Dateline Rice for April 16, 2018 (Weekend Edition)

FEATURED ITEMS

Rice says Houston universities to join in ‘innovation’ hub project at defunct Sears 
With the development of a Midtown innovation district, Rice and other Houston-area colleges and universities will have a more active role in the city’s future digital-technology revolution. President David Leebron is quoted in a Houston Chronicle article on the project. The Houston Chronicle editors gave a thumbs-up to the project. A Bisnow article on the closing of a Sears store in Chicago mentions Rice’s plans.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription is required. Similar articles appeared in Brinkwire, Swamplot, Government Technology and Crunchbase.)
http://bit.ly/2JPgzuP
http://bit.ly/2vfZpmN
Thumbs up, thumbs down: Astros, Rockets and art car parade – all rate No. 1
Houston Chronicle (Subscription is required.)
http://bit.ly/2JRyr8m
Former Sears building to be new Houston innovation district
TMC News
http://bit.ly/2JQigZ0
The last Sears in Chicago’s city limits is closing
Bisnow
http://bit.ly/2JRqW0X

Battle over college course material is a textbook example of technological change
Nicole Finkbeiner, associate director for institutional relations at OpenStax, a Rice-based publisher of open educational resources, is quoted in an article about the importance of students’ ability to access digital courseware for multiple semesters.
Washington Post (Subscription is required. This article also appeared in CET US News and the Houston Chronicle.)
https://wapo.st/2JRwDMi

Boston startup’s app helps marathon runner train smarter
Rice Athletics Director Joe Karlgaard is featured and pictured for his training for the Boston Marathon.
Boston Herald
http://bit.ly/2JQp5tA

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL

Clinton, Tillerson and Gore among politicos giving commencement speeches this year
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who will speak at Rice’s spring commencement May 12, is mentioned.
CNN (This article appeared in more than 60 other media outlets.)
https://cnn.it/2EQ5BkR

How Venezuela has resorted to importing oil as its core industry faces collapse
Francisco Monaldi, fellow in Latin American energy policy at the Center for Energy Studies, the Mexico Center and the Latin America Initiative at the Baker Institute for Public Policy and a lecturer in energy economics at Rice, is quoted in an article about Venezuela’s dwindling oil production.
The Independent
https://ind.pn/2EQzguc

Tiny needles give defibrillators a big boost
Seniors in Rice’s bioengineering program created an add-on for automated external defibrillators that literally punches through the skin to help deliver a jolt to a person in cardiac arrest. Sid Richardson College’s Jamie Leong and Natalie Bolton, Lovett College’s Billy Jeon and Sylvia Cai and Jones College’s Alexander Lu are pictured. Lu, Jeong, Leong and Cai are quoted. Eric Richardson, lecturer and director of Global Medical Innovation, is mentioned. A Rice video is included.
Futurity (This article was featured in the April 16 edition of the Futurity Today newsletter, and similar articles appeared in Medical Xpress, Dotemirates, Brinkwire and Medgadget.)
http://bit.ly/2JQ4K7F

The No. 1 lesson on persistence from an astronaut who got rejected by NASA 3 times before getting the job
Mike Massimo, former adjunct professor of mechanical engineering and materials science at Rice, is featured and pictured in an article about the patience and perseverance needed to become an astronaut.
CNBC (This article appeared in 10 other media outlets.)
https://cnb.cx/2ENpr0d

HOUSTON/TEXAS

Federal taxes are due – Will you give more?
A column cites an issue brief titled “Charitable Contributions and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017” by Joyce Beebe, a fellow in public finance at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, that determined the elimination of itemized deductions in the new tax code will substantially reduce donations to charities.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription is required. This article appeared in the April 16 print edition with a different headline, “Change in tax laws could cause wealthy to curb charitable giving.” This article also appeared in the San Antonio Express-News.)
http://bit.ly/2vooQCS

Have you sent OPEC a thank-you note yet?
Jim Krane, the Wallace S. Wilson Fellow for Energy Studies at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, is quoted in an article about the importance of OPEC to the oil and gas industry in Houston.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription is required. This article appeared on the front of the Business section in the April 16 print edition with a different headline, “Houston’s message to OPEC: Thanks.”)
http://bit.ly/2vjyo1B

Some Texas Republicans fear Trump may hurt them, help Democrats in November
Mark Jones, the Joseph D. Jamail Chair in Latin American Studies, professor of political science, fellow in political science at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and fellow at Rice’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research, is quoted. Jones is also quoted in a KPRC-TV story on the possible political and economic fallout from the United States’ recent strike in Syria and an RT story on a recent spate of congressmen not seeking re-election.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription is required. This article appeared on the front page of the April 16 print edition. This article also appeared in the Laredo Morning Times and San Antonio Express-News.)
http://bit.ly/2vigeh3
http://bit.ly/2vjHuLP
KPRC-TV (Houston)    
http://bit.ly/2JP856P (Click the video button to watch the broadcast.)
Paul Ryan hangs up his briefcase
RT
http://bit.ly/2JOK3sI

Politicians can get ‘lost in translation’ when engaging Latino voters
Cultural relevance in political communications is critical to engaging Latinos, something that is missed in many campaigns. David Medina ’83, director of multicultural community relations in Rice’s Office of Public Affairs, is quoted.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription is required. This article appeared in the April 15 print edition with a different headline, “Lost in translation: Engaging Latino voters is a challenge.”)
http://bit.ly/2JOJgrH

Review: Trapped in the experience of Kate Soper’s ‘Killing Jar’
Alumna Kate Soper ’03 is featured and pictured.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription is required.)
http://bit.ly/2EQ9WEL

Study: Here’s how much HISD grads make post-high school
An article cites a recent study by Rice’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research titled “Life After the Diploma,” which found that despite high enrollment rates among Houston Independent School District graduates, completion rates were low. As a result, the earning potential of these individuals was significantly decreased. Brian Holzman, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Houston Education Research Consortium at the Kinder Institute for Urban Research, is mentioned.
Houston Business Journal (Subscription is required.)
http://bit.ly/2JRbTo8

4 running for Denton City Council Place 5
Alumna Deb Armintor ’02 is one of the four candidates featured and pictured.
Denton Record Chronicle
http://bit.ly/2JQXOqD

Texas Shark Tank hosts its first ever statewide competition
Rice is mentioned.
The Daily Texan
http://bit.ly/2vhTvld

My return to Santa Barbara: Part 2 of our wine country trip: Hilliard Bruce, Tyler, Bryon, Beckmen and Pence wineries
Rice is mentioned.
DallasWineChick.com
http://bit.ly/2vigtZv

BROADCAST

‘Present Time. America’
Edward Djerejian, director of Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, is interviewed for his insights on the United States’ recent missile strike in Syria.
Voice of America
http://bit.ly/2JPJS0b (An English translation is not available.)

Full show: Renegotiating NAFTA, and the Astros’ rainbow uniforms
Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy is bringing together members of the Mexican, Canadian and U.S. energy industries to discuss developments in the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement and how their industries will adapt to potential changes. Adrian Duhalt, postdoctoral fellow in Mexico energy studies at the Baker Institute’s Mexico Center and Center for Energy Studies, is interviewed on an episode of “Houston Matters.”
Houston Public Media
http://bit.ly/2JRgRkM

Rice students get ready to rev their engines at Shell Eco-marathon Americas event
The Rice Electric Vehicle Team will compete in the Shell Eco-marathon Americas on April 19 in California. Martel College senior Gigi Rill and Brown College senior Eric Voigt are interviewed.
CW39.com
http://bit.ly/2EQqtIB

Funeral held for Rice University officer killed in crash
Detective Rommel Espinola, a Rice University police officer who died April 5 as a result of injuries suffered when his car was struck by another vehicle, was laid to rest April 14.
KTRK.com (A similar segment appeared on KPRC-TV in Houston.)
https://abc13.co/2vjwD4x

WSCL-AM (Salisbury, Md.)
Alumna Monica Czausz ’16 is mentioned.
http://bit.ly/2viRepX (Click the audio button to listen to the broadcast.)

National Poetry Month: ‘In the Wheat Field’ by Kevin Prufer
Kevin Prufer will read his work April 23 at Rice’s Stude Concert Hall as part of the Margarett Root Brown Reading Series.
Houston Public Media
http://bit.ly/2JPPHuD

TRADE/PROFESSIONAL

Wearable microscopes get in focus
Ashutosh Sabharwal, professor of electrical and computer engineering, and Ashok Veeraraghavan, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, co-authored an article about the Rice-led team that developed a wearable point-of-care microscope that uses blue light to measure capillaries at the base of the fingernail. The device allows individuals to check their own white blood cell counts as needed, potentially improving the outcomes for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
EE Times
https://ubm.io/2JNeBLv

Technique to fine-tune 2-component biological sensors
Jeffrey Tabor, assistant professor of bioengineering and of biosciences, is quoted in an article about a new technique introduced by his lab that allows scientists to dial up or down the sensitivity of two-component systems — a class of proteins that bacteria use to sense a wide variety of stimuli. Alumnus Brian Landry ’17 and graduate student Lucas Hartsough are mentioned.
Phys.Org (Similar articles appeared in Brinkwire, Jersey Tribune, BrightSurf, Technology.org and ScienceMag.com.)
http://bit.ly/2JRCf9y

5 African-Americans named to new administrative posts at universities
Alumna Renita Miller ’07 was appointed associate dean for access, diversity and inclusion at the graduate school of Princeton University.
Journal of Blacks in Higher Education
http://bit.ly/2JQiC1p

Rice University: Jones College catching more rays
A second array of solar panels was recently installed at Rice’s Jones College.
Mentioned are Derrix Norman and Brad Thacker, senior operations managers at Rice Housing and Dining. Mark Ditman, associate vice president of housing and dining, and Richard Johnson ’92, director of Rice’s Administrative Center for Sustainability and Energy Management, are quoted.
4-Traders
http://bit.ly/2JPGAdt

Photographer, author hopes to educate community through work
Stephen Fox, lecturer of architecture, is mentioned.
Medical Health News
http://bit.ly/2JOw2Lu

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

Historian tells CNN: ‘Besieged’ Trump must feel like this is ‘the beginning of the end’
History Professor Douglas Brinkley is pictured and quoted in an article about the continued pressure facing President Donald Trump’s administration.
Raw Story
http://bit.ly/2vorrN8

Why happy accidents and a nonlinear career path are your secret weapon
Alumna Leslie Witt ’99 authored an article about the benefits of a winding career path in design.
Invision
http://bit.ly/2JN5Wst

Opinion: Honors is worth the investment
Rice is mentioned.
Arizona Daily Wildcat
http://bit.ly/2JOwnhe

SPORTS

Rice football retools with renewed energy this spring
Rice football players are focused on getting back to the basics. Brady Wright is quoted and pictured. Associate head coach Pete Lembo and player Emmanuel Esukpa are quoted, and head coach Mike Bloomgren is mentioned. Players Tyrae Thronton, Aaron Cephus, Anthony Ekpe and Randall Royal are mentioned. Bloomgren also is interviewed in a KTRK-TV story and mentioned in a Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal article.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription is required. This article also appeared in the San Antonio Express-News.)
http://bit.ly/2EQ5BRK
http://bit.ly/2vjfZSL
KTRK-TV (Houston)
http://bit.ly/2JNTHf4 (Click the video button to watch the broadcast.)
Which new coaches are most likely to succeed?
Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal
http://bit.ly/2vj3MgR

UH, Rice agree to basketball matchups in next 3 seasons
Rice’s men’s basketball will play longtime rival the University of Houston through the 2020-21 season.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription is required. This article also appeared in the San Antonio Express-News.)
http://bit.ly/2JQXuIs

Rice baseball breaks even in week’s slate of games
Rice won two games and lost two last week.
Galveston County Daily News (Subscription is required.)
http://bit.ly/2JPqGzH

Texans lineman Christian Covington recounts memorable spring vacation in Japan
Former Rice football player Christian Covington, who now plays for the Houston Texans, is featured and pictured. 
Yahoo! Sports (This article also appeared in the Japan Times.)
http://bit.ly/2JNDkzj
KTRK-TV (Houston) (This segment also aired on KDBC.)
http://bit.ly/2EQRE6h (Click the video button to watch the broadcast, which also aired on KDBC-TV in El Paso, Texas.)

Jimmy Butler carries underdog Timberwolves into series against his hometown Rockets
Several articles and broadcasts mention that the Minnesota Timberworlves practiced at Rice’s Tudor Fieldhouse.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription is required. This article also appeared in the Minneapolis Star Tribune.)
http://bit.ly/2ENycHD
KHOU-TV (Houston)
http://bit.ly/2EQNYkS (Click the video button to watch the broadcast.)
KPRC-TV (Houston)
http://bit.ly/2JPyLUQ (Click the video button to watch the broadcast.)
KXMC-TV (Minot, N.D.)
http://bit.ly/2JQTUOG (Click the video button to watch the broadcast.)

College Report: Kilgore’s Coldiron heating it up at Houston, more
Rice pole vaulter James McNaney is mentioned.
Longview News-Journal
http://bit.ly/2JMLjg1

First 4-sport Dragon All-Stater
Rice women’s basketball signee Haylee Swayze is featured.
Purcell Register
http://bit.ly/2JOvrtf

NEWS RELEASES

Quantum shift shows itself in coupled light and matter 
A team led by Rice scientists used a unique combination of techniques to observe, for the first time, a condensed matter phenomenon about which others have only speculated. The research could aid in the development of quantum computers.
http://bit.ly/2vjj5Gq

Rice U. students create training device for cervical cancer screening
A team of Rice students hopes a device they developed to train doctors and nurses in developing countries and low-resource areas in the U.S. to prevent and treat cervical cancer will improve the outlook for women with this disease.
http://bit.ly/2vpvt7Y

Rice orchestras to perform final concerts of academic year
Rice’s Shepherd School of Music Chamber and Symphony orchestras will perform their final concerts of the spring semester April 19 and 20. The Chamber Orchestra concert will be at 8 p.m. April 19 and the Symphony Orchestra will perform at 8 p.m. April 20.
http://bit.ly/2vmQ0df