Ryan is a Ph.D. candidate in the Cordes Laboratory at Temple University. His doctoral research involves understanding how deep-sea faunal –  communities are influenced by habitat structure and oceanography, and using predictive methods to model changes to seafloor ecosystems that may occur with climate change. He applies these themes mostly to cold-water coral ecosystems off the southeast USA. Ultimately, the aim of his work is to better explore, manage, and conserve marine ecosystems. Previously, he earned a B.A. with Honors in Environmental Science & Biology at Arizona State University and an M.Sc. in Earth & Ocean Sciences at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. More information available at https://ryangasbarro.weebly.com/.