Ryan Johnson is a graduate of the University of Tampa with a degree in Marine Science-Biology and a minor in sustainability. Ryan has been involved with shark and ray field research in Clearwater Florida. Ryan’s research continued to analyze the spatial distribution of cownose rays and how their local migration pattern might be influenced by shark populations in Pinellas County. His research paper Spatial Distribution of Cownose Rays (Rhinoptera bonasus) Within St. Joseph Sound, Florida, will be published in the 2020-2021 issue of Acta Spartae at the University of Tampa. Ryan has also worked with Mission Blue (an international organization dedicated to inspire ocean exploration and protection) to create GIS maps for the new Florida Gulf Coast Hope Spot. This work was ultimately presented to legendary oceanographer, Dr. Sylvia Earle.

Along with ArcGIS experience, Ryan has conducted seagrass surveys; has been involved with Florida Red Tide mitigations projects and relocated gopher tortoises.