Q: How long have you worked at Rice?
A: Almost 2.5 years. It feels longer in a good way.
Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?
A: The work feels connected to people and purpose. Behind every administrative action, there is a person, a research project, a student or a program on the other side of it. I really value being able to make processes clearer and more manageable for others, and I appreciate having the trust and flexibility to approach that work in a way that is thoughtful, collaborative and genuinely helpful.
Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?
A: That constantly sweating is normal here — but Houston may surprise you with how many parks, green spaces and long trails there are for a long run or bike ride.
Q: What do you do in your downtime?
A: I mom — and sometimes I run.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show someone?
A: Valhalla — it reminds me of the experience of being a college student.
Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?
A: Even though I work mostly remote, I still feel the shared energy around the start and end of each semester. At the beginning of the semester, there’s a sense of promise and renewal, and by the end, there’s a shared feeling of reflection and accomplishment.
Q: What’s the one thing that makes Rice special to you?
A: The people and the sense of inclusion. Rice feels special to me because there is not only respect for different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences, but a real desire to welcome them and learn from them.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: My team. I work with thoughtful, generous people who care about doing the work well and supporting each other.
Q: What are your most memorable accomplishments?
A: The moments when I have helped bring clarity to something complicated. I am proud to be someone people trust when something feels complex, urgent or important. My work is meaningful to me because it helps people and programs move forward.
Q: What advice would you give to new employees?
A: Treat your work life as an investment. Your time, your work, your judgment and your relationships are all part of your portfolio, and each one can be grown or devalued depending on how you manage it. Be intentional with your time, build relationships with care and let your work speak for your credibility more than your title does. And don’t be afraid to let your personality show — people connect with people, not positions.
Q: Would you share a bit about your background and career journey?
A: My career journey has not been perfectly linear, but learning, growth and taking thoughtful risks have always been part of it. I have tried new things, learned from each experience and followed opportunities. That path has shaped the way I approach my work now — with curiosity, care and a willingness to keep growing.
Q: What’s your favorite lunch spot or snack?
A: Trader Joe’s dark chocolate covered pretzels have a stranglehold over me.
Q: What’s your secret talent?
A: It’s not a secret — I can run a 9-minute mile, so naturally I consider myself a professional athlete.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
A: Lean into the parts of yourself you may be tempted to fight. Being anxious and overthinking things are not always bad things — sometimes they mean you are paying attention, thinking carefully and anticipating what others may miss. The key is learning how to use those parts of yourself in a way that serves you.
Q: If you could be Sammy The Owl for a day, what would you do?
A: Sleep during the day.
Q: How would you describe your experience as a Rice employee?
A: My experience as a Rice employee has been shaped by the people I work with, especially the support I have received from my team and my supervisor. That support has made Rice feel like a place where I can continue growing and building a long-term career.
Q: Where do you see Rice in 25 years?
A: Hopefully from the perspective of a proud parent of a Rice alum.
Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time with Rice?
A: The George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing’s Dean’s Office Christmas parties, especially Melissa Chaivers’ “Night Before Christmas” stories. She always finds a creative way to include everyone in the Dean’s Office, and they are such a fun reminder of the personalities that make the Dean’s Office special.
Q: What else have we not talked about yet that merits discussion?
A: Maybe just that I hope people experience me as someone who cares about doing the work well and making things easier to navigate. A lot of my work happens behind the scenes, but I care deeply about being thoughtful, reliable and human in how I show up for others.