Ryan joined the lab as a post-doctoral research associate in 2024. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Medical Sciences with an honors specialization in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences from the University of Western Ontario in 2017. During his undergraduate years, he worked in an entomology lab, studying the evolution of moths, but also worked in a pizzeria, as a supplement salesman, and in a General Motors car factory. He then pursued a PhD in the Biochemistry department, focusing on the development of genetic tools for microbes, algae, and yeasts. During his PhD, he published papers concerning mitochondrial genome engineering, microbial chassis, improved DNA delivery methods and development of antifungals. For this work he was awarded the prestigious Alexander Graham Bell Canadian Graduate Scholarship and received his doctorate in 2023.

Ryan’s current research interests involve utilising synthetic genomics to create bottom-up platforms for high-throughput genome engineering to address important global challenges, such as creating future drugs to combat antimicrobial resistance.

Outside of the lab, Ryan is a retired professional gamer. He enjoys weightlifting, backpacking, and reading a wide range of books — from "Autobiography of a Yogi" to "The History of Western Philosophy" to “Musashi” — and exploring forgotten scientific manuscripts and textbooks.