Dateline Rice for Sept. 11, 2015

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL

The 50 best private colleges in America
Rice is No. 18 on Business Insider’s list of the 50 best colleges based on SAT scores from College Board and median starting salaries from Payscale.
Business Insider Singapore (This article also appeared in Business Insider Malaysia, Business Insider Indonesia, Yahoo! Singapore and Yahoo! News UK.)
http://bit.ly/1gfpipy

These 25 schools are responsible for the greatest advances in science
Rice is No. 14 on Quartz’s list of universities with researchers who have received membership with the National Academy of Science, Engineering or Medicine, one of the highest honors a researcher can receive.
Quartz
http://bit.ly/1Q5Fq9y

The future of work: But what will humans do?
Moshe Vardi, director of the Ken Kennedy Institute for Information Technology and Rice’s Karen Ostrum George Distinguished Service Professor of Computational Engineering and professor of computer science, authored an op-ed about future changes in the workplace.
Pacific Standard
http://bit.ly/1Q6fZEX

Rwanda: The global search for education – a global education for all
Former Rice President George Rupp, who was appointed chair of the board of directors for the International Baccalaureate, is interviewed.
AllAfrica
http://bit.ly/1i3yY7S

Is Earth as special as we think?
According to recent research by Adrian Lenardic, professor of Earth science, if the “experiment” of our solar system was restarted, seemingly insignificant early changes — like internal heat, climate or water content — could completely reroute planetary history.
Si Viagga
http://bit.ly/1O5NUjm

How one CEO uses extreme openness to lead 8,000 people
Alumnus Jim Whitehurst ’89, CEO of Red Hat Inc., is interviewed.
Forbes (This article also appeared in Latest Nigerian News.)
http://onforb.es/1M0BUwg

HOUSTON/TEXAS

Why car-crazy cities are riding the rails
Bill Fulton, director of Rice’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research, and Kyle Shelton, postdoctoral research fellow at Rice’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research, co-authored an op-ed about the growth of light rail systems in car-dependent cities.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/1L6nhcv

Jajoo looks to be first South Asian mayor of Sugar Land
Sugar Land City Council member Harish Jajoo is running to be the Fort Bend County city’s first South Asian mayor. Stephen Klineberg, professor of sociology and founding director of Rice’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research, is cited for his study on Fort Bend County’s growing diversity.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/1JYZXJg
Council member Harish Jajoo bids to be Sugar Land City’s first South Asian mayor
India Currents
http://bit.ly/1ULtw69
Indian-American bids to be US city’s first South Asian mayor
Siasat Daily
http://bit.ly/1MgzZ9V
Indian-American bids to be US city’s first South Asian mayor
WebIndia123
http://bit.ly/1OiCRCK

In first televised debate, mayoral candidates face tough questions
Mark Jones, the Joseph D. Jamail Chair in Latin American Studies, professor of political science and fellow in political science at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, comments on the first televised Houston mayoral debate, presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz’s campaign strategy and actress Eva Longoria’s interest in running for public office.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/1F1Df6y
Carly Fiorina, Ted Cruz in Phoenix at key point in race
AZCentral.com (This article also appeared in KENS-TV and KTVB-TV.)
http://bit.ly/1NtHR8g
Eva Longoria: Could her next starring role be vice president of the United States?
CityWatch
http://bit.ly/1EStyY5

Texas university system rolls out ‘free freshman’ program
Starting next fall, the Texas State University System plans to encourage nontraditional students to take massive open online courses (MOOCs) that prepare them to take Advanced Placement (AP) or College-Level Examination Program tests so they can earn college credits before arriving on campus. Faculty from Rice are teaching some MOOCs geared toward preparing for the AP test for physics and other science courses.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/1Q539GS
Free freshman year? Texas State hopes to try it out
Texas Tribune (This article also appeared in KEYE-TV, KGBT-TV and My High Plains.)
http://bit.ly/1Kck7Dg
Texas State University plans free freshman year for nontraditional students
ValleyCentral.com
http://bit.ly/1VRt4Wj

President Obama honors Larry McMurtry in elegant White House ceremony
Alumnus Larry McMurtry, the acclaimed American novelist, essayist, screenwriter and bookseller who earned his master’s degree in English from Rice University in 1960, has received a 2014 National Humanities Medal for outstanding achievements in his field.
Dallas Morning News
http://bit.ly/1M0ATo8

How did Texas universities fare on this year’s higher education rankings?
Rice University is ranked No. 18 among the best national universities and the highest among universities in Texas in the 2016 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges” guidebook.
Austin American-Statesman
http://atxne.ws/1OGf6m2

Texas takes much-needed step towards coastal flooding, storm surge protection
Politicians, universities, including Rice’s Severe Storm Prediction, Education and Evacuation from Center, and local officials are pushing for action to protect the Texas coast.
Kingwood Observer (This article also appeared in the Tribune, Bay Area Citizen, Humble Observer, Atascocita Observer, Lake Houston Observer, East Montgomery Observer and the Pasadena Citizen.)
http://bit.ly/1Nl5uOM
Take action now to protect the Texas coast
Irving Weekly
http://bit.ly/1M0Bm9Y

Dean Becker wants you to call the drug czar
Dean Becker, a nonresident research associate and member of the Drug Policy Program at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, authored an op-ed about his wish to have a discussion with Michael Botticelli, the head of the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
Free Press Houston
http://bit.ly/1O5MHsm

Urban planners, conservationists teaming up for nature conference
The first People Plus Nature Conference will be held at Rice’s BioScience Research Collaborative Oct. 21-22. Rice’s Shell Center for Sustainability is mentioned.
Katy Rancher
http://bit.ly/1gdlXrd

BROADCAST

1 deadly pollutant in a fast-growing Houston suburb
The Sierra Club conducted a test of the pollutants radiating from the W.A. Parish Power Plant owned by NRG and found that it was emitting sulfur dioxide in excess of government standards. Daniel Cohan, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, comments.
Houston Public Media (This also aired on Texas Standard.)
http://bit.ly/1VR2zAn

Why Republicans still run to the right on social issues
William Martin, the Harry and Hazel Chavanne Senior Fellow in Religion and Public Policy at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, discusses the connection between evangelicals and the Republican party.
KUT.org
http://bit.ly/1L6mRme

Houston father, son embark on 24-hour run for pediatric cancer patients
A father and son plan to run for 24 hours straight, starting at Rice, to raise awareness for children fighting cancer.
ABC13.com
http://abc13.co/1K0gEUx

TRADE/PROFESSIONAL

Science provides new way to peer into pores
Rice University scientists combine techniques to create a new way to characterize the nanoscale spaces in porous materials. The technique should be of value to materials and biological sciences. Christy Landes, assistant professor of chemistry, is quoted.
Bionity.com (This article also appeared in 12 other media outlets.)
http://bit.ly/1OiByDF
Imaging of nanoscale pores aids drug discovery
Photonics.com
http://bit.ly/1K1WI65

Genetically engineered bacterial cells ‘talk’ to each other
Rice scientists made a living circuit from multiple types of bacteria that prompt cooperation to change protein expression. Matthew Bennett, assistant professor of biochemistry and cell biology, is mentioned.
Genetic Literacy Project
http://bit.ly/1iiYtTC

New clue to halting leukemia relapse found
Rice researchers identify and validate a new molecular mechanism of action to overcome drug resistance in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Zachary Ball, associate professor of chemistry, is quoted.
Science Daily (This article also appeared in BioScience Technology.)
http://bit.ly/1NtFGBF

Algorithm optimizes ‘big data’ clusters for medical breakthroughs
Rice scientists have developed a “big data” technique that could have an impact on health care and more. Amina Qutub, assistant professor of bioengineering, and graduate student Wendy Hu are quoted.
Information Management
http://bit.ly/1VRBcpV

Environment, Energy & National Resources Center at UH Law Center draws top experts to discuss EPA, shale and clean energy
Charles McConnell, executive director of Rice’s Energy and Environment Initiative, will give a lecture at the Environment, Energy & Natural Resources Center’s Fall 2015 Speakers Series at the University of Houston Law Center.
Your Oil and Gas News
http://bit.ly/1O5A5l3

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

TACL talks diversity, community conversations on race
Talbot County branch president Richard Potter quoted Michael Emerson, formerly the Allyn and Gladys Cline Professor of Sociology at Rice, during his speech at the Talbot Association of Clergy and Laity’s September rally meeting.
Democrat Star
http://bit.ly/1NlVm8m

America’s incredible shrinking stock market
Gustavo Grullon, professor of finance at the Jones Graduate School of Business, is cited for his paper, “The Disappearance of Public Firms and the Changing Nature of U.S. Industries,” which will be presented at the 2015 Northern Finance Association Conference in Canada.
Canadian Investment Review
http://bit.ly/1O5LelN

Physics colloquium series opens with planetarium show at Marietta College Sept. 11
Graduate student Chad Byers will speak at Cosmic Castaways, a new planetarium show at Marietta College.
Daily-Jeff.com
http://bit.ly/1ER8iCj

Windsurfer has eyes set on Olympics
An article about windsurfer Carson Crain mentions that he attended Rice for two years but put his education on hold to focus on his campaign for the 2016 Olympics.
Mount Desert Islander
http://bit.ly/1iCifcB

4 new instrumentalists join the SLSO
Alumna Andrea Jarrett ’15 will perform with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
http://bit.ly/1Mf1CA6

Local Republican Party to host Reagan Day dinner Saturday
Alumnus Alberto Gonzales ’79 will be the keynote speaker for the Cumberland County Republican Party’s Reagan Day Dinner Sept. 12 at Martin Elementary School.
Crossville Chronicle
http://bit.ly/1KIMDyo

Encinitas planning director hired by city of San Diego
San Diego hired Jeff Murphy as its new planning director, a position once held by Bill Fulton, director of Rice’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research.
Seaside Courier
http://bit.ly/1QsQzCi
Jeff Murphy leaves Encinitas planning job for San Diego’s
Times of San Diego
http://bit.ly/1K0FJyM

SPORTS

When Rice beat Texas: Oct 16, 1994
Rice football will play against University of Texas at Austin Sept. 12 at the Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Head coach David Bailiff is quoted. Player Driphus Jackson is mentioned.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/1geDJKO
Athletes to watch this weekend
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/1Q6Dcqq
Added costs, fewer wins rile some UT fans
Houston Chronicle (This appeared on the front of the Sports section. Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/1KcXJ8k
Charlie Strong and Texas’ dubious problems on offense
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/1gf2GFQ
Sports weekend TV guide
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/1i3C8se
Arlington Martin grad out to prove worth against Texas
Fort Worth Star-Telegram (This also appeared in the Dallas Sun. Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/1MgMv9i
KWTX-TV (Waco, Texas)
http://bit.ly/1O4D6SG
KTBC-TV (Austin, Texas)
http://bit.ly/1J1nZkZ
KEYE-TV (Austin, Texas)
http://bit.ly/1O4DjoS
http://bit.ly/1OiTuxW
http://bit.ly/1NmgFa4
KVUE-TV (Austin, Texas)
http://bit.ly/1Q6Pkrs
KSAT-TV (San Antonio)
http://bit.ly/1Nl6Nx5
http://bit.ly/1VRIytx
KBMT-TV (Beaumont, Texas)
http://bit.ly/1NmgNX7
KJAC-TV (Beaumont, Texas)
http://bit.ly/1VRIvOf

Texans’ selection of Brian Hoyer gets high marks
Houston sports reporter and radio talk show host Nate Griffin, who has worked on Rice football radio broadcasts, is now a general assignments reporter at KRIV-TV (Channel 26).
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/1VRBZHl

College cross country: Cougars to compete at Rice Invitational
Several Texas universities, including Rice, will compete at the 40th Annual Rice Invitational on campus today.
Atascocita Observer (This article also appeared in Sugar Land Sun.)
http://bit.ly/1ihIk0C
Cross country set to compete at Rice Invitational Friday
Your Valley Voice
http://bit.ly/1VRtCM3

Lose by 40 in season-opener? There’s a positive side for Wagner College
Rice football beat Wagner College 56-16 at Rice Stadium.
Silive.com
http://bit.ly/1UKogQ8

RedHawks ready for Rice
Rice women’s soccer will play against Miami University this weekend.
Miami Student
http://bit.ly/1KIBRYV

Twins: Rookie Tyler Duffey ready, eager to keep throwing
Former baseball standout Tyler Duffey is featured.
Pioneer Press
http://bit.ly/1QsZgfQ

Panthers’ close Super Bowl loss refocused after latest New England Patriots report by ESPN
Former Carolina Panthers coach Marty Hurney mentioned that the New England Patriots’ practices were originally scheduled at Rice but moved to Reliant Stadium.
Live5News.com
http://bit.ly/1UKrByR

Covington cracks Texans’ roster
The Houston Texans selected former Rice football player Christian Covington in the 2015 NFL draft.
BCLocalNews.com (This article also appeared in Surrey/North Delta Leader and Peace Arch News.)
http://bit.ly/1Qt0HuA
BCHSFB newsletter issue 1
Independent Sports News
http://bit.ly/1K2fEBC