He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, the American Educational Research Association, and the Society for Self and Identity, among others, and is an Honorary Member of the German Psychological Society (DGP). Ryan has lectured in hundreds of universities worldwide, received many distinguished career awards, held several editorial posts, consulted with numerous organizations, schools, and clinics, and served as an expert on health care and education initiatives. He earned his PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Rochester and a BA in philosophy from the University of Connecticut.
He is a clinical psychologist and co-developer of self-determination theory, with over 400 papers and books in the areas of human motivation, personality, and psychological wellbeing.
Ryan is a Professor at the Institute for Positive Psychology and Education at Australian Catholic University.
