About Me
Welcome! I’m Ryan Hardesty Lewis, a Master’s student at Cornell Tech, where I’m passionate about using technology to create smarter, more equitable cities. My work combines cutting-edge research with practical, impactful applications in areas like urban informatics, sustainability, and AI-driven solutions.
I’ve collaborated with local governments (New York, Houston, Austin), startups (Tubular.network), and global research labs (MITRE) to integrate digital tools into public systems. Whether it's working on a fire and smoke digital twin for the City of Austin or leveraging AI to improve food access in Houston, I believe in the power of technology to improve lives.
I graduated with honors from the University of Texas at Austin in under two years, earning a degree in Mathematics and two certificates in Computational Science and Engineering andElements of Computing. At UT Austin, I worked with Dr. Junfeng Jiao in the Urban Information Lab, contributing to innovative projects that addressed real-world challenges. At Cornell Tech, alongside Dr. Michael Samuelian and Dr. Anthony Townsend at the Urban Tech Hub, I worked on cutting-edge solutions tackling some of New York City's urban and climate issues. I’ve also collaborated with nonprofits like Tackle Hunger, bridging technology and community for meaningful impact.
My Vision
Growing up as the son of a Colombian immigrant, I spoke only Spanish at home and relied on public systems designed to support those in need. These systems, while essential, often fell short of providing the equity and efficiency my family and others deserved. This experience instilled in me a drive to reimagine public systems—to make them smarter, more inclusive, and better equipped to serve diverse communities.
My heritage is a cornerstone of my work. I’m inspired by the resilience of immigrant communities and the power of technology to bridge systemic gaps. From collaborating with first responders during a prescribed burn to improving urban accessibility to services like food banks and emergency response, my vision is to create systems that empower individuals and foster connections.
I believe cities are the heartbeat of human connection, where culture, history, and innovation converge. They hold the power to inspire, to shelter, and to challenge us to think beyond ourselves. A truly great city doesn’t just function—it thrives when it uplifts its most vulnerable, celebrates its diversity, and evolves to meet the ever-changing needs of its people. Technology is the key to unlocking this potential.
Working with the Austin Fire Department during a prescribed burn.
Meeting President Iván Duque of Colombia.As someone deeply passionate about improving cities, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside leaders from around the globe. These experiences have taught me that cities, in their purest form, are a reflection of the hopes, needs, and beliefs of their citizens. However, too often, public systems fail to meet these expectations, becoming slow, inequitable, and out of touch with the communities they serve.
Through collaboration with decision-makers, technologists, and local communities, I aim to transform this dynamic. My work focuses on using technology to streamline response times, improve accessibility, and build systems that feel less like rigid bureaucracy and more like a living conversation—one where the city truly listens to its people. Whether it’s optimizing emergency services or ensuring equitable access to resources, I see cities not as static infrastructures but as ecosystems capable of evolving alongside their citizens.
This belief is what drives me to engage with a diverse range of voices. I’ve come to understand that meaningful innovation doesn’t happen in isolation—it requires a tapestry of perspectives, from local advocates to global leaders. Technology, when wielded thoughtfully, has the power to turn these collaborations into solutions that work for everyone, from immigrant to indígena.
Smarter Cities
Climate Resilience
Community Building
Global Impact