Brandi Smith

Senior Spotlight: Riya Misra ’25

At Rice, senior Riya Misra found that studying the humanities wasn’t only about literature; it was about sharpening the essential tools for any storyteller.

Rap meets rhetoric

For fall 2025, professor Kiese Laymon is breaking new ground with a course that centers on the beef between Lamar and Drake, a cultural moment that’s still reverberating in real time.

Rice deepens global roots with new educational and research collaborations in India

As India’s influence grows in fields such as climate change, biotechnology and artificial intelligence, Rice is positioning itself to be a key collaborator.

At Rice, research opportunities help senior bring childhood dreams to life

For senior Dasseny Arreola, pursuing two majors, one minor, three research fellowships and even a novel was never about checking boxes.

Senior Spotlight: Sophie Urban ’25

Torn between a conservatory and a university experience, Sophie Urban said she chose Rice for the “best of both worlds”: world-class musical training and a close-knit community.

Leila Josefowicz inspires Shepherd School violinists in master class focused on expression, artistry

Celebrated worldwide for her passionate advocacy of new music and her compelling interpretations of major repertoire, Leila Josefowicz brought that same energy and insight to a spirited session at the Shepherd School

Grief as witness, memory as resistance

Hosted by the School of Humanities, the annual Kazimi Lecture honors the memory of Syed Safdar and Samina Kazimi by inviting artists and scholars whose work deepens understanding of Shi’i Islam.

New Art / New Music connects students and audiences at the Moody

This go-round, student composers responded to “Breath(e): Toward Climate and Social Justice,” filling the galleries with sound and giving audiences a different way to experience both the music and the art.

Rice scholars offer insight on life signature discovery from planet K2-18b

The finding, reported by The New York Times April 16, builds on generations of inquiry into whether life exists beyond Earth.

Building better AI starts with asking better questions; Rice is doing just that

Humanities disciplines, especially medical humanities, shouldn’t just be consulted at the end of the development pipeline when systems are being evaluated for bias or misuse.

Rice students explore identity, history, health in expanded Humanities Days showcase

Humanities Days offered Rice students the chance to present their research and creative work in panels, poster sessions and art presentations.

Empathy in the aftermath: 15 years after Deepwater Horizon accident, ‘SPILL’ rekindles urgent reflections

Rice hosted a timely and intimate conversation about the personal and political fallout that continues to ripple across the Gulf Coast.

Living legend brings ‘The Ghosts of Versailles’ to life at Shepherd School

Before audience members took their seats for the sold-out performances of “The Ghosts of Versailles” at Rice’s Shepherd School of Music, they were treated to rare, behind-the-scenes insight from famed composer John Corigliano.

Rice scholars, archive offer historical depth for AAPI Heritage Month

As journalists prepare to cover Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May, Rice offers a unique resource rooted in the stories of one of the country’s most diverse cities.

Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra welcomes new leader Miguel Harth-Bedoya with ‘New Beginnings’ concert

The concert marks Miguel Harth-Bedoya’s first time conducting the Symphony Orchestra since joining the Shepherd School faculty as distinguished resident director of orchestras and professor of conducting.