Jessica Rizk

• Sociology of education
• Digital technology
• Qualitative research
• Social inequality
• Children and families

From an early age, my passion for teaching and education has guided my journey. This deep-rooted interest led me to pursue a Bachelor of Sociology, a Bachelor of Education, and a Master of Education, eventually culminating in a PhD in Sociology from McMaster University. My SSHRC doctoral research delved into how students across Ontario engage with new forms of digital technology, reflecting my commitment to understanding and improving educational practices.

Currently, I am a SSHRC postdoctoral fellow at the University of Waterloo and a Senior Researcher at the Conference Board of Canada in the Education and Skills Department. My research focuses on how children, families, and schools are using digital technology as a learning tool, particularly among Canadian children in grades 3-8 across urban and rural locations in New Brunswick and Ontario. This work is supported by a SSHRC Insight Development Grant.

As an Ontario Certified Teacher, I also bring over a decade of experience teaching in both the K-12 and postsecondary sectors. I am also a lecturer at Wilfrid Laurier University, where I teach SY 423: Children, Parents, and Schools. My teaching and research are deeply intertwined, each informing and enhancing the other.

Beyond my professional life, I enjoy being outdoors, spending time with friends and family, and traveling. These experiences enrich my perspective and fuel my passion for education and research.