Ryan W. Snow
Marine Specialist
National Undersea Research Center
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
515 Caribbean Drive
Key Largo, FL 33037
ryansnow1@hotmail.com

Ryan was born in the beautiful green mountains of Vermont. Growing up in Montpelier, he spent much of his time outdoors, especially during the wintertime. Having always had an interest in science he decided to pursue a degree in engineering after graduating from high school. Seeking larger mountains, deeper snow, and a respected aerospace engineering curriculum, he found himself at the University of Colorado, Boulder. After completing the first two arduous years of school, he decided to expand his worldly knowledge by traveling around France for a year. The majority of his time was spent working in Paris applying his knowledge of math and physics to the art of baking. Realizing that he could not improve upon the design of the baguette, he returned to Boulder to continue his course work.

Back in Boulder, he decided to pursue an emphasis in bioengineering within his aerospace curriculum. This led to him learn about the physiological effects of going to space as well as to the depths of the sea. Even though still landlocked he was able to further his scuba training, up through Divemaster, by visiting the many lakes and springs of the western United States.

Desiring more diving experience after graduation, he applied to the Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society. He was awarded an internship with NURC/UNCW and Aquarius for the summer of 2000. Before moving to the heat of south Florida he decided to spend the winter months doing a personal gravity research study (skiing) in the Tetons of Wyoming.

After a successful internship with NURC/UNCW he was hired as a member of the crew in November 2000. This will be Ryan's fourth saturation mission, and his second with NASA. Last year he was fortunate to be a member of the first Team NEEMO, which allowed him to combine his interests in sea and space.