Ryan Buchanan

About Ryan Buchanan

I design and build AI-powered systems that reduce cognitive friction and turn human intent into action.I am the founder of Ridian Technologies, where I’m developing Ridian OS—an agentic intelligence layer designed to help individuals and organizations move faster, think clearer, and execute more effectively in the age of AI.My work sits at the intersection of:* AI system design* education technology* human-centered learning* intelligent automationAda’s Kids is one of the first applications built on this vision—a learning platform focused on increasing student engagement, personalization, and joy in education.Before founding Ridian, I spent over 15 years working across higher education, international instruction, military linguistics, and educational technology—giving me a deep understanding of how people learn, where systems break down, and how AI can meaningfully improve both.I’m currently focused on:* building agentic AI systems (Ridian OS)* designing real-world AI use cases for organizations* helping professionals integrate AI into their daily workflows

Experience

1. Instructional Designer & Technologist

   Coastal Alabama Community College

   Sep 2025 — Present · Bay Minette, AL, US

   Supporting faculty and students with innovative instructional design and technology integration.* Leading initiatives to strengthen equity, engagement, and digital learning opportunities.* Collaborating across academic and administrative teams to advance CACC’s mission in the arts and education.* Exploring new AI-driven and digital strategies to expand access and streamline learning.

Education

• Western Governors University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Computer Science

• University of Cambridge

  CELTA, Cambridge University Certification for Teaching English to Adults (CELTA)

• Weber State University

  Bachelor of Science (BS), English Language and Literature/Letters

  1993 — 2000

• Western Governors University

  Master of Science - MS, Data Analytics

• University of Utah

  Master’s Degree, Instructional Design & Educational Technology

  2016 — 2018

• Ogden-Weber Technical College

  Software Technology, Computer Software Engineering

• University of Cambridge

  Summer Exchange Program w/ University of Utah, Philosophy, Political Science & English Literature

  1995 — 1996

• Humboldt State University

  Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Marketing & Economics

  2003 — 2005

• Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center

  Linguist, French Language and Literature

  1998 — 1999

Skills

• Teaching
• Language Teaching
• Public Speaking
• E-Learning
• Esl
• Adult Education
• University Teaching
• Educational Leadership
• Teachers
• Student Counseling
• Teacher Training
• Staff Development
• English
• Research
• Curriculum Development
• Teaching English as a Second Language
• Literacy
• Intercultural Communication
• Classroom Management
• Curriculum Design
• Training
• Tutoring
• Leadership
• Classroom
• Lesson Planning
• Fitness Training
• Differentiated Instruction
• Instructional Design
• Nutritional Counseling
• Foreign Languages
• Higher Education
• Linguistics
• Editing
• International Education
• English as a Second Language (Esl)
• Educational Technology
• Elementary Education
• Microsoft Office