Current News

Unconventional Students at Rice 2021: Zach Alvear finds fulfillment in academics and music

When Zach Alvear ’21 entered Rice as the Spring (Texas) High School valedictorian, he quickly found out he was in for a challenge.  

People, papers and presentations - April 19, 2021

Andrés Vela, a graduate student in double bass performance, is the Shepherd School of Music’s recipient of the Presser Graduate Music Award.

Mexico's economic slump here to stay, Baker Institute experts say

Mexico’s economy will continue to struggle unless there is a “radical shift” in the country's politics, according to experts from Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.

Economics lecturer James DeNicco wins George R. Brown Prize for Excellence in Teaching

If you ask James "Jimmy" DeNicco for his definition of great teaching, he can’t give you a simple answer.

Leebron lauds dedication amid pandemic, eyes return to 'relatively normal' at town hall

After a year of extraordinary challenges imposed by COVID-19, President David Leebron envisioned a campus returning to normal and outlined a post-pandemic future for Rice during the university’s annual town hall meeting.

Clements and Faubion convene conference of international Foucault ‘superstars’

Scholars’ twice-weekly talks this summer will consider newly published work by the French philosopher Micheal Foucault

Owls on to NCAA Tournament after winning Conference USA soccer title

The Rice soccer team earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament by defeating the University of North Carolina at Charlotte 2-0 in the Conference USA Tournament championship match April 17 at Holloway Field.

The final curtain

The final curtain at Rice Media Center, photo by Tommy LaVergne

Competition, not cooperation, will incentivize emissions reductions in China, says Baker Institute expert

The United States should compete with China on climate change initiatives rather than cooperate with its insincere regime, according to an analysis co-authored by an expert from Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.

Rice engineers WERC hard for the money

Students calling themselves “PFAS and PFurious” took four prizes, including first place, in this year’s 31st WERC Environmental Design Contest.

Rev. William Lawson visits namesake grove at Rice for first time

"I hope that generations of students will look him up and see what he did to deserve such a hallowed spot on the campus here."

Rice team vying for $1 million Solar Desalination Prize

A Rice team's clever design uses the power of the sun to make fresh water from saltwater, even at night.

More English learners at risk of future academic struggles in Texas public schools

HOUSTON – (April 15, 2021) – Education researchers from Rice University have documented a troubling trend in the system Texas public schools use to reclassify elementary school students learning English, evidence of a problem they say could have a serious impact on hundreds of thousands of the state’s schoolchildren.

Special collections archivist Focke wins Elizabeth Gillis Award

Amanda Focke, head of special collections for the Woodson Research Center at Fondren Library, was recognized for her exemplary service.

Rice updates plans for May commencement ceremonies

President David Leebron, Provost Reginald DesRoches, Dean of Undergraduates Bridget Gorman and Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Seiichi Matsuda sent the following message to the Rice community April 12 regarding updates to Rice's 2021 commencement plans: