Ria was born and raised Petalburg City. Attending school in Robusto till the age of fifteen, her parents then, being big fan's of Red, shipped her off to Kanto at the age start her Pokemon journey. Receiving a Squirtle from Prof. Oak. Do to her curiosity when it picked a water stone and evolved into a Wartortle, she decided to become a researched instead. Although she chose to be a researcher, she still did her best to make her parents proud, collecting badges from towns she visited.
While her primary study was in Evolutionary theories, she is well known for establishing an area in Celadon City in which Grimer can safely live in the city without doing harm to the environment or the people. Impressing Professor Oak, she received an Eevee egg as a present and was sent around the world to study different patterns of evolution, and is credited with the discovery of how Eevee evolve into Glaceon and Leafeon.
During an encounter with Bill, she heard that Eevelin from Kiboun was making a way to evolve eevee's without finding stones. Intrigued she ventured off and assisted in the research. Upon her arrival she met up with Prof. Willow. Impressed by Ria's knowledge and skills, she offered her her own laboratory and staff in Frostflake City. After a year of service for the City, and saving it's most cherished landmark, Aurura Cave, from melting, she was made a gym leader. She often travels around Kiboun but makes sure to return to Frostflake every two days.