Jessica Rizk

Senior Research Associate, Education and Skills

Jessica Rizk

About

Dr. Jessica Rizk is an education systems leader, researcher, and educator whose work focuses on the intersection of post-secondary education, workforce development, and emerging technologies. As a Senior Research Associate at Signal49 Research, she leads applied research and advisory projects examining the impact of artificial intelligence on learning systems and labour market outcomes. She collaborates with governments, post-secondary institutions, and industry partners to inform policy and strategic decision-making, translating complex research into clear and actionable insights. Her work includes national initiatives focused on AI literacy, workforce readiness, and strengthening system capacity. Dr. Rizk also teaches at the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, where she facilitates discussion-based learning on education systems, technology, and skills development.

Prior to joining Signal49 Research, Dr. Rizk served as a Researcher at the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO), where she led applied research on micro-credentials, accessibility, and technology-enabled learning. She was also awarded a SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Waterloo, where she examined the adoption and governance of digital technologies across education systems. Earlier in her career, she worked with the Ontario Ministry of Education and school boards on system-level research related to 21st-century learning and skills development. Dr. Rizk holds a PhD in Sociology from McMaster University, a Master of Education from York University, and is an Ontario Certified Teacher.

Employment History

  • Lecturer, University of Waterloo
  • Lecturer, Wilfrid Laurier University 
  • Senior Research Associate, The Conference Board of Canada
  • Researcher, Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO)
  • SSHRC Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Waterloo
  • Teacher, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board

Academic Qualifications

  • PhD, Sociology, McMaster University
  • MEd, York University
  • BEd, Primary/Junior/Intermediate, York University
  • BA (Honours), Sociology and Psychology, York University

Contact

[email protected]