Kevin Ryan currently leads the Missoula Fire Sciences Lab’s LANDFIRE Program. Kevin received his bachelor's degree in Forest Biology and his master's degree in Forest Ecology, both from Colorado State University. He received his Ph.D. in Forest Ecology from the University of Montana. His doctoral research focused on the effects of fire on the physiology, survival, and growth of conifers.

LANDFIRE’s mission is to develop the science, technology, and data to model and map fuels and vegetation in support of hazardous fuels treatment and suppression planning activities under the Healthy Forest Restoration Act, the National Fire Plan, and 10-Year Comprehensive Strategy. LANDFIRE is a collaborative partnership jointly funded by the US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service; US Department of Interior; and The Nature Conservancy.

For the first three years, of his career Kevin conducted fire ecology research in Colorado's forests both with Colorado State University and at the Rocky Mountain Research Station in Fort Collins, Colorado.  This was followed by a four year stint with the Pacific Northwest Forest Research Station in Seattle, Washington, where he conducted prescribed burning research in mixed-conifer shelterwoods.  For the last 28 years Kevin’s professional home has been the Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory. From this base of operations he has conducted research and consulted with managers around the U.S. and in several foreign countries. His research has included the effects of fire injury on the physiology and beetle resistance; fire, fuels, and climate change interactions; and fire severity. From 1995 to 2004 Kevin was the Project Leader for the Fire Lab's Fire Effects Research Project.  Under his direction the Project conducted field and laboratory research; developed models to predict fire effects from site, weather and fire behavior; developed guidelines for using prescribed fire to achieve management objectives; and developed guidelines for the rehabilitation and restoration of forests and rangelands damaged by wildfire.

Kevin has authored over 80 papers dealing with various aspects of fire ecology and management.

When not having fun at work Kevin seeks out contemplative solitude in western landscapes and quite time with family and friends.