One of the major limitations to studying human lung disease is limited access to primary airway epithelial cells and poor recapitulation of human disease in rodent models, leading to fewer therapies making it to the clinic. To progress toward new therapeutics and eventually cures, it is imperative to study the human lung, including cells from the proximal conducting and distal gas exchange regions across a diverse spectrum of lung disease patients. My research program is focused on the development and utilization of iPSC models of human lung disease to overcome this critical lack of model systems that closely reflect disease pathogenesis as it occurs in humans. The Ryan laboratory focuses on applying in vitro, in vivo, iPSC and 3-D spheroid models including primary lung epithelial cells and state-of-the-art gene editing technologies to a) model and study mechanisms of lung development and disease, and b) investigate approaches for tissue regeneration and stem cell-mediated repair of the airway epithelium. To support this highly innovative program, we have established critical collaborations with clinicians, engineers, large animal research groups and bioinformaticians both within USC and around the world. Our long-term goal is to fully understand specification of specialized airway epithelial cell types from stem and progenitor cells in the human lung in the context of injury, regeneration and disease pathogenesis. Our primary research focus is on rare lung diseases where human samples are particularly difficult to obtain or from end stage disease, namely cystic fibrosis (CF) and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD).

I’m a proud mother of two wonderful girls, Maddi (5) and Savannah (2), and I’m lucky to have an amazing husband who works as a Track Operator at the Cedar Rapids BMX Track. I thrive on spending time outdoors, whether it’s hiking, biking, running, or engaging in activities with my family. At home we have a hobby farm with chickens, goats and a potbellied pig called Penelope. I’ve always had a passion for competitive sports and have accomplished feats like completing Ironman triathlons, Ultra runs, adventure races and reached Cat 2 status in road cycling. Since moving to Iowa, I’ve taken up Gravel bike racing. Now, with my kids keenly involved in BMX racing, I find myself actively representing the moms on the track!