Email: rodonnell@laurentian.ca

Ryan is the Research Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Advisor for the Office of Research Services and the Metal Earth initiative. Originally from Whitby, Ontario, Ryan moved to Sudbury to attend Laurentian University, where he completed his undergraduate degree with a major in psychology and a minor in communication studies, with a specialization in social psychology. During his final year at Laurentian, Ryan conducted a thesis, with the help of Dr. Cynthia Whissell, on the topic of varying interpretations of words and language between English and French-speaking students, using Dr. Whissell's Dictionary of Affect in Language. This study made him realize his interest in understanding various perspectives and experiences across identities and working towards inclusion and understanding of all people. Ryan has previous experience in EDI-related work at the Social Planning Council of Sudbury (before its closing in 2022), as well as with the Greater Sudbury Police Service, and strives to grow his capabilities of fostering equity and inclusion while assisting in supporting Laurentian's increasingly diverse population.