As Associate Director for Public Affairs for the Consortium of Social Science Associations (COSSA), Ryan lobbies the Federal government for social science research. He is responsible for both lobbying Congress and for keeping COSSA's members (universities and professional social science associations) informed of policy issues. Ryan coordinates COSSA's media relations and outreach efforts, which includes editing COSSA's bi-weekly newsletter, Washington Update. 

In advocating for social science research, Ryan works with members of Congress, Congressional and Federal agency staff, and other advocacy organizations. The issues he lobbies on include criminal justice, education, and the Census. He is responsible for monitoring legislation, informing Congress of the value of social science research, and working with other organizations in advancing legislation that encourages social science research. Ryan also produces edited transcripts of briefings that COSSA holds to keep the policy community informed of the results of social science research.

With an interest in geography, policy, environmental problems, and public perceptions of global change, Ryan pursued an undergraduate degree at the University of Colorado at Boulder (CU). While still at CU, Ryan worked as a cartography intern. He graduated with a BA in Geography and Sociology. After graduating, he worked on a trail crew in Boulder for the County Parks and Open Space Department in Boulder. Cutting trail gave Ryan a good foot in the door with the Open Space department. From there he began work as a field interpreter. It was a rewarding job for Ryan that enabled him to use his geography skills. He took the public on tours and hikes and performed patrols and natural resource management, a job in which the Trail Guide meets the Ranger. Ryan then headed east to pursue a Masters degree at Penn State University.

While at Penn State, Ryan began work at the Natural Hazards Center. "I am interested in environmental hazards," Ryan says, "and natural hazards was a parallel. It was a great opportunity to research and explore what I would be studying for the next two years." Working at the Center gave Ryan the opportunity to see a program off from the start. 

Upon graduation from Penn State, Ryan began to look toward Washington, D.C. He joined COSSA in October 2000. With an interest in policy, Ryan was drawn to the position that he now holds. It is a perfect intersection between social science and policy. "We help to remind the policy makers of the importance of social science." A variety of courses from college have helped Ryan in his daily work: research methods, writing, political science, and all of the social science courses that he has taken. Ryan's interest in policy and in the social sciences is growing, and he sees himself continuing in this line of work.

In Congress, "It is relatively easy to secure government funding for technological initiatives," said Ryan. Currently, "Areas like biotechnology and nanotechnology are seen as the next big things - they promise jobs and prosperity." Gaining support for initiatives in the social sciences, however, is not as easy, he said. Fields like geography, sociology, and economics "sound less exciting but are critical - they can help society to incorporate those technologies and manage their environmental and social implications." 

One of COSSA's recent projects involved Census 2000. Although, scientifically, there were good reasons to use statistical methods to correct the undercount, "the issue was politically charged," Ryan said. "Some groups focused more on how statistical sampling would help or hurt their political party, rather than on the best method, scientifically, to count the population." COSSA defended the appropriate use of statistical sampling. In the near future, a yearly census (the American Community Survey - ACS) that uses statistical methods instead of an expensive head count may be conducted. This would provide both social scientists and policy makers with a host of timely social data with a geographic component. In the months ahead, Ryan will be talking with Congress and pushing for the ACS. 

With a continuing interest in geography, Ryan sees himself in a perfect position to raise the profile of the social sciences. Ryan is excited about the advancement of geography in society and in national policy. "It's rewarding to help improve society by bringing political attention to the contributions of geography."