline: March
Tail end: April–May (occasionally later)
This is why we give shots until the end of February
December 27, 2025 at 3:59 PM
My healthy 21 year old son almost had to be hospitalized with the recent flu, and he was the only one who did not get the vaccine. It was a scary experience for all of us. Thankfully the rest of us experienced mild illness #VaccinesWork
Reposted by Chrystal Starbird
UNC can afford $50K for balloons but balks at the $4 million that supports the six Global Area Studies Centers. Shameful priorities from Chancellor Lee Roberts and no push back from Dean James White
areastudies.unc.edu
areastudies.unc.edu
December 26, 2025 at 9:20 PM
UNC can afford $50K for balloons but balks at the $4 million that supports the six Global Area Studies Centers. Shameful priorities from Chancellor Lee Roberts and no push back from Dean James White
areastudies.unc.edu
areastudies.unc.edu
We had the flu this Christmas, but it turned into the best low-key holiday. Baked cookies, ate blueberry and banana pancakes, made homemade pizzas and chicken tenders, and binged Christmas movies 🎄
Road trip in 2 days, so hopefully we get better soon!
Wishing everyone a peaceful end to the year!
Road trip in 2 days, so hopefully we get better soon!
Wishing everyone a peaceful end to the year!
December 25, 2025 at 11:25 PM
We had the flu this Christmas, but it turned into the best low-key holiday. Baked cookies, ate blueberry and banana pancakes, made homemade pizzas and chicken tenders, and binged Christmas movies 🎄
Road trip in 2 days, so hopefully we get better soon!
Wishing everyone a peaceful end to the year!
Road trip in 2 days, so hopefully we get better soon!
Wishing everyone a peaceful end to the year!
Reposted by Chrystal Starbird
Hey all, I reached out to the PO of my NIGMS MIRA to ask if the gov't shut down, and rescheduling of study sections, might allow for some accommodation to the standard rule that PIs cannot resubmit a MIRA while their MIRA (or other RPG) is under review (waiting in scores or summary statements) 🧪
December 19, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Hey all, I reached out to the PO of my NIGMS MIRA to ask if the gov't shut down, and rescheduling of study sections, might allow for some accommodation to the standard rule that PIs cannot resubmit a MIRA while their MIRA (or other RPG) is under review (waiting in scores or summary statements) 🧪
New Starbird lab equipment that we are excited to explore more in the new year!
If you do lots of mammalian expression (via lots of maxi-preps), this is a true lifesaver! (Also, if you’re at UNC and are interested in using, please reach out) #ThermoScientific
If you do lots of mammalian expression (via lots of maxi-preps), this is a true lifesaver! (Also, if you’re at UNC and are interested in using, please reach out) #ThermoScientific
December 19, 2025 at 6:15 PM
New Starbird lab equipment that we are excited to explore more in the new year!
If you do lots of mammalian expression (via lots of maxi-preps), this is a true lifesaver! (Also, if you’re at UNC and are interested in using, please reach out) #ThermoScientific
If you do lots of mammalian expression (via lots of maxi-preps), this is a true lifesaver! (Also, if you’re at UNC and are interested in using, please reach out) #ThermoScientific
Congratulations Skylar!!!
Also, my first real science job was at Pfizer, so it’s a full circle moment to see they’re now sponsoring an award a student in my lab won.
Excited to see everyone at BPS!!!
Also, my first real science job was at Pfizer, so it’s a full circle moment to see they’re now sponsoring an award a student in my lab won.
Excited to see everyone at BPS!!!
Congratulations to our 2026 #BlackInBiophysics Travel Award recipients!!! 🥳
We thank #Pfizer for sponsoring trainee awards to attend the #BPS2026 Meeting and the @biophysicalsoc.bsky.social for their support. 🙌🏾
We are looking forward to seeing you at the BPS Meeting in San Francisco! 🤩
We thank #Pfizer for sponsoring trainee awards to attend the #BPS2026 Meeting and the @biophysicalsoc.bsky.social for their support. 🙌🏾
We are looking forward to seeing you at the BPS Meeting in San Francisco! 🤩
December 19, 2025 at 12:11 AM
Congratulations Skylar!!!
Also, my first real science job was at Pfizer, so it’s a full circle moment to see they’re now sponsoring an award a student in my lab won.
Excited to see everyone at BPS!!!
Also, my first real science job was at Pfizer, so it’s a full circle moment to see they’re now sponsoring an award a student in my lab won.
Excited to see everyone at BPS!!!
Reposted by Chrystal Starbird
NSF bio hour - NSF BIO lost 40% of its staff 😑
December 18, 2025 at 6:13 PM
NSF bio hour - NSF BIO lost 40% of its staff 😑
Reposted by Chrystal Starbird
Yesterday I joined a panel hosted by our local radio station to discuss the impacts of the many policy changes of 2025 on research, education, and community engagement. Thanks @wchlchapelboro.bsky.social for keeping our community informed about these important topics!
Listen here: bit.ly/4s7BoXB
Listen here: bit.ly/4s7BoXB
December 10, 2025 at 10:18 PM
Yesterday I joined a panel hosted by our local radio station to discuss the impacts of the many policy changes of 2025 on research, education, and community engagement. Thanks @wchlchapelboro.bsky.social for keeping our community informed about these important topics!
Listen here: bit.ly/4s7BoXB
Listen here: bit.ly/4s7BoXB
A departmental cookie exchange is always a great idea! 😁
December 18, 2025 at 3:41 PM
A departmental cookie exchange is always a great idea! 😁
Reposted by Chrystal Starbird
I can't believe this still needs to be said (and more loudly):
Trans rights are human rights.
Trans rights are human rights.
December 18, 2025 at 12:54 AM
I can't believe this still needs to be said (and more loudly):
Trans rights are human rights.
Trans rights are human rights.
Reposted by Chrystal Starbird
Very sad to see the American Academy of Pediatrics lose vital funding support from HHS. This feels retaliatory in response to their stance defending Science and vaccines to protect children.
When your kid is sick remember pediatricians treat them not RFK. Jr
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
When your kid is sick remember pediatricians treat them not RFK. Jr
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
American Academy of Pediatrics loses HHS funding after criticizing RFK Jr.
HHS cuts key AAP grants, citing concerns about “identity-based language” and insufficient focus on agency priorities. The organization said the cuts could harm child health.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 17, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Very sad to see the American Academy of Pediatrics lose vital funding support from HHS. This feels retaliatory in response to their stance defending Science and vaccines to protect children.
When your kid is sick remember pediatricians treat them not RFK. Jr
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
When your kid is sick remember pediatricians treat them not RFK. Jr
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
I’m definitely not ready for the “year in review” part of 2025. Skip.
December 17, 2025 at 5:03 PM
I’m definitely not ready for the “year in review” part of 2025. Skip.
My last college kid is coming home today and I can’t focus!
a man in a green elf costume is dancing in a room with his mouth open .
ALT: a man in a green elf costume is dancing in a room with his mouth open .
media.tenor.com
December 16, 2025 at 5:28 PM
My last college kid is coming home today and I can’t focus!
ACS Bio & Med Chem Au has launched a new Call for Papers titled “The Prodigious Diversity of Lipid Nanoparticles for Gene Delivery.” The submission deadline is July 31, 2026. More details at the link below:
pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...
pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...
December 15, 2025 at 4:13 PM
ACS Bio & Med Chem Au has launched a new Call for Papers titled “The Prodigious Diversity of Lipid Nanoparticles for Gene Delivery.” The submission deadline is July 31, 2026. More details at the link below:
pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...
pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...
When your friend drops off a container of your favorite cookies and is barely out the door before two have miraculously disappeared 🍪
December 15, 2025 at 3:16 PM
When your friend drops off a container of your favorite cookies and is barely out the door before two have miraculously disappeared 🍪
Reposted by Chrystal Starbird
And of course I get on social and see what’s happened 💔
December 14, 2025 at 3:08 AM
And of course I get on social and see what’s happened 💔
Just passed the most amazing Christmas decorations on a house in Cary. And as you get closer there a sign asking viewers to donate to St. Jude ❤️
December 14, 2025 at 3:05 AM
Just passed the most amazing Christmas decorations on a house in Cary. And as you get closer there a sign asking viewers to donate to St. Jude ❤️