Ryan works with the Department of the Interior'sOffice of Insular Affairs (OIA) in Washington, DC, and will be attending the ELDP as a full participant. Although the Graduate School will not be paying for Ryan's participation, he is an ideal candidate for the ELDP. Ryan is originally from Pohnpei, FSM, but has been living in Honolulu and Washington, DC, since he graduated from Xavier High School in 2001. Ryan attended Chaminade University, where he graduated with a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. He attended college as a Gates Millennium Scholar, of which only 1,000 students are selected annually from across all 50 U.S. states, U.S. territories, and Freely Associated States. Currently, Ryan serves as a Program Analystwith OIA, where he prepares policy positions and makes recommendations to address economic, education, and health issues in the insular areas. Ryan is involved in an interagency team addressing the military build-up in Guam, and serves as a special point-of-contact for issues in the Freely Associated States. In addition to his work with OIA, Ryan works as a Resident Advisor to The Washington Center, providing mentorship to 104 college interns every semester.