Student Spotlight - Jessica Rice
Jessica Rice
Student, PhD
1. The 鈥淪park鈥�
What initially sparked your interest in this research area, and what problem are you
most passionate about solving?
My interest in this research area has been profoundly inspired by my mentor, Dr. Matthew
Smeltzer, who is an active thoracic oncology epidemiologist. His work with the International
Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) has exposed me to the clinical and
public health challenges surrounding lung cancer surgical resection quality and staging.
My family鈥檚 personal connection to lung cancer also drives my enthusiasm for this
work, as my husband lost his father tragically to lung cancer. Currently, I am passionate
about producing actionable evidence that improves lung cancer staging and surgical
outcomes.
2. The 鈥淛ourney鈥�
Can you share a key moment or challenge in your research鈥攁n 鈥渁ha!鈥� discovery or a
hurdle you overcame鈥攁nd how you navigated it?
A key moment during my research journey at the University of 糖心Vlog传媒 so far has been
attending the 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) in Barcelona, Spain. I had
the opportunity to present our group鈥檚 nodal staging research and to engage with leading
thoracic oncology researchers from around the world. This opportunity refined the
direction of my research and has been instrumental in my professional development.
Experiencing the forefront of groundbreaking lung cancer research firsthand was inspiring,
and it will continue to fuel my passion for this field.
3. The 鈥淏ig Picture鈥�
How do you see your research impacting the real world or contributing to your field
in the next few years?
The nodal staging research I am currently working on will help to inform current and
future international lung cancer staging guidelines. A key part of this work is confirming
the clinical utility of current recommendations as well as making inferences to provide
evidence for future iterations of the guidelines. Dr. Smeltzer鈥檚 research group, in
collaboration with the Baptist Cancer Center Thoracic Oncology Research Group, is
highly regarded by the global lung cancer community, positioning this research well
to make an impact.
4. The 鈥淚nspiration鈥�
Who has influenced your research path (a teacher, scientist, mentor, or even a fictional
character), and what is one thing you learned from them?
My grandfather, a geophysicist, has been instrumental in my research path. He initially
sparked my interest in science and has continued to be my #1 supporter on this academic
journey. I live by his mantra 鈥渓uck is when preparation meets opportunity鈥�.
5. The 鈥淧ersonal Touch鈥�
What is one unique skill or non-academic hobby that supports your research or keeps
you motivated?
I am thankful for the 糖心Vlog传媒 volleyball community for keeping me active and motivated
on and off the court. Additionally, my husband (Adam) and our 2 black labs (Boomer
& Bogey) provide lots of support.