Katrina Rice has established a distinguished career in biometrics services, currently serving as the chief delivery officer at eClinical Solutions. Her journey with the company began when she joined as the director of professional services. Over the years, Ms. Rice has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise, advancing to vice president of professional services and subsequently taking on the role of executive assistant before attaining her current position. Her contributions have been instrumental in shaping the company’s strategic direction and operational success.
Before her tenure at eClinical Solutions, Ms. Rice honed her skills at Bayer HealthCare, where she served as an associate director for organization and information research development electronic data capture. Before this role, she was an IS project manager and project manager for electronic data capture. Her career at Bayer HealthCare began as a senior clinical programmer analyst, a position she held for several years. These roles allowed her to develop a deep understanding of clinical programming and data management. Ms. Rice earned a Master of Science in computer science focusing on advanced applications from the University of New Haven. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. Her academic achievements have equipped her with the technical knowledge and analytical skills necessary for her roles in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
Ms. Rice’s career commenced at Lockheed Martin, where she worked as a computer programmer analyst. This foundational experience provided her with valuable insights into programming and systems analysis, setting the stage for her future endeavors in the pharmaceutical and health care industries. Throughout her career, Ms. Rice has been an active member of several industry-related organizations, including the Healthcare Businesswomen Association, Women of Color in Pharma, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., reflecting her commitment to professional development and community engagement.
Ms. Rice attributes her accomplishments to her determination, passion, and self-confidence. Growing up in Huntsville, Alabama, she learned the importance of self-reliance and independence early on. Her parents’ divorce further solidified these values, inspiring her to pursue financial independence and chart her path. As an African American woman in STEM, Ms. Rice has faced challenges regarding recognition and respect in a male-dominated industry. Still, she remains committed to overcoming these obstacles through hard work and authenticity.
With a master’s degree in computer science, Ms. Rice initially worked as a programmer for a government contractor. However, she realized her interest lay in the science behind computer science rather than just programming. This led her to work with a group of chemical engineers, where she gained valuable experience in modeling and programming to assess the impact of environmental hazards on groundwater. After several years in this role, Ms. Rice was approached by a pharmaceutical company to join their biometrics organization despite having no prior experience in life sciences. She attributes her success in this transition to her strong analytical skills and love for science. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledges her unique challenges as an African American woman in STEM. Still, she remains committed to her career and finds fulfillment in her work.
Ms. Rice’s success results from her determination, passion, and self-confidence. She firmly believes that confidence is essential for conquering obstacles and demonstrating expertise in a professional setting. Proving oneself establishes credibility and garners respect from colleagues and superiors, particularly in competitive fields. Developing self-confidence can open doors to more significant career opportunities and advancement. Additionally, she recognizes the impact of her parents’ lack of college education on her educational aspirations and opportunities. She understands children’s challenges in accessing resources and guidance for higher education in similar circumstances. Her parents’ divorce solidified the importance of self-reliance and financial independence, inspiring her to chart her path and take charge of her financial future instead of depending on others.
Ms. Rice has achieved many milestones by overcoming obstacles in her journey. She values self-reliance and independence in her life choices. Growing up in a traditional southern household in Huntsville, Alabama, she learned the importance of strong family traditions. Attending a small HBCU shaped her educational journey, and she faced cultural challenges when moving from the South to the Northeast, which influenced her professional identity. In her career as an African American woman in STEM, Ms. Rice encountered challenges in gaining recognition and respect in a male-dominated and non-diverse industry. She also faced biases about her educational background, as credentials from state schools were often undervalued compared to Ivy League degrees. Additionally, she struggled with being among the few African American women in the field, often feeling isolated in professional environments.
Outside of her professional life, Ms. Rice is dedicated to community service activities focused on youth mentoring, equality, diversity, and providing growth opportunities for underprivileged individuals. She also manages finances for her church, demonstrating her commitment to giving back to her community. Looking ahead, Ms. Rice plans to continue contributing to nonprofit organizations with the aim of fostering inclusive growth and ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals to thrive.
In her personal life, Ms. Rice is supported by her spouse, Michael Rice, and their child, Mitchel. She values family traditions instilled during her upbringing in a traditional Southern household and strives to balance her professional ambitions with meaningful contributions to society. As she moves forward in her career, Ms. Rice remains focused on helping organizations grow while positively impacting communities through nonprofit work.