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School of Geosciences professor is recognized as a fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science

In 2023, the American (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)

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鈥檚 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 . 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 (IODP) on the , 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)

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 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.

鈥淚 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,鈥 Ryan explained. 鈥淚 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 鈥榙omain鈥 geoscientist and an investigator in geoscience education, the AAAS鈥 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鈥檚 research, please visit the website for the School of Geosciences.

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