Q: How long have you worked at Rice?
A: Just shy of three years.
Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?
A: My favorite thing about working for the university is two part: being surrounded by so much nature smack-dab in the middle of the city and the atmosphere of learning that comes with so many chances to further educate yourself.
Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?
A: That getting somewhere in 30 minutes is usual, but you can definitely find neighborhoods that are in walkable parts of the city.
Q: What do you do in your downtime?
A: I like to take a walk around campus and visit the art — like the piece of the Berlin Wall and various sculptures.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show someone?
A: The Betty and Jacob Friedman Holistic Garden and its resident chickens.
Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?
A: Start to the academic year — even though the weather is hot and humid, the anticipation and excitement for the start of the year is palpable.
Q: What’s the one thing that makes Rice special to you?
A: The many opportunities for connecting and getting to know others across campus with trainings and social events.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: I enjoy fitting together all the pieces of the puzzle that make up the various resources our offices have to offer and making sure we are helping students to the best of our ability.
Q: What are your most memorable accomplishments?
A: For me, in order for accomplishments to be memorable, they have to cause a change in my life. Learning how to Rollerblade is one of my favorites. Spending 10 years right out of high school starting my career at a local university was certainly one. Perfecting my icebox cake recipe is another. Marrying my husband and sharing that moment with friends and family was an accomplishment my younger self could not have imagined. Returning to higher ed at such a prestigious institution like Rice and going on to win the Dean of Undergraduates Rising Star Award has also been one of my most memorable accomplishments. I hope to create many more of these moments.
Q: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
A: Exploring my neighborhood and its various coffee shops, practicing yoga, taking road trips and camping whenever I can with my husband and two dogs.
Q: What advice would you give to new employees?
A: Don’t be afraid to sign up for events and volunteer opportunities from Beer Bike to the College Associate Program — there’s lots of chances to connect with the Rice community.
Q: Would you share a bit about your background and career journey?
A: I’ve lived in Houston since I was 5 years old. My first “grown-up” job was with the University of St. Thomas where I spent about 10 years honing my skills, then I spent some time working within Houston’s local farming and restaurant community then came back to higher ed with Rice in 2022.
Q: What’s your favorite lunch spot or snack?
A: My favorite lunch spot is Oui Banh Mi on campus, but my favorite snack would have to be my homemade chocolate chip pumpkin muffins during the fall.
Q: What’s your secret talent?
A: I can recite the alphabet backwards!
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
A: Everything in moderation — even moderation. Trust your gut, but remember discomfort leads to growth.
Q: If you could be Sammy The Owl for a day, what would you do?
A: I would deliver singing telegrams to all the Health and Wellbeing Office.
Q: How would you describe your experience as a Rice employee?
A: Meaningful, well supported, busy and fun.
Q: Where do you see Rice in 25 years?
A: I see Rice being at the forefront of the exploration into space and furthering technology, maybe making headlines with the first study abroad on the moon?
Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time with Rice?
A: My favorite memory is my first day — the feeling of driving around campus and seeing all the beautiful architecture and trees and the nervous excitement to start my time here.
Q: Describe Rice in four words or less.
A: Caring, resilient, innovative and exceptional.