Q: How long have you worked at Rice?
A: 6 1/2 years.
Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?
A: The sense of camaraderie I get in my working relationships with various departments across campus tops my list. I really appreciate the progressive strides in growth I’ve seen at Rice over the last couple of years. I also love our gorgeous campus and being able to walk around a beautiful location when I need a breather.
Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?
A: The food is incredible. You can’t beat the culture, and the weather isn’t that bad, except in August and September — then all bets are off. The humidity is good for your skin.
Q: What do you do in your downtime?
A: I’m an avid reader — I hit a personal best of 105 books last year.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show someone?
A: The Turrell Skyspace. I worked at the MFAH for a few years, and the Turrell Tunnel there was one of my favorite features. We also have a lot of really cool rocks in my department.
Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?
A: I love admissions season when we bring a bunch of fresh faces to campus and try to convince them Rice is the place for them. Also, O-Week, while a busy and stressful time, is full of fresh new faces and the buzz of new beginnings for our new Owls.
Q: What’s the one thing that makes Rice special to you?
A: The time I’ve spent in my department has been incredibly impactful on my life. My relationships with my co-workers and students have become very important and meaningful to me. I have made friends here that I know I will have for years to come.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: Working with students and supporting them through their milestones and our recruiting efforts to bring new students into the fold. I travel to conferences and host prospective students, meeting new people all the time. I enjoy finding new ways to highlight the awesome work that’s happening in the EEPS department.
Q: What are your most memorable accomplishments?
A: It’s going to sound cliche, but being a mom has been the hardest and most fulfilling job of my life. I work hard to teach my daughter emotional intelligence and regulation, which in turn teaches me those same tools. She is 3 years old, so that is no easy feat.
On top of that, she has albinism: a genetic condition where her body doesn’t produce melanin in her skin, hair or eyes. Not only is she more susceptible to skin cancer, but she also has a vision impairment that puts her on the blindness spectrum. Learning how to navigate that, supporting her and advocating for her has been a huge challenge. It’s taught me so much about my own resiliency and capabilities, and that’s pushed me to do more in my work and my role as a member of the Rice community.
I’m in awe of my daughter every day, and that helps me bring a sense of naive wonder to my daily life that keeps me from being cynical when it sometimes feels like the world is on fire.
Q: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
A: I love to garden and grow things in the dirt. I currently have 10 plants in my office and am working to get my spring garden ready. I’m a big rugby fan, too. I’ve been a season-ticket holder for the Houston Sabercats since 2021. I have a signed ball and locker plates decorating my office.
Q: What advice would you give to new employees?
A: Be sure to take advantage of our campus and go for a walk a couple of times a day if your schedule allows. Meet people across campus when you can. There are some really special people here.
Q: Would you share a bit about your background and career journey?
A: When I moved to Houston, I started in the service industry. I worked in the cooking classes at Sur la Table and behind the counter at Paulie’s on Westheimer. From there, I moved to Oxheart, a James Beard award-winning tasting menu restaurant that’s no longer in operation (it’s now Theodore Rex). When I was ready to move out of the service industry life, I looked to Houston organizations that I would be proud to work in and found myself in the events department at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, where I managed payments for the event bills and event supply inventory. After that, I worked my own business managing private events for a few Houston bars and restaurants. When that wasn’t working out, I again looked at Houston organizations I’d like to work for and found myself applying to Rice. I interviewed three times for another position at Rice before I was hired by the EEPS department. This is the longest running position I’ve ever had, and it’s the best experience of my career by far.
Q: What’s your favorite lunch spot or snack?
A: It’s mango sticky rice season right now, so I’m very into Thai food at the moment. Rim Tanon on Richmond is quite good, but I’m always open to recommendations. I love discovering new spots in Houston.
Q: What’s your secret talent?
A: I’m a really good cook.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
A: Slow down. Not all of your decisions have to be made right this second. Take time to figure out what you really want.
Q: If you could be Sammy The Owl for a day, what would you do?
A: Get myself an invite to Scratch’s birthday with all of the other Houston mascots! Scratch is the mascot for the Houston Sabercats, Houston’s professional rugby team.
Q: How would you describe your experience as a Rice employee?
A: It’s been a really rewarding experience that’s provided me with both professional growth and a work-life balance that’s brought a lot of happiness to my life.
Q: Where do you see Rice in 25 years?
A: At the forefront of research innovation, not only in research discoveries but also in new frontiers in funding and administration. Things are so wild and uncertain right now, and I can see Rice paving the way to new solutions, not letting the chaos hold us back from the mission.
Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time with Rice?
A: Winning the School of Natural Sciences Outstanding Staff Service Award. It felt really great to be recognized for all of the hard work I’ve put into the department in my time here.
Q: Describe Rice in four words or less.
A: Progressive, diverse, welcoming and supportive.