Jessica Rizk

​​​​​​​Dr. Jessica Rizk is an instructor in Social Development Studies at the University of Waterloo and an instructor at Wilfrid Laurier University. She is also a Senior Research Associate at Signal49, where her work focuses on education, skills development, and AI workforce readiness. Her research examines how learning systems can prepare learners to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital and technology-driven economy.

A passion for teaching and education has guided Dr. Rizk's academic and professional journey. She holds a Bachelor of Sociology, a Bachelor of Education, and a Master of Education, and earned her PhD in Sociology from McMaster University. Her doctoral research examined how students across Ontario engage with emerging digital technologies and how these experiences shape learning, educational pathways, and social outcomes.

Dr. Rizk's research explores how children, families, schools, post-secondary institutions, and employers are adapting to technological change. Her work examines the role of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in teaching, learning, and workforce development, with a particular interest in how education systems can support equitable access to future skills and opportunities. Through her research, teaching, and policy work, she seeks to strengthen the connections between education, innovation, and the future of work in Canada.

As an Ontario Certified Teacher, Dr. Rizk brings over a decade of experience across K–12 and post-secondary education. Her teaching and research are deeply interconnected, each informing her commitment to creating meaningful learning experiences and helping learners develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in an increasingly complex world.

Outside of her professional work, Dr. Rizk enjoys spending time outdoors, travelling, and making memories with family and friends. These experiences enrich her perspective and continue to inspire her passion for education, research, and lifelong learning.