Q: How long have you worked at Rice?
It will be 12 years in September.
Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?
I love the people I get to interact with on a daily basis - our amazing students, passionate faculty and dedicated staff. I love to ask questions about research, projects, classes, internships or just their hobbies, and just let them go. Watching someone talk about something they love and have dedicated their time and energy to is very inspiring.
Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?
It's hot … all the time.
Q: What do you do in your downtime?
I don't have much downtime with three children, two of whom are in competitive sports most of the year. When I'm not driving someone to practice or sitting in the bleachers at a game or competition, my favorite place is in front of my sewing machine. I make quilts and special projects for my kids. There's a special peace that comes with creating for others!
Q: What's the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?
Commencement season. I have the privilege of watching all the RCEL senior final presentations and hearing the story of their amazing journeys through RCEL and Rice - journeys I get to watch in real time. I am not a professor, but I consider all RCEL students "my students" and am immensely proud of them. Watching their relief at being done, their pride as they walk at commencement and their excitement for what comes next is my absolute favorite part of working at a university.
Q: What advice would you give to new employees?
Don't be afraid to ask.Rice is small, but some of the processes can be complicated if you don't do them every day. There's always someone who knows exactly what you need to do. You just might have to ask a few people to find that person.
Q: What's your favorite memory from your time with Rice?
In 2018, the RCEL Student Leadership group, comprising a dozen seniors and juniors in the RCEL Certificate Program, decided to create and host a new recruitment event. They researched and developed a design competition centered on building cardboard boats to cross the Rec Center pool in under two hours.
I mentored the students through the preparations, but watching them deliver a successful event and the pure joy at the pool as some boats sailed and some sank is a feeling of pride I will not forget. The event continues to be a fun tradition at RCEL, but that first year was something very special.
Q: Describe Rice in four words or less.
Inspiring. Dedicated. Welcoming.