William Ryan, EDI '27Consulting, Design Engineering, Tech
About
William has worked as a software engineer, a teacher, and even a chef. Through it all, he believes in the process of taking large, complex problems and breaking them down into their fundamental units before addressing these individually and reassembling them into a meaningful solution for the whole. Wanting to explore beyond code, William is fascinated by the ways in which users interact with technology and hopes to design less-intrusive interfaces to facilitate human connection.
Portfolio
Why EDI?
After a cycling crash in 2018 left him with too much time sitting behind a desk writing code, William knew he wanted to find more connected ways to explore and develop his skills as a computer engineer. This motivation led him to the more personal side of the field as he began exploring Human Centered Design.
Following four years of teaching computer science and coaching wrestling and rowing, William is excited to return to being a student to further his own study of design. He is looking forward to collaborating with his peers, spending time in the makerspace, and connecting with students and faculty from across campus to better understand the world of entrepreneurship, emerging technologies, and design.
Experience before EDI
BS, Computer Engineering (Major); Music (Minor), Columbia University
Personal Interests
Outside the classroom, William loves to spend time in makerspaces and woodshops. He has built furniture, multi-media art pieces, and more as he continues his pursuits as a 'serial hobbyist.' Whether he is building out a new D&D campaign setting or fabricating a new part for his bicycles, William is always excited to learn a new technique or share a familiar one.
