Emily Ryan

As director of The Commons, Emily Ryan (she/her/hers) works with faculty, staff and students at KU to identify areas of research for interdisciplinary inquiry and engagement; address global and local challenges through collaboration; and create opportunities for meeting people across specializations. She works with individuals to create customized formats for programs, some nontraditional, to achieve each event’s unique goals. 

Outside of work, Emily operates a market garden through the City of Lawrence Common Ground Program. She is passionate about food access, environmental advocacy and education around food policy. She is a grateful steward of the land, seeking to grow and learn in community.