Dateline Rice for March 31, 2014 (Weekend Edition)

FEATURED ITEM

Mike Rhoades fulfills a dream at Rice
Virginia Commonwealth University associate head coach Mike Rhoades has been named Rice’s men’s head basketball coach. Rice Athletics Director Joe Karlgaard, Rice trustee Bobby Tudor ’82 and player Seth Gearhart are quoted.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required. This appeared on the front of the Sports section.)
http://bit.ly/1i7QHp1
Rice University hires Mike Rhoades as head coach
FanSided
http://bit.ly/1hFFOJj

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL

Why you shouldn’t book your vacation while at work
According to a new study from Rice University and Iowa State University, consumers who traveled farther and made reservations during business hours were more likely to select higher quality hotels but were less satisfied after their stay. Ajay Kalra, the Herbert S. Autry Chair in Business and Professor of Marketing, is quoted.
Futurity
http://bit.ly/1fufnWI
Avoid hotel bookings at work for a happier vacation
Life Hacker India (This article also appeared in Computer Magazine, Travel + Escape and Gawker.)
http://bit.ly/1dKehe9

Visions of the impossible
Jeffrey Kripal, the J. Newton Rayzor Professor of Religious Studies, authored a review of popular stories that test human consciousness. Timothy Morton, the Rita Shea Guffey Chair in English, is quoted.
Chronicle of Higher Education
http://bit.ly/O8F6wj

Is Nicaraguan Canal a boon for trade or a boondoggle?
Nicaragua has revived plans to construct ports, free-trade shipping zones, an international airport, an oil pipeline and railway. Pedro Alvarez, the George R. Brown Professor and chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, is quoted.
National Geographic
http://bit.ly/PcQRmt

Houston, we have mariachi
Houston Grand Opera is increasing the diversity of its audience. Stephen Klineberg, professor of sociology and co-director of Rice’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research, is quoted.
The Economist
http://econ.st/1lb5TUS

Chasing after high net worth clients isn’t always the best idea
Joseph Birkofer, who teaches Employee Benefits and Retirement Planning for Rice’s Certified Financial Planner program, is quoted.
Business Insider (This article appeared in 150 other affiliates.)
http://read.bi/1kiX227

US efforts to clear air pollution are on target: Report
Rice researchers studied state implementation plans to reduce particulate matter. Efforts to reduce dangerous particulates have been successful. Daniel Cohan, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, is quoted.
Epoch Times (This article also appeared in Terra Daily and Science 2.0.)
http://bit.ly/1hblkaA
Rice University analysis of state efforts shows dramatic gains in reducing airborne particulate matter
News Medical
http://bit.ly/O8B9HZ

HOUSTON/TEXAS

2 Rice University students awarded Watson Fellowships
Two Rice University seniors are among the 43 students across the country who have been awarded a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship for 2014-2015. Colleen Fugate and Heather Olson will receive $28,000 each for a year of world travel and independent study. Caroline Quenemoen, director of fellowships and undergraduate research, is quoted.
Bellaire Examiner (This article also appeared in Memorial Examiner and Fort Bend Sun.)
http://bit.ly/1dJXacz

Rice has best long-term return of investment in state
Rice tops the list of the top 20 schools in Texas with the best 20-year return of investment.
Houston Chronicle (This appeared on the home page.)
http://bit.ly/1oilCGl
Best ‘bang for your buck’ colleges in Texas
My San Antonio
http://bit.ly/PcUwkb

Former Houston Mayor Bill White to discuss new book at Rice’s Baker Institute on April 3
Former Houston Mayor Bill White will discuss his new book, “America’s Fiscal Constitution: Its Triumph and Collapse,” at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy April 3.
Bellaire Examiner
http://bit.ly/1ggsr1b
Former mayor gets tough about the federal debt
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/1pzqB2E

Insured Houstonians report their health is good
A new study from Rice’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research determined that Houston area residents with health care insurance are more likely to report being in good health.
Houston Chronicle
http://bit.ly/Qz1OA5

Artist brings complex issues to the table
Rice’s Center for Energy and Environmental Research in the Human Sciences hosted artist Marina Zurkow for an “Outside the Work” dinner. Joseph Campana, associate professor of English literature, is quoted. Timothy Morton, the Rita Shea Guffey Chair in English, is mentioned.
Houston Chronicle
http://bit.ly/1lhUSBk

Rangel: Van de Putte putting on a fight
Mark Jones, the Joseph D. Jamail Chair in Latin American Studies, professor and chair of political science and fellow in political science at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, is quoted about several political candidates, the 2014 governor’s race and GOP primary.
Amarillo Globe-News
http://bit.ly/1i84Dzg
Rangel: Van de Putte gives Democrats a strong candidate
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
http://bit.ly/1jryyVX
Matthew Waller: Abbott targets Davis’ work on bonds
San Angelo Standard-Times (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/1mpyki0
Ross Ramsey: Republican conservatives in Texas target GOP, not Democrats
San Angelo Standard-Times (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/1jryWUs
Forum: Farenthold no help to local merchants
Caller.com (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/1iS1QMw
Obama blocking ‘the big deal,’ Conaway says
Abilene Reporter News (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/1gguRwO

Mexico tapping wind potential
Cymene Howe, assistant professor of anthropology, is quoted about Mexico’s potential for a wind power industry.
Fuel Fix
http://bit.ly/1mEJz9k

Affordable college textbook act would help students, but publishers aren’t hearing it
Rice’s OpenStax College is mentioned in an article about the Affordable College Textbook Act.
Houston Press
http://bit.ly/1jQ0rts

Post-colonial house
Stephen Klineberg, professor of sociology and co-director of Rice’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research, is quoted in an article about Houston’s development.
Free Press Houston
http://bit.ly/1e4ShWk

Creepy crazy ants swarm into Houston: Billions of them are invading — with the warm weather
Scott Solomon, lecturer and lab coordinator, is quoted about tawny ants and their effect on urban environments.
CultureMap
http://bit.ly/1gTLzrS
Billions of Rasberry crazy ants invade Houston
Design & Trend
http://bit.ly/1jrDwSF

Artistic director, Nobel Laureate to speak on isle
Professor of Chemistry Emeritus Robert Curl ’54 will speak at the Galveston College Lecture Series “Left Brain/Right Brain: Bridging the Gap.”
Galveston County Daily News
http://bit.ly/Qyqad6

BROADCAST

Missing teen’s family searches for answers
The family of missing Martel College senior Reny Jose is pleading for any information that may lead to his recovery.
KPRC-TV
http://bit.ly/1hrwEUH
http://bit.ly/Qz6buY
Community members look for advice after string of recent violent crimes
KTRK-TV
http://bit.ly/1dKamhp
http://bit.ly/1lydzU0
Missing Indian-American student’s father alleges foul play
Zee News (This article also appeared in Business Standard India, News 24, Express Buzz and Outlook India.)
http://bit.ly/1feALTf
Spring break in Florida: Here come the tourists
Daily News (Genesee, Wyo.)
http://bit.ly/1hrYXCh
What happened to Rice University student Reny Jose on spring break?
Hutch Report
http://bit.ly/1rYI6M1

C-SPAN3
Joseph Manca, the Nina J. Cullinan Professor of Art and Art History, spoke at a free book talk lecture series.
http://bit.ly/1i8lstM

WGNO-TV (New Orleans)
Rice’s research on the “entrainment” of plants is referenced. Janet Braam, professor and chair of biochemistry and cell biology, is quoted.
http://bit.ly/Qz64iW

WNET-TV
Alumna B. Kaye Walter ’85 is interviewed on the PBS show “One on One with Steve Adubato.”
http://bit.ly/PcSJeV

TRADE/PROFESSIONAL

Cancer researchers find key protein link
A new understanding of proteins at the nexus of a cell’s decision to survive or die has implications for researchers who study cancer and age-related diseases, according to biophysicists at the Rice University-based Center for Theoretical Biological Physics. José Onuchic, co-director of Rice’s Center for Theoretical Biological Physics and the Harry C. and Olga K. Wiess Professor of Physics and Astronomy, is quoted.
ECN Mag
http://bit.ly/QoKNIP

Academic workplace bias against parents hurts nonparents too
A new study from Rice and the University of California, San Diego shows that university workplace bias against scientists and engineers who use flexible work arrangements may increase employee dissatisfaction and turnover even for people who don’t have children. Erin Cech, assistant professor of sociology, is quoted.
Science Codex (This article also appeared in Science Daily.)
http://bit.ly/1hrHFoV

Diamonds are an oil’s best friend: Rice University leads research to find the best nanofluid for heat transfer
Rice scientists discovered that a mixture of diamond nanoparticles and mineral oil outperforms other fluids created for heat-transfer applications. Alumnus Jaime Taha-Tijerina ‘13 is quoted.
Nanotechnology Now (This article also appeared in Science Daily.)
http://bit.ly/1dI4fuj

UTSW researcher honored for work progressing cancer treatment
Former Rice President Norman Hackerman is mentioned.
Healthcare Daily
http://bit.ly/1hU9enk

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

Douglas Brinkley speaks on American presidents
Douglas Brinkley, professor of history and fellow in history at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, spoke at California State University March 27.
Press-Telegram
http://bit.ly/O8QkRG

The business traveler’s guide to Houston
Rice’s campus is listed as a destination to visit in Houston for business travelers.
Wicked Local Taunton (This article also appeared in Patriot Ledger and 11 other publications.)
http://bit.ly/QyTikv

SPORTS

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders slip past Rice in baseball series opener, 3-2
Rice baseball fell to Middle Tennessee 3-2 in the opener of a three-game Conference USA weekend series in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Boxscore
http://bit.ly/1ly3g2n

Ip’s rally leads Rice women over Yale
Rice women’s tennis team won against Yale at the McCormack-Nagelsen Tennis Center in Virginia. Women’s tennis head coach Elizabeth Schmidt is quoted.
The Rancher (This article also appeared in Bellaire Examiner, Memorial Examiner and Sugar Land Sun.)
http://bit.ly/1hbMgXQ

Rice gives 2 players transfers
Basketball players Sean Obi and Keith Washington have been granted transfers.
Houston Chronicle
http://bit.ly/PcZ0qX
Report: Rice’s Sean Obi and Keith Washington to transfer
NBC Sports
http://bit.ly/1jrUSi9
2 Rice starters may be hitting eject button after new coaching hire
Examiner.com
http://exm.nr/1jrUHU1

Mustang track teams win at Rice Invitational
Rice’s Victor Lopez Classic is featured.
The Tribune
http://bit.ly/1e4hsIn
Track and field recaps: March 28-30
SWAC.org
http://bit.ly/1ofDG48
Relay win caps successful final session at Victor Lopez Bayou Classic
Red Storm Sports
http://bit.ly/1dHUJr6

NEWS RELEASES

Academic workplace bias against parents hurts nonparents too, researchers find
A new study from Rice and the University of California, San Diego shows that university workplace bias against scientists and engineers who use flexible work arrangements may increase employee dissatisfaction and turnover even for people who don’t have children.
http://bit.ly/1ffqc2g

Rice’s Houston Area Health Survey: Insurance goes with better health
A new study from Rice’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research determined that Houston area residents with health care insurance are more likely to report being in good health.
http://bit.ly/1pGcZAZ

Diamonds are an oil’s best friend
Rice scientists discovered that a mixture of diamond nanoparticles and mineral oil outperforms other fluids created for heat-transfer applications.
http://bit.ly/1mFoQlL