Dr. Rita Orji ( She/Her )

Computer Science Professor at Dalhousie University

Dr. Rita Orji is a Canada Research Chair in Persuasive Technology and Professor of Computer Science at Dalhousie University, where she directs the Persuasive Computing Lab. Her research explores interactive technologies that integrate seamlessly into daily life to support behaviour change and self-improvement, with applications in health, wellness, and education. She specializes in designing persuasive systems that motivate users toward meaningful goals, such as enhancing learning outcomes and fostering positive STEM engagement.

For the EDIT-STEM project, Dr. Orji brings expertise in human-centered design principles that make complex educational content accessible and compelling. Her work emphasizes technologies that promote equity, diversity, and inclusion—bridging research with real-world impact to inspire diverse learners. With a proven track record of interdisciplinary collaboration, she helps translate behavioural insights into interactive tools that drive engagement, retention, and long-term educational success across STEM domains.