Dateline Rice for Jan. 18, 2017

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL

Young predators can have bigger impact in the pond
When it comes to predators, the biggest mouths may not take the biggest bite. According to a new study from bioscientists at Rice, some predators have their greatest ecological impacts before they reach adulthood. Volker Rudolf, associate professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, and alumnus Benjamin Van Allen ’14 are quoted.
Futurity
http://bit.ly/2jwXd3k
Moving up the food chain can beat being on top
Phys Org (This also appeared in Science Daily.)
http://bit.ly/2jx0tM3

HOUSTON/TEXAS

Better flood warnings could save lives
Phil Bedient, the Herman Brown Professor of Engineering, is featured in a Q&A about flooding in Houston. Ryan Holeywell, senior editor at Rice’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research, authored the article, which was originally published in 2015.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required. This appeared in the Chronicle’s “Gray Matters” online magazine.)
http://bit.ly/2jx04Jk

UH pushes to raise national profile through $1B capital campaign
Rice’s $1 billion fundraising campaign is mentioned.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required. This article appeared on the front page of the Jan. 18 print edition with a different headline, “UH goes public with its $1B goal.”)
http://bit.ly/2iQS84G

1 wave done, more heavy rain headed for Houston
Rice University tweeted that all of their entrances to the campus are flooded and officials are working to “assess the situation.”
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/2iRsD3i
http://bit.ly/2jo8vUQ
Heavy rains bring high water, flooding throughout Houston
Houston Chronicle
http://bit.ly/2jKa0N7
Severe weather causes several delays for school in the Houston area
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/2jxjwpm
http://bit.ly/2jwydcn

What’s showing outside the megaplex?
Rice Cinema will show “All About Eve” Jan. 20 and Jan. 21.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/2k4AZpO

Big Thicket Association celebrates accomplishments of Thicket of Diversity project
In September/October U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Big Thicket National Preserve staff and Thicket of Diversity researchers assisted Rice University students in a mini-bioblitz.
Houston Chronicle (This also appeared in Beaumont Enterprise.)
http://bit.ly/2iBTB0j

BROADCAST

Life Lessons: Giving hand makers a helping hand
Those who make 3-D printed prosthetic hands may come to rely on a printed palm Rice students developed to help ensure that children get the most out of the devices. Alumna Michaela Dimoff ’16 is quoted.
WFMZ
http://bit.ly/2jwTnHu

TRADE/PROFESSIONAL

Core concept: How nonequilibrium thermodynamics speaks to the mystery of life
Fred MacKintosh, the Abercrombie Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, professor of physics and astronomy and of chemistry, is quoted regarding recent advances in the study of nonequilibrium thermodynamics at the microscopic scale.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
http://bit.ly/2jwYHdz

Polarimetry reveals properties of novel thin-film semiconductors
Chemical compounds based on elements that belong to the so-called transition metals can be processed to yield atomically thin two-dimensional crystals consisting of a monolayer of the composite in question. The resulting materials are semiconductors with remarkable optical properties. Rice is mentioned.
Laser Focus World
http://bit.ly/2jwRryu

Practicing what we preach: Successful succession
The Rice Global Engineering and Construction Forum is mentioned.
Construction Citizen
http://bit.ly/2iIT1Zz

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

Economic and security issues sideline women’s rights in Egypt
Marwa Shalaby, fellow for the Middle East and director of Women’s Rights in the Middle East Program at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, discusses women’s rights and gender equality in Egypt.
World Politics Review
http://bit.ly/2jx3pIB

Obama surprises press secretary by interrupting final White House briefing to express appreciation
Alumnus Josh Earnest ’97 is featured.
Times Sentinel (Similar articles appeared in over 50 other media outlets.)
http://bit.ly/2jx6isZ

Nearly 2,300 ASU grads flourish, thanks to Obama Scholars program
Graduate student Sergio Rojas is mentioned.
ASU Now
https://bitly.is/2jwZzz3

Neskowin brings in some stringers
Alumnus Yuel Yawney ’00 is mentioned.
Oregon Coast Today
http://bit.ly/2jwNWbb

Interns get crash course in coral reef ecology at CCMI
An article discusses an internship program at the Central Caribbean Marine Institute. Rice is mentioned.
Cayman Compass
http://bit.ly/2jwVJpB

Dr. Roger E. Olson to speak at HPU’s 10th annual Currie-Strickland Lectures
Alumnus Roger Olson ’82 is mentioned.
Brownwood News
http://bit.ly/2jwXvXH

Johnson Cano ’06 on new Bernstein CD with Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Alumna Jennifer Johnson-Cano ’08 is mentioned.
Webster University Alumni News
http://bit.ly/2jx0qQt

SPORTS

Young, energetic men’s tennis team prepares for spring season
Rice tennis is mentioned.
The Paisano
http://bit.ly/2jZZkJn

Preview: No. 20 Cougars return to diamond poised for success
Rice baseball is mentioned.
Daily Cougar
http://bit.ly/2jwZPOB

NEWS RELEASE

Baker Institute expert: Texas Legislature has options to reform the selection of judges
During the state’s 85th legislative session, which convened Jan. 10 and adjourns May 29, Texas legislators once again have the opportunity to enact reforms to the process by which the state selects its judges, according to an expert at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.
http://bit.ly/2iRhmjc