In 2023, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) selected 502 members to be inducted as Fellows for the organization. Among those selected was Dr. Jeffrey Ryan, a professor in the School of Geosciences. This prestigious recognition signifies a distinguished contribution to the scientific community within the field of geosciences.
Dr. Jeffrey Ryan atop the Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Jeffrey Ryan)
Established in 1848, the AAAS has evolved into the world’s largest interdisciplinary organization, uniting groundbreaking research and a global network of scientists spanning across 91 countries. The AAAS is dedicated to promoting science, engineering, and innovation for the advancement of society.
Ryan began his geosciences journey with a bachelor's degree in geology from Western Carolina University, followed by a PhD in geological sciences at Columbia University. His tenure at USF started in 1991 in the Geology Department, where he later took on the role of Chair, and he then served as the first Director of the School of Geosciences in the College of Arts and Sciences.
As a geologist, Ryan's primary research area focuses on examining key elemental and isotopic tracers used in the study of subduction systems. He has specialized expertise in igneous and metamorphic petrology and geochemistry.
Throughout his career, Ryan has been active in the scholarship of geoscience education,
serving as the Geoscience Program Director in the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Division of Undergraduate Education. He has helped lead several NSF-funded initiatives, serving on the convening committees
of national efforts to transform undergraduate and graduate geoscience education.
Ryan's research in geoscience education focuses on course-based undergraduate research
experiences, and the use of
native geospatial information resources and video animations in the classroom.
In addition to his commitment to advancing the next generation of geologists, Ryan
has made significant contributions to the development of geology faculty members.
He has led several federally funded efforts to assist geosciences faculty in designing
effective educational interventions and securing funding to test them in their courses.
In recent years, Ryan's research has shifted towards ocean-based geology. He has participated
in three International Ocean Discovery Program Expeditions (IODP) on the JOIDES Resolution, investigating subduction zones in the Pacific and the formation of ocean crust in
the Atlantic. He has led efforts to develop the shipboard use of handheld portable
X-ray fluorescence spectrometers to do high-volume data collection on recovered hard-rock
core samples.
Dr. Jeffrey Ryan aboard the JOIDES Resolution extracting core samples for pore fluid analysis while working in a glove bag nitrogen atmosphere. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Jeffrey Ryan)
For these experiences and many others, Ryan has been honored as a fellow of the AAAS Geology & Geography Section for his significant contributions to the field of geology and his leadership roles
in geosciences education. He will be formally recognized for this achievement at the
AAAS Forum in Washington, D.C. on September 21, 2024.
“I believe that the field of geosciences plays a crucial role in addressing critical
questions about the future viability of our species on this planet. Engaging in science
with societal impacts requires effective communication and collaboration with physical
and social scientists across diverse disciplines. It also means being able to talk
to non-scientist stakeholders, who need enough understanding on these issues to make
informed decisions,” Ryan explained. “I am humbled to be recognized by the AAAS, one
of the oldest scientific organizations in the U.S., and one whose mission is to advance
science for the benefit of society. In my work as a ‘domain’ geoscientist and an investigator
in geoscience education, the AAAS’ mission and vision resonates deeply with my career.
It's fulfilling to receive acknowledgment from esteemed geoscientists for what they
consider meaningful contributions."
To learn more about Dr. Jeffrey Ryan’s research, please visit the website for the School of Geosciences.