Ricker works in the field of Geographic Information Science (GIScience), which studies the techniques used to capture, represent and analyse geographic data. In her work, Ricker experiments with low-cost cartographic technologies that can be made accessible to diverse audiences. This way, she aims to make geographic data more interactive. Her current research focus is on how to monitor and communicate the Sustainable Development Goals.

Before her arrival in Utrecht, Ricker was assistant professor at the University of Twente. Before that, she taught geospatial technologies at the University of Washington, Tacoma. She was a PhD student at Simon Fraser University, where she studied the use of mobile computers for injury surveillance.