Dateline Rice for Feb. 4, 2016

FEATURED ITEM

Houston think tank named among the best in the world
Rice’s Baker Institute is now ranked among the top five university-affiliated think tanks in the world, according to an annual index of global think tanks. Edward Djerejian, director of Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, is quoted. President David Leebron is also mentioned in the CultureMap Houston article.
Houston Business Journal
http://bit.ly/1TGpcYP
Rice University’s Baker Institute continues climb to tops in world rankings of think tanks
CultureMap Houston
http://bit.ly/1o76opB

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL

Edward P. Djerejian discusses Syrian peace talks with ‘Al Jazeera English’
Edward Djerejian, director of Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and former ambassador to Israel and to Syria, discusses the Syrian peace talks.
Al Jazeera English
http://bit.ly/20IRALM

New study: Students learn better with views of trees
A photo of Rice is included.
HuffPost Impact
http://huff.to/1K0Dj9k

HOUSTON/TEXAS

Rice University researchers have developed an antibiotic-infused, time-released gel for space holders in facial reconstruction
Rice researchers test antibiotic-infused block copolymers in their plastic spacers to protect craniofacial tissue from infection while healing. Antonios Mikos, the Louis Calder Professor of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and graduate student Sarita Shah are quoted. Alumnus Paschalia Mountziaris ’10 is mentioned.
TMC News
http://bit.ly/1o6ynpv
TMC Pulse magazine (Scroll to pages 10-11.)
bit.ly/1K0RA5W

Rivals aim to dog Cruz over tactics
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, is quoted about the Iowa caucus, the Democratic presidential primaries and Sen. Ted Cruz’s presidential campaign. Jones also authored an op-ed about the March 1 Texas primaries.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required. This article also appeared in My San Antonio.)
http://bit.ly/1UNMiLn
http://bit.ly/20ICHcj
3 Texas incumbents have reason to sweat a bit this February
The Hill
http://bit.ly/1SKrt4l
Primary field could start to shrink soon
KTRH
http://bit.ly/1VQfEJm
Sanders and Clinton to square off
KTSA
http://bit.ly/1X5Djqo
http://bit.ly/1S2LHHV (Click on the audio button to listen to the broadcast.)
Heidi Cruz: Ted’s not-so-secret fund-raising weapon
NewsMax
http://nws.mx/1o9LYw2
Lo que se espera para las primarias de New Hampshire tras votaciones en Iowa
Semana News (An English translation is not available.)
http://bit.ly/1SvcLQG

Texas investment in ’emerging research’ universities paying off
Four Texas universities — Texas Tech University, the University of North Texas, the University of Texas at Arlington and the University of Texas at Dallas — have been added to the list of schools with “highest research activity” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Rice is mentioned as already having this classification.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required. This article appeared on the front of the Feb. 4 print edition with a different headline, “4 more Texas schools rise to Tier 1.”)
http://bit.ly/1R5ROdi
Texas Take: Feb. 4, 2016
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/1nPn59c
http://bit.ly/1PWEVTY
UT Arlington, UNT earn elite research designation
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
http://bit.ly/20H7oig
4 Texas colleges reach Carnegie ‘Tier One’ status
My High Plains
http://bit.ly/1StIFNg
Texas Tech achieves Tier One Carnegie designation
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
http://bit.ly/1PUhZ1s
A big day for 3 North Texas universities
Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/1mg3ehP
4 colleges reach ‘Tier One’ status
Longview News-Journal
http://bit.ly/1PCEtYR
Tier One status a boon for UNT
Denton Record-Chronicle
http://bit.ly/1S2EXJZ
UT Arlington and UT Dallas achieve Carnegie ‘Tier One’ classification
The University of Texas System
http://bit.ly/1QeXUTR
Top tier status eludes UTSA in latest rankings
WOAI
http://bit.ly/1PkSkzC

HISD bonus program at risk amid budget problems
Rice studies of the Houston Independent School District bonus program are mentioned.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required. This article appeared on the front of the Feb. 4 print edition with a different headline, “HISD bonus plan at risk.”)
http://bit.ly/1SKtlKw

Better together: Houston’s power couples
President David Leebron and University Representative Y. Ping Sun and Rice Board of Trustees Chair Bobby Tudor ’82 and Phoebe Tudor are included in a slideshow titled “Houston’s power couples.”
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/1PCHPLu
http://bit.ly/1L0jBW1

Here’s what’s on Houston stages this week
Rice Dance Theatre will perform as part of Dance Month at the Kaplan Theatre Feb. 6.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required. This article also appeared in My San Antonio.)
http://bit.ly/20ISBne
http://bit.ly/1nGOauG

Outside the megaplex
Rice Cinema will be showing “I Am Not Angry” Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. and “A Girl Walks Alone at Night” Feb. 6 at 7 p.m.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/1SYzJ22
http://bit.ly/1TEvbNO

Civil Court at Law 1
Alumni Clyde Leuchtag ’85 and F. Richard Leach ’06 are both running for Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 1.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/1Pkz2uc

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner appoints new director of education
Alumna Juliet Stipeche ’96, associate director of Rice’s Richard Tapia Center for Excellence and Equity, has been appointed city of Houston director of education.
Click2Houston
http://bit.ly/20H7SVC
Mayor Turner names new director of education
OutSmart Magazine (This article also appeared in Houston Style Magazine.)
http://bit.ly/1T08AM7

Rice Gallery presents Thorsten Brinkmann: ‘The Great Cape Rinderhorn’ opening reception
German artist Thorsten Brinkmann’s exhibit “The Great Cape Rinderhorn” opens Feb. 4 at the Rice Gallery.
CultureMap Houston
http://bit.ly/1mgbjTF
Top 8 Houston art opening and events in February 2016
365 Things To Do in Houston
http://bit.ly/1nPuEN9

Houston Symphony announces 2016-17 season
The Houston Symphony announced two “Musically Speaking” series planned for this season at Rice’s Stude Concert Hall, and the 41st annual Ima Hogg Competition semifinals and finals also will be held at the Shepherd School of Music.
HereHouston.com
http://bit.ly/1QGBJJ2

Learn to save a life: Free statewide hands-only CPR Feb. 6
A free CPR training course will be held at Rice Feb. 6.
Houston on the Cheap
http://bit.ly/1SKRdO4

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

Grants roundup: $40 million to program for Asian health care workers
Houston Endowment has awarded $7 million to Rice’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research to greatly expand its research capacity and ability to help solve the most pressing challenges facing Houston and cities across the U.S. Sun Belt.
The Chronicle of Philanthropy
http://bit.ly/1PA3Tq9

New MASSPIRG report shows students spend billions of financial aid on textbooks
A report released by Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group shows that over a quarter of students surveyed use financial aid to pay for textbooks. Rice’s investment in open educational resources is mentioned.
The Beacon
http://bit.ly/1SHGTGI

Billings pediatrician reflects on 1st-place win at 1999 science competitions
Alumna Erin Allen ’03 reflects on her 1999 science fair wins.
Billings Gazette
http://bit.ly/1R34KAI

Students, librarians urge professors to use free, online textbooks
Two bills currently in the Washington state Legislature would promote and facilitate the use of open-source course materials, if passed. Rice University-based publisher OpenStax is mentioned. Beginning in the fall, Grand Rapids Community College will begin using OpenStax in place of the current options. Michael Vera, an associate professor at the University of Southern Mississippi, has also proposed to ease the burden on students by encouraging the use of free online textbooks, including OpenStax.
The Seattle Times
http://bit.ly/1S2Ajfa
GRCC’s seeks to lower textbook costs for students with new partnership
M Live
http://bit.ly/20bF05E
Physics professor proposes free online textbook
The Student Printz
http://bit.ly/1PkCFjA

Editorial: Science and religion aren’t in competition at LeTourneau University
James Tour, the T.T. and W.F. Chao Professor of Chemistry, professor of computer science and of materials science and nanoengineering, will speak at LeTourneau University March 26. Tour is also mentioned as the inventor of silicon oxide (SiOx) Resistive Random Access Memory (ReRAM) technology.
Longview News-Journal
http://bit.ly/1SZWeUp
Memory capacity breakthrough adds legroom for IoT
FinFeed
http://bit.ly/1Svgxtg

Samuel Waters, memorable Valjean in GMHS’ ‘Les Mis,’ dies at age 22
Rice University senior Samuel Waters died at his home in Falls Church, Va., Jan. 27 after a five-year battle with cancer. He was 22.
Falls Church News-Press
http://bit.ly/1S2EhUV

Crain’s Midwest Manufacturer’s Summit
Alumnus Tom Pellette ’86 will speak at the Crain’s Midwest Manufacturer’s Summit Feb. 25.
Chicago Business
http://bit.ly/1nPtFfR

The campus as petting zoo
Architect Ralph Adams Cram is mentioned for planning Rice’s campus.
Architect Magazine
http://bit.ly/1QeYpxj

SPORTS

Eighteen Texas high school student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to play for the Owls. Head football coach David Bailiff and co-offensive coordinator Billy Lynch are quoted in the Houston Chronicle’s “Bailiff sees Rice’s recruiting glass as half full“ article, and alumnus Jarrett Dillard ’08 is mentioned. Bailiff is also quoted in the KHOU and Brazos Sports articles.
Rice’s 2016 recruiting class at a glance
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/1L0he5y
Bailiff sees Rice’s recruiting glass as half full
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/1PCGX9J
Breaking down Rice’s 2016 recruiting class
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required. A similar slideshow is included in 23 other Houston Chronicle articles.)
http://bit.ly/1nPoe0w
http://bit.ly/1nJg8pr
Elsik duo splits — one to Florida State, one to Texas
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/1mecuCQ
http://bit.ly/1nHql5S
Manvel recruit announces signing while skydiving
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/1S17sIa
National signing day: Complete list of area high school athlete signings
Houston Chronicle
http://bit.ly/20IOO9m
SETX students ink commitments on national signing day
Houston Chronicle
http://bit.ly/1T03Vdd
Rice Owls add 18 on national signing day
KHOU
http://bit.ly/209Vuev
Local football players prepare for college on national signing day
Statesman
http://atxne.ws/1PWHvcE
Rice football adds 18 on signing day 2016
The Katy Rancher
http://bit.ly/1NS6LZR
National signing day: Humble ISD has 34 athletes sign on national signing day
Atascocita Observer
http://bit.ly/1Pisb4o
Several B-CS student-athletes sign with colleges Wednesday
Brazos Sports
http://bit.ly/1VQkI0e
Franklin’s Will Phillips signs with Rice University
KAGS
http://bit.ly/1NS9wdR
Signing day at Westlake
KVUE
http://bit.ly/1nPuBkq
KFXV
http://bit.ly/1PCK3dQ
KJAC
http://bit.ly/1QIdw4Y

Soccer lands 7 on national signing day
Seven student-athletes signed a national letter of intent to play for Rice. Head soccer coach Nicky Adams is quoted.
CUSA
http://bit.ly/1KY9cu3
Athletes enjoy spotlight on signing day
News4Jax
http://bit.ly/1QGGAtN
7 Indy athletes share signing day
Franklin Home Page
http://bit.ly/1SZZrTX

Rice’s Bennett, Ip sweep C-USA honors
Lovett College junior Tommy Bennett and Brown College junior Katherine Ip were named the Conference USA Tennis Athletes of the Week for the week ending Jan. 31.
Memorial Examiner
http://bit.ly/1ULGke0

After productive weekend at home, Louisiana Tech travels to face Rice
Rice men’s basketball will face Louisiana Tech University Feb. 4.
MyArkLaMiss
http://bit.ly/1L0ayEC

Ultimate Frisbee seeks success in spring season
The Rice Ultimate Frisbee team defeated Savage Skies during the Anti-Freeze tournament.
The Threefold Advocate
http://bit.ly/1PV2fBA

Jordan ‘Sunshine’ Taylor just might be Manning’s good-luck charm
Former Rice football player Jordan Taylor has played a key role behind the scenes on the practice squad, working with Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning.
Mile High Report
http://bit.ly/1PS9ljL
Super Bowl 50: Betters off Peyton Manning’s bandwagon? Updated spread, prop bets
The Indian Republic
http://bit.ly/1QcHrj6
Here’s why Peyton Manning bought his ‘favorite receiver’ a custom suit
Broncos Wire
http://usat.ly/20GQjF7

New North Texas coach salvages class with late surge
Alumnus Chetachi Ozougwu ’11 is mentioned.
WFAA
http://bit.ly/1TGhRbG

Finally healthy, Chargois is bringing the heat
Alumni J.T. Chargois ’13 and Tyler Duffey ’13 are mentioned.
Twins Daily
http://bit.ly/1PkCrZM

49 memorable moments, fun facts from every Super Bowl
The 1974 Super Bowl, played at Rice Stadium, was the first time a Super Bowl was held at a stadium not used by an NFL team.
USA Today (This article also appeared in My Statesman and KREM2.)
http://usat.ly/1PkvY17
Joe Knows Feb. 3
Pantagraph
http://bit.ly/1PWv5l0
What are the best, worst Super Bowls
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/1nPmTXx
http://bit.ly/1TGuiEw

NEWS RELEASES

Baker Institute panels to highlight major issues of campaign season 2016
Two panels hosted by Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy will explore hotly debated issues of the 2016 presidential campaign in advance of Super Tuesday (March 1), when Texas and 13 other states will hold primary elections. The first panel, Feb. 10, will focus on international affairs, followed by a Feb. 16 panel on domestic issues.
http://news.rice.edu/?p=86696

What awaits Cruz in New Hampshire? Texas political expert weighs in
With U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, coming off a win in the Iowa caucuses, what does the Feb. 9 New Hampshire primary have in store for his quest for the White House? Texas political expert Mark Jones, a professor of political science at Rice University and fellow at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, is available to comment on how Cruz and the other candidates in the crowded Republican field might fare in New Hampshire and the overall 2016 presidential race.
http://news.rice.edu/?p=86688

Rice’s Kinder Institute to host Feb. 11 talk about designing healthier cities
Can cities be designed to help people’s health, rather than harm it? James Sallis, a health and wellness expert, will discuss how careful planning can ensure a healthy community in his upcoming public talk, “Designing Cities for Active Living,” hosted by the Kinder Institute Forum, part of Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research. The event, which is free, will be at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at Rice’s BioScience Research Collaborative.
http://news.rice.edu/?p=86683