Ryan obtained his MSci degree in chemistry from the University of Nottingham in 2017. He then stayed on at the University of Nottingham to complete his PhD under the supervision of Prof. Steve Howdle. His PhD research focussed on the synthesis of block copolymers from supercritical CO2 and utilising these copolymers to fabricate nanostructured inorganic materials for use in the energy and healthcare sectors.

Ryan joined the Hatton group in 2021, working on the perpetual plastics for food-to-go (PPFTG) project. His current research activities in this project include the development of stimuli responsive fluorescent markers for use in reusable plastic packaging, as well as mechanical testing of cleaned rPET packaging.