As the Associate Directorate Scientist for the Interplanetary Network Directorate (IND), Ryan works with the IND Directorate Scientist to develop and manage the IND research activities and provides feedback to the Office of Research and Development (ORD) and Office of Technology Infusion and Strategy (OTIS). 

Ryan also looks for ongoing and future IND-related challenges and problems and aids in the communication between IND and relevant engineering and science organizations, including recommendation for priorities.  

View profile on solarsystem.nasa.gov 

• Ph.D., M.S.E., Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan
• B.S., Aerospace Engineering, Pennsylvania State University

Ryan is particularly interested in radio/gravity science, ephemeris development for planetary objects, and deep-space navigation, and serves as a liaison between planetary science/engineering communities and NASA/JPL.

• Planetary Science  | Planetary Interiors
• Planetary Science  | Planetary Defense
• Communication and Navigation  | Guidance, Navigation, And Control (GN&C)

• IEEE AESS Judith A. Resnik Space Award (2025)
• Senior Research Scientist | Planetary ephemeris development and gravity field investigation (2023)
• Professional Society Fellowship | American Astronautical Society (AAS) | Fellow (2022)
• JPL Principal Designation | 392R - Solar System Dynamics (2020)