Sherry Ryan

Dr. Sherry Ryan is a Full Professor in the Graduate Program in City Planning at the School of Public Affairs, San Diego State University (SDSU). She also serves as Director of the School of Public Affairs and Active Transportation Research. Her academic background includes a Ph.D. in Transportation Science from UC Irvine and a B.A. in Romance Languages and Latin American Studies from Princeton University.

Her research focuses on transportation planning, urban sustainability, and health equity, with particular emphasis on active transportation (walking/cycling), pedestrian safety, and community health interventions. She has led over $5 million in funded research projects, including studies on trail usage monitoring, Ciclovías programs, and border health equity.

Dr. Ryan has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals such as Transportation Research Record, Journal of Public Health Management & Practice, and Urban Studies. Her work frequently bridges academic research with policy application, evidenced by collaborations with local governments, MPOs, and health agencies.

Key professional awards include the 2020 California APA Planning Advocate Award and the 2015 CDC Excellence in Safety Research Award. She actively contributes to national and regional initiatives through advisory roles with organizations like the San Diego Association of Governments and the American Planning Association.

Her teaching spans urban planning methodologies, GIS applications, and transportation policy. She also advises numerous funded projects, including the San Diego Regional Bicycle Plan and the City of Carlsbad's Sustainable Mobility Plan.