Born and raised in Canberra, Ryan is in his 5th and final year of studying a flexible double in Engineering (Hons) and Science.

Ryan was drawn to the problem-solving, interdisciplinary atmosphere of the Systems Engineering approach at ANU.

“I love the intersection between mathematics and computer science and I  believe that being multi-disciplined expands one’s ability to be flexible in their approach and thus, contribute from varying lines of reason. Our systems-inspired degree, when appreciated and fully realised is an extremely powerful skill set.”

It took him a while to find his footing, and like many others Ryan found his stride after completing the first year of his degree.

“It wasn’t until my second year when I took a course, Dynamics and Simulation and really loved it. When you engage so deeply in a course you realise you’re not afraid to interact with other students or teachers because you’ve learnt strong foundational concepts and are prepared to have your answers questioned “.

Some of the highlights of Ryan’s time at ANU include undertaking a humanitarian engineering program in Cambodia for two weeks, and spending a summer in Munich, learning from world leading researchers in computer vision. He also travelled to Singapore, China and Malaysia as a student ambassador.

ANU has some of the most impressive student to teacher ratios in the world, and Ryan said that this has been a key factor in his learning and engagement: “some courses I have participated in have had around 10 people, this means you get on a first name basis with the lecturer. Its not just material talk, its actual lifelong friendships you make.”

He is currently in his honours year, working on a robotics project, focusing on Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM).  SLAM is currently a very active research area, and Ryan says through the guidance of his supervisor he is on track to provide meaningful contributions to the field. At the end of the year Ryan will undertake work experience in Italy for an environmental engineering company.

In the future, he hopes to either create a start up business with friends, or continue his computer vision research, intersecting it with humanitarian engineering.

“ANU is probably the most progressive in humanitarian engineering and trying to develop the interface between modern technologies and growing underdeveloped communities is both novel and extremely fulfilling” he said. 

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