The overarching goal of my research is to characterize and quantify the dynamics of subaqueous explosive volcano (aka Neptunian) eruptions. Neptunian eruptions are far less understood than their subaerial counterparts, yet equally hazardous. This discrepancy arises due to the near impossibility of collecting real-time eruption data. To gain insight into these systems, I am developing a multiphase fluid dynamics model, as well as a Neptunian Eruption Simulation Tank, to simulate (1) how fragmentation occurs (2) how material and heat are transported/deposited, and (3) how tsunamis are generated, during these eruptions. The overall goal is to use the model in concert with the experiments and field data to reproduce the 2012 eruption dynamics at Havre Volcano, New Zealand, the largest observed submarine eruptions in the last century.

Ryan graduated with Honors from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.S. in Geology. In 2012, Ryan received the Outstanding Student Paper Award at the American Geophysical Union meeting. He currently serves as chair of the Graduate Student EAS Seminar committee and organizer of the Geophysics Seminar. In Ryan's free time he enjoys brewing beer, watching/playing sports, and general adventuring.