Q: How long have you worked at Rice?
A: Seven years. I joined Rice in 2018 with the Office of Technology Transfer and then moved to MSNE in 2022. Same university, new adventures.
Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?
A: No two days are the same. One day you are talking to a Nobel laureate, a future student and a Houston family all in one afternoon. Every conversation reminds me that Rice is more than a workplace — it is a living hub of ideas and community.
Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?
A: I live in the Museum District, surrounded by art, parks and people who inspire me. Knowing that the world’s best medical center is right nearby brings a special kind of calm.
Q: What do you do in your downtime?
A: I make small joys: cooking, photography, digital art and crafting. My family and I love to sing, dance and eat. The world’s flavors are just one order away!
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show someone?
A: The O’Connor Building. From the event space on the fifth floor, you get an awesome view. The view behind my office is super nice; there is a garden when you look down, and you can see the sculpture in the lawn and beautiful sky view of the Museum District.
Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?
A: Spring. Between the MSNE banquet, showcases and seniors launching next chapters, the whole campus hums.
Q: What’s the one thing that makes Rice special to you?
A: Being elite without the attitude. We aim high, hold doors and mean both.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: Orchestrating the invisible: welcoming visitors, taking care of what our students and faculty need, smoothing logistics and putting heart into everything that I do.
Q: What are your most memorable accomplishments?
A: Putting structure and beauty in the implementation of our programs and projects. I collect all the new things I learn and put it in a how-to handbook. It helps the workflow smoothly with each new learning. I also share it with my peers.
Q: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
A: I have a heat press machine, so I spend off-hours creating custom cards, T-shirts and designs. I also love photography, fashion and music.
Q: What advice would you give to new employees?
A: Schedule curiosity like a meeting. Ask one real “how do we really do this?” question a day — and note who lights up when they answer.
Q: Would you share a bit about your background and career journey?
A: Before joining Rice, I taught public administration and economics in higher education. Earlier, I worked as a committee researcher in the Philippine House of Representatives and helped draft legislative bills and manage district projects.
Q: What’s your favorite lunch spot or snack?
A: Max’s Restaurant, Jollibee and The Baker’s Son by Valerio’s on Main Street. Each one feels like home.
Q: What’s your secret talent?
A: I’m a bundle of ideas, always connecting details and imagining how things could work better. I find joy in turning sparks of inspiration into something real, whether it’s a system, a space or a story.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
A: Keep the receipts of your small wins. They become your courage file.
Q: If you could be Sammy The Owl for a day, what would you do?
A: Pop-up joy patrol: surprise selfies, snack drops and dance-offs.
Q: How would you describe your experience as a Rice employee?
A: It’s been a journey of growth and gratitude. Rice has a way of stretching you — your creativity, your patience, your curiosity — while also giving you roots through genuine people and meaningful work.
Q: Where do you see Rice in 25 years?
A: Rice will still have a physical campus, but it will be a high-touch hub offering what AI can’t replicate: face-to-face mentorship, high-tech maker space, interdisciplinary collaboration and lifelong learning in flexible, skill-driven labs and classrooms.
Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time with Rice?
A: When students light up and ask, “Wait, this is for us?” and I get to smile and say, “Yes. Absolutely.”
Q: Describe Rice in four words or less.
A: Brilliant. Kind. Gets it.
Q: What else merits discussion?
A: The artistry of staff work. We don’t just manage tasks; we curate moments. When that is seen and supported, everything else gets better.