Prospective doctoral students were welcomed to Rice University with high energy during "Night at the Museum," a signature event recently held at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
More than 600 prospective students had the opportunity to mingle with current Rice students, faculty and staff, thanks to the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS). The evening featured a “Passport to Rice” stamp activity, a diverse culinary experience courtesy of Masraff’s, and exploration of the museum's iconic exhibits, including the Morian Hall of Paleontology, the Matter and Motion Hall and the Foucault Pendulum.
“Night at the Museum is an opportunity for us to showcase the best of Rice and Houston,” said Seiichi Matsuda, dean of graduate and postdoctoral studies and E. Dell Butcher chair in chemistry. “This event gives us the opportunity to show prospective students what awaits them in Houston — a friendly, welcoming and world-class grad school experience.”
GPS collaborated with various departments and student groups to host this annual event for prospective students so that guests could gain a 360 degree view of Rice culture and opportunities.
“We all truly believe in Rice’s mission of fostering connection to enhance collaboration,” Matsuda said. “That is obvious during Night at the Museum — the entire campus comes together to support graduate education.”
For Jackson Maxwell, a student at the University of Alabama applying to Rice's chemistry program, Night at the Museum embodied
this warm spirit.
“Everyone at Rice has been so welcoming,” he said. “I feel like everyone here is open to talking with me. They’re willing to share their thoughts on Houston and answer any questions. It feels like I’ve found a place where I can truly be myself.”
The night also highlighted the unique qualities of Rice’s academic community: close-knit, interdisciplinary and expansive.
Benjamin Vanschaick, a chemistry and biochemistry student at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, found the research environment at Rice particularly appealing, which piqued his interest in attending Night at the Museum.
“What brings me here today are the professors leading cutting-edge research in chemical physics, biophysics, and physical chemistry,” he said. “The interdisciplinary nature of research at Rice is truly compelling. It’s exciting to meet other graduate students from related fields and interact with professors in a more casual setting. Coming from rural Minnesota, this experience is eye-opening and energizing. I’m thrilled to be here and make connections.”
The enthusiasm was not one-sided; current students were equally eager to share their experiences as Owls. Nathaniel Uy, a master’s student in the School of Social Sciences, volunteered as an ambassador for prospective graduate students and reflected on how his own time at Rice influenced his decision to apply for a Ph.D. program.
“When you’re considering a Ph.D. program, it is vital to understand the environment you’ll be in for several years,” Uy explained. “You can’t rely solely on the program’s number of academic publications to make a decision to attend; talking to current students gives you a real sense of the program. If you hear from students who are thriving, that’s the best insight into the program and the university.”
Event organizer Cam Zapater, Student Development and Recruitment Administrator in GPS, captured the evening’s ultimate essence.
“The event brings together the entire Rice community, offering prospective students a glimpse of the incredible support system that awaits them here. This is my second year working on Night at the Museum, and it just keeps getting better.”