November 2023
Ryan Mello 2008, M`14
DEGREES:
B.S. Geography, Minor in Earth and Atmospheric Science & M.S. Geographic Information Systems Management
CURRENT EMPLOYER
Eastern Shore Regional GIS Cooperative (ESRGC) at Salisbury University
CURRENT OCCUPATION
Project Manager
DESCRIBE YOUR CAREER PATH
Initially, my plan was to be a middle school science teacher, but in my final semester, I realized I was enjoying my geography classes more than I was my education ones. So, I switched my planned major/career path to geography and figured I would become a park ranger. Once I changed my major to geography, I was lucky enough to receive an internship with the Eastern Shore Regional GIS Cooperative (ESRGC) at Salisbury University, and that provided me the career path I didn’t know I wanted. That initial internship led to a full-time position, and eventually I became, and remain as, a project manager with the ESRGC. It has been 13 years since that original internship, and I could not be more grateful for it and where I am now.
MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU LEARNED WHILE ATTENDING SALISBURY UNIVERSITY
I would say the most important thing I learned at Salisbury, would be how to fully appreciate the size of the University. During my years at SU, I was always able to find professors who could devote time to assisting me when I needed it. As a geography student during my undergrad and graduate years, I was always able to walk into the Geography and Geosciences Department and not only get a cup of the world’s most average coffee, but I also was able to sit down and talk with the professors. I attribute this to not only the quality of these wonderful people but also the fact that they do not have to manage 100s of students in their major. I rarely had an issue with getting in to meet with an advisor when I needed, and I was always able reach a professor if not in person, then through email. I know of many friends that went to other universities and they would say very few of their professors could devote the amount of time to students that I found at Salisbury.
WHAT CAMPUS ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS WERE YOU INVOLVED WITH?
I was a member of the Geography Club during my last year and a half of undergrad and have been an active member of Salisbury University Geography Alumni Alliance since graduation. I have very fond memories of participating in the Relay For Life event every year at SU. I also volunteered for a few years helping in the setup of the Sea Gull Century before I began completing the ride and have completed the 100-mile ride six times since.
BEST COLLEGE MEMORY
This is a hard one because I had so many great experiences at Salisbury – whether it was hanging out with friends at Gull’s Nest most days between classes or camping throughout the Northeast for various geography classes and sitting around campfires with some of the best people I have ever met. I would have to choose the more sentimental memories though, and that would be graduating with not only a bachelor’s degree but returning a few years later to receive my master’s. I am the first person in my family to receive a college degree and it is an incredible honor to achieve both of these milestones.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE SALISBURY UNIVERSITY?
My choice to attend Salisbury was partially influenced by the fact that I grew up 30 minutes away, and the cost and familiarity of a local school were obviously appealing. However, out of the schools I was accepted, Salisbury University had and still has the best teaching program. I initially planned on becoming a middle school science teacher, so it did not make a lot of sense to move out of the area to pursue an education degree when I was already near a highly regarded school. Two decades later, I am still thrilled with my decision.
IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE SALISBURY UNIVERSITY IN THREE WORDS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?
The three words I would choose to describe Salisbury University would be Innovative, Tranquil and Nurturing. Innovative could describe multiple departments at SU, but what comes to mind is the Richard Henson Medical Simulation Center and obviously the geo-spatial work we do at the ESRGC. SU is a tranquil campus to me partly because of the surroundings; the City of Salisbury is a relatively quiet area. I also feel that SU is a tranquil campus due to the fact that it is also an arboretum. There are countless areas on campus that you can find space to do work surrounded by beautiful greenery. Lastly, I feel that SU is a nurturing school. For the most part, everyone you interact with at SU wants you to succeed. Whether that person is toasting you an everything bagel before class or a professor making sure you know about relevant intern and scholarship opportunities before you graduate.
FAVORITE VACATION SPOT AND WHY?
I would have to say Portugal. A few years ago, I spent time in Lavra and Porto, Portugal. Every morning, I would run through the neighborhoods and hang out on the beach, and once I figured out the bus situation (you have to flag down the buses, they don’t just stop at bus stops FYI), I toured the cities, visited wineries and ate incredible food all along the coast. Portugal is directly across the Atlantic Ocean from Salisbury, so it was comforting to watch a sunrise/sunset over the ocean and know it’s heading for my home next. Also, my great grandparents immigrated from Portugal, and it was a profound experience to visit their country and I look forward to returning with my family.
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT
It is probably cliché, but I would have to say becoming a parent. My daughter is an incredible gift, and we love being able to guide her through life. My wife and I both attended SU for undergrad and graduate degrees, and both of us currently work at SU, so with all the talk about SU at home, it is very likely we have a future Gull in our family.
WHAT IS SOMETHING PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
Some people do know this, but most maybe don’t. I really enjoy finding free furniture on Facebook Marketplace or on the side of the road and restoring it. I love the idea of taking something that is basically trash to someone and giving it an upgrade. Most of the items I restore end up in our home somewhere, but I also do sell those we can’t use and that helps cover the cost of these projects.
HOBBIES/OTHER INTERESTS
I love reading, and I enjoy camping and backpacking out west (with real mountains). Mainly though, its spending time with my family outdoors, our favorite thing to do is drive on to the beach at Assateague.