Catherine R. Barber, Ph.D., is a psychologist with 15+ years of experience teaching, designing and evaluating educational programs, and conducting research on adult learning. Her scholarly interests include integrating the cognitive, social, and emotional aspects of learning; strategies for developing effective and engaging online courses and workshops; and the use of action research to improve teaching and learning.  

Prior to becoming an Associate Director in the Center for Teaching Excellence, she led Rice’s multidisciplinary Research Data Services team as Fondren Library’s Data Services Specialist.  Previous professional experiences include teaching and conducting research as a Professor in the School of Education and Human Services at the University of St. Thomas (UST) in Houston, and working as a clinical psychologist and faculty member at Baylor College of Medicine.