Ryan was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Earth) to Betazoid parents Delian (Starfleet Commodore (Deceased)) and  Maryan (Starfleet Lieutenant Commander (Deceased)) Ketlan on October 8th 2350. Ryan is their only child, and lived with his parents besides Earth on several starships. Ryan went to the academy at the age of 17. After 3 years there, he graduated 1st of his class, he was assigned to the USS Washington as Assistant Helm officer.  Captain Rodriquez, commanding officer of the Washington, quickly notices Ryan’s abilities and within a few months she made him helm officer of the beta crew.

In 2374 the USS Washington responded to a distress call. A Danube-class Runabout went down on planet in Dominion occupied territory, after being ambushed. The Washington was the only ship close to them. Her captain ordered the rescue of the officers, but they were intercepted by 2 dominion warships, who kept the crew of the Washington occupied while two platoons of Jem’Hadar soldier gained on the position of the stranded Starfleet officers. Ryan didn’t hesitate and made his way to the shuttlebay. There he took a type-8 shuttle which he modified with better shields recently. Captain Rodriquez noticed Ryan’s actions and dropped the Washington’s shields at the last millisecond, just before he would have crashed into her shields. He then flew between enemy fire to the location of the officers and picked them up just in time as the large group of Jem’Hadar were to break through their defences. Although he thought it was his duty, the surviving officers and his commanding officer thought otherwise.

For his actions they petitioned the request that Ryan would be honoured for his selfless act of heroism. Starfleet Command approved the petition and shortly after that he received the medal of valor and a promotion to Lieutenant (JG).