Accomplished researcher and administrator Dr. Jackie Rice has been appointed to a second term as the University’s Associate Vice-President (Research) and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.

Rice, who assumed the role when it was originally combined in 2020, will begin her second term on July 1, 2024.

A professor of computer science, Rice attended the University of Victoria and received her BSc in 1993, her MSc in 1995 and her PhD in 2003. She has worked as a sessional instructor at the University of Victoria, an instructor at Camosun College in Victoria, a programmer/analyst for SHL Systemhouse, and a computer consultant at various times throughout her career. She has been teaching at post-secondary institutions since 1995 and came to ULethbridge in 2002.

An outstanding researcher who has championed the role of women in science, technology, mathematics and engineering (STEM) fields, Rice has also keenly supported public outreach activities and mentoring for young people. Her current area of research focuses on an examination of how people use programming languages and relating sociolinguistics characteristics to differences in the use of programming languages.

“Dr. Rice has played an integral role in advancing the impact and profile of the School of Graduate Studies and greatly enhancing the ULethbridge experience for researchers across our campuses,” says Dr. Dena McMartin, Vice-President (Research). “I am pleased to appoint Dr. Rice for a second term and to continue the positive momentum she has helped to foster for both our research engagement and graduate studies programming.”