Dr. Roderick T. Ryan is a 40-year veteran of Eastman Kodak, from which he retired in 1986.

Ryan began his career as a World War II naval photographer and was one of the cameramen who photographed the atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll. He received his doctorate in communications from the University of Southern California.

In 1981, the Academy honored Ryan with a Scientific or Technical award "for the application of the Prostar Microfilm processor for motion picture title and special optical effects production." In 1990, the Academy celebrated Ryan again with a medal of commendation.

Throughout his career, Ryan has been honored with many awards. The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) gave Ryan, a Life Fellow of the Society, two special commendations. An active member of the organization, Ryan served as a governor, treasurer, vice president of photoscience and vice president of motion picture affairs. He also is a Fellow of the British Kinematograph Sound and Television Society.

The American Society of Cinematographers selected Ryan as an Honorary Member, a tribute limited to only a few non-cinematographers, including George Eastman, Thomas Edison, Walt Disney, Neil Armstrong and Gregory Peck. Ryan, who has written numerous books and textbooks that are recognized within the industry as authoritative sources, is featured in Who’s Who in Engineering and Who’s Who in Technology.