Q: How long have you worked at Rice?
A: Three years.
Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?
A: It’s easily the community of Rice. No matter who you talk to within the university, it feels like you’ve known them forever. When people talk about the culture of care, it’s not an exaggeration. I love meeting a staff member from a completely different department and still feeling an instant connection. There’s a warmth here that’s hard to put into words.
Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?
A: While Houston might seem industrial at first glance, it’s full of unexpected green spaces. Whether you’re walking along Buffalo Bayou, relaxing in Hermann Park or exploring Memorial Park, it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of a major city. There’s so much natural beauty woven into the rhythm of Houston life.
Q: What do you do in your downtime?
A: I like to explore the green spaces. Each weekend I try to find a new park with a nearby coffee shop and take a nice long walk. It’s a great way to explore a neighborhood I’ve never been to. You will also find me at Buffalo Bayou each evening going on a run.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show someone?
A: There are so many to choose from including the Turrell Skyspace, the Sallyport and the new quad, but my favorite one has to be the frog wall on Anderson Hall. It was the first little hidden gem someone showed me when I got to Rice, and it’s stuck with me ever since. Sometimes it’s the small, quirky things that make the biggest impression.
Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?
A: The end of the spring semester. There’s a natural sense of closure and celebration with some students graduating and preparing for the next chapter while others have just completed their first year. It’s a season full of accomplishment, pride and the promise of rest and adventure ahead as summer begins.
Q: What’s the one thing that makes Rice special to you?
A: Since moving to Houston for my job at Rice, I didn’t have a large personal community to lean on during such a big transition. What could have been a daunting experience turned into something really special. I was immediately welcomed into my work family at the Doerr Institute for New Leaders. They’ve been there for everything from car troubles to celebrating personal milestones. I’m endlessly grateful for this incredible group of people who not only pour their hearts into their work for students but who also uplift and support one another every single day.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: I love that I get to operate in my zone of genius while supporting a mission I deeply believe in: increasing the leadership capacity of all Rice students. I’ve seen friends in roles where they feel disconnected from their work, which makes me even more grateful to be part of something purposeful. Knowing that my contributions have a real impact is something I never take for granted.
Q: What are your most memorable accomplishments?
A: Honestly, one of my most memorable accomplishments was getting this job. It has opened so many doors for me professionally. I’ve been able to keep learning, earn certifications and apply my skills to work that truly matters. Even more meaningful is the sense of work-life integration I’ve found here. I can leave work at work when I need to, but I’m also able to build real connections with my colleagues and the Rice community. More recently, I’m especially proud of joining Rice’s Staff Council. It’s given me a chance to give back to the community that has given so much to me, and I’m excited to contribute in a meaningful way.
Q: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
A: I like to consider myself a jack of many trades. My closet has basically become a hobby graveyard filled with remnants of all the different interests I’ve picked up over the years — ceramics, painting, baking, crocheting, cross-stitching, nail painting. You name it, I’ve probably tried it. Not all of them stuck for very long, but I love exploring different ways to enjoy my free time.
I also spend a lot of my free time outdoors — hiking, running races, camping and swimming. Connecting with nature is important to me, especially while living in a big city, and I try to find every opportunity to get outside and recharge.
Q: What advice would you give to new employees?
A: Talk with people outside of your department. Some of the most helpful advice, surprising connections and genuine friendships I’ve made at Rice have come from casual conversations with folks in completely different roles. Don’t be afraid to reach out, ask questions or grab coffee with someone new. You never know where those conversations might lead. Rice is full of people who care and want to support one another, so take advantage of that openness early on.
Q: Would you share a bit about your background and career journey?
A: I studied public health at the University of Texas at Austin (Hook ’Em!) and graduated in 2021 into an uncertain world shaped by the pandemic. At the time, public health professionals were facing intense scrutiny, and it became difficult to see where I could make a positive impact. Even though I found joy in the work, I realized I needed to take a step back.
It wasn’t until I stepped into my current role that I truly saw how transferable my public health skills were, especially when it came to systems thinking, communication and project coordination. That realization sparked something in me. My passion for meaningful work was reignited, and I’ve been able to grow so much since then. I became a certified associate in project management and completed CoachRICE, the Doerr Institute’s coach certification program. Both of these experiences have deepened my skills and reminded me that career paths aren’t always linear, but they can still be incredibly fulfilling.
Q: What’s your favorite lunch spot or snack?
A: Anywhere with good brussels sprouts. In Rice Village, Hungry’s and Sixty Vines are the winners, but I’m open to challenges to this.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
A: I’d say this to my current self as well — stop overthinking. Things don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful, and you don’t need to have everything figured out to move forward. Trust yourself a little more.
Q: If you could be Sammy The Owl for a day, what would you do?
A: I’d probably explore the campus. I feel like there are a lot of off-limits places that Sammy could walk right into. I’d love to see all the hidden corners and behind-the-scenes spots that most people never get to experience.
Q: Describe Rice in four words or less.
A: Grounded here, going far.