Emily Ryan currently serves as a Graduate Research Assistant and NDSEG Fellow at the Georgia Institute of Technology, pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Material Science and Engineering. Previously, Emily held the position of Materials Research Engineer at Ford Motor Company, where responsibilities included the application of IR-laser and resistance spot welding techniques, new vehicle launch support, and exploration of additive manufacturing materials and corrosion performance in aluminum structures. Earlier research experience includes work as an Undergraduate Researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, focusing on bio-inspired hydrogel networks and mussel byssal thread evaluations, along with a role at the Langer Lab MIT, assessing the biocompatibility of organic micro-electrode arrays. Emily completed a Bachelor's Degree in Material Science and Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology between 2011 and 2015.