Melissa Ryan

• Marine Educator Global Foundation for Ocean Exploration

Melissa Ryan is an educator, ocean explorer, and scientist who serves as Vice President of the nonprofit Global Foundation for Ocean Exploration, based in Mystic, Connecticut, USA. 

Melissa has led fourteen expeditions to search for the American war ship Bonhomme Richard, which sank off the northeast coast of England in 1779 during the American Revolution.  For this project, she liaises with the U.S. and French Navies to establish partnerships, plans expeditions, directs at-sea operations, and manages international and media relations.

Melissa has an extensive background in education and teacher professional development. She has instructed online courses for undergraduates and educators on diverse science topics, and designed and instructed the U.S. Naval Academy’s only online course. Melissa enjoyed seven years as an Education Specialist for NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, where she coordinated a national professional development program on ocean science and exploration for educators.

Prior to her work in science and education, she analyzed and promoted environmental policy at the Connecticut Council on Environmental Quality.