About Ryan
I am a scientific illustrator who is passionate about getting hands-on with the science I am communicating! I have a passion for nature, which I explore through my queer hiking group, and my experience in ecology research.
Presenting at North Carolina State University's Undergraduate Research Symposium!
I received an acknowledgment from Virge Kask , Co-Chair for the 2025 GNSI Conference, for my volunteer efforts.
A 2026 lab photo from the Oliverio Lab!
Group photo for the 2025 GNSI conference!
Working on art at a friend's studio.
My presentation for NEMPET 2025! I got to present the beginnings of the Sourdough Community Novel.
2026 SOURCE Symposium at Syracuse University. I am standing next to Cameron Murray, writing of the Sourdough Microbes book project.
2025 SOURCE Symposium at Syracuse University. I am with Dr. Angela Oliverio, Cameron Murray, and Charles Deyo
Professional Associations
Association of Medical Illustrators | 2026 - Present
Guild of Natural Science Illustrators | 2025 - Present
American Society for Microbiology - Central New York Branch | 2026 - Present
Experience
Scientific Illustrator
Oliverio Lab, Syracuse University. 1/2025 - Current
Creative director and content producer of a field guide to sourdough microbes for internal documentation and to be shared with other labs.
Illustrated and designed graphic assets of protist feeding mechanisms for published academic paper.
Urban Ecology Researcher
Youngsteadt Lab, North Carolina State University. 5/2026 - 8/2026
I have had the pleasure of participating in the BeeMORE Pollinator Research Internship, where I have been researching the impact of high temperatures on pollinator behavior at the Youngsteadt Lab.
I have also been illustrating, designing, and writing outreach content for the benefit of urban pollinator conservationists.
Art Instructor
YMCA, Syracuse City School District. 2022-2025
Provided quality art education for the Syracuse City School District (SCSD).
Instructed 4-6th graders on the creation of nature dioramas.
Supplemented art education with ecology education through various projects involving plant identification and preservation.
Activities
Publications
Experimental biases in soil protist feeding studies obscure the diversity of belowground predation. 2026. Rachel M. Shepherd, Cameron S. Murray, Hannah N. Murphy, Ryan L. Skidmore, Angela M. Oliverio
Conferences
Summer Undergraduate Research & Creativity Symposium 7/31/2026
GSNI Visual SciComm Conference 2025 7/13/2025 - 7/19/2025
Northeastern Microbiologists: Physiology, Ecology and Taxonomy Conference 2025 6/27/2025-6/29/2025
Community
CNYHiking 10/2023 - Forever!
LGBT-focused hiking group in Central New York.
This group was created to take advantage of the natural wealth of Upstate New York, and to give the queer community more opportunities to make connections.
