IID Kick Off Series
Welcome to our Kick-Off Series, where IID staff, researchers, and students share the professional goals they’re pursuing and what they’re most excited about in 2026.
Ryan Green
IID Associate Director of Finance
What professional goals are you pursuing this year?
This year, my professional goal is to strengthen my leadership and change management skills so I can better guide our team through potential disruptions and uncertainty. After working through last year’s unique challenges in managing IID’s research funding, I’m entering 2026 more energized and motivated than ever.
The unpredictability we faced in 2025 built a great deal of resilience, and I believe we are all stronger as a result. I feel very confident about our ability to navigate whatever comes next. I’m proud to work in an infectious diseases department during these turbulent times and want to do everything I can to support our labs so they can continue to lead the way in driving science forward.
What are you excited for in 2026? (It can be personal or professional, up to you!)
On the home front, my son turns three this year, so I’m excited for his big transition to pre-school in the fall. I’m counting down the days to warmer weather so we can run around and play outside together (versus being cooped up in the house) and spend as much time as possible at the grill.
Travel-wise, I’m a creature of habit, and will make my annual trips to Newport Jazz Festival as well as Montreal (one of my favorite cities) where, as always, I’ll make a valiant but short-lived attempt to speak French. I’ll also be heading down to Disney for the first time, and my top priority is meeting Winnie-the-Pooh characters, at last, we meet!
As a sports fan, I love watching the World Cup, but this year feels extra special with some of it taking place just 20 miles from my house. And finally, I’m feeling very optimistic (and slightly delusional) about the Pittsburgh Pirates’ chances to make the MLB playoffs this year, let’s go Paul Skenes!
