Research Areas

His research interests include various aspects of population biology and ecology for estuarine and marine fishes. Ryan's Masters research utilized stable isotopes in otoliths to examine population structure of Atlantic bluefin tuna. His doctoral research used general linear and additive models to investigate the temporal and spatial dynamics of condition for juveniles of three estuarine species while they are present in nursery areas. He examined ~8,000 individuals for multiple indices of condition to understand how intra- and inter-annual patterns in condition may reflect survival, and if certain regions may contribute disproportionately more recruits to a fishery due to producing individuals in healthier condition.