Q: How long have you worked at Rice?
A: I’ve been at Rice for about 10 months. It’s gone by so quickly, but I’ve already learned so much and met so many wonderful people across campus.
Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?
A: Being surrounded by such smart, driven and creative people every day. There’s always something new happening — whether it’s a groundbreaking research announcement, a campus event or an inspiring conversation in the hallway. It’s a place that encourages curiosity and collaboration, which makes coming to work exciting.
Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?
A: I’ve lived in Houston my whole life, and I think people sometimes underestimate how much this city has to offer. Houston is incredibly diverse. There’s always a new restaurant to try, a festival to attend or a trail to explore. The community here is warm and welcoming, and even though it’s a big city, it’s always felt like a small town for me.
Q: What do you do in your downtime?
A: I like to tend to my garden. It’s my little slice of peace. I also love watching movies and spending time with my fiance and our three cats. Kol, Scrappy and Zoe always keep things interesting.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show someone?
A: The piece of the Berlin Wall. It’s such a powerful and unexpected piece of history right here on campus, and I think it says a lot about what Rice stands for: freedom, progress and the importance of global understanding.
Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?
A: The most exciting time of year for me is Beer Bike. It’s such a fun and unique Rice tradition that brings together students, staff and alumni. The energy on campus is contagious, and you can really feel the school spirit and sense of community that make Rice so special.
Q: What’s the one thing that makes Rice special to you?
A: What makes Rice special is its students. They’re a diverse, passionate and hardworking group who push boundaries every day, whether through research, creative projects or social initiatives. It’s inspiring to see how much they accomplish and how they support one another.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: The most enjoyable part of my job is getting to express my creativity, especially through projects like the 59 Seconds of Impact series with Defense Research Advancement. I love helping tell the stories of faculty and students who are doing incredible work. It’s rewarding to be part of something that highlights Rice’s innovation and impact.
Q: What are your most memorable accomplishments?
A: My most memorable accomplishment has been my personal and professional growth throughout 2025. In less than a year, I’ve graduated college, started my first full-time job, gotten engaged and bought a house! It’s been a whirlwind, but it’s also been one of the most fulfilling times of my life.
Q: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
A: I love gardening, listening to music, watching TV and occasionally drawing. I find a lot of joy in creative hobbies and being outdoors as it’s a nice balance to my day-to-day work.
Q: What advice would you give to new employees?
A: It’s OK to take some time to get the hang of things. Rice has a learning curve, but the great thing is that people here genuinely want to see you succeed. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, especially about all the acronyms. Someone is always willing to lend a hand and help you grow.
Q: Would you share a bit about your background and career journey?
A: I recently graduated from the University of Houston. Go Coogs! I earned my degree in marketing with a minor in human resources and graduated cum laude. Before joining Rice, I worked in child care and then interned at Mansfield Service Partners, an oil logistics company based out of Georgia. This is my first professional role postgraduation, and it’s been such a great environment to start my career.
Q: What’s your favorite lunch spot or snack?
A: My favorite lunch spot is Brochstein Pavilion. It’s beautiful, relaxing and has great coffee and pastries for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Q: What’s your secret talent?
A: My secret talent is that I can reach a few inches farther with my right arm than most people. I broke it twice in second grade — once during recess and again while it was still in the cast — so I guess that’s my fun party trick.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
A: Everything you’re going through, someone else has gone through before and made it through, so you can too. Don’t doubt yourself or your ability to handle challenges. Things have a way of working out, even when it doesn’t feel like it at the moment.
Q: If you could be Sammy the Owl for a day, what would you do?
A: I’d spend it visiting all the departments around campus spreading school spirit and maybe snagging a few selfies. I’d love to see how much joy that little owl brings to people.
Q: How would you describe your experience as a Rice employee?
A: Motivational. Working here constantly inspires me to learn, grow and bring my best self to what I do.
Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time with Rice?
A: One of my favorite memories so far is getting ice cream with my boss, Alice Chow, during one of the staff appreciation days. It was such a simple thing, but it reminded me how supportive and fun the Rice community can be.
Q: Describe Rice in four words or less.
A: A hoot.
Q: What else have we not talked about yet that merits discussion?
A: I’d just say how grateful I am to work somewhere that truly values people, students, staff and faculty alike. Rice has such a positive culture of learning and encouragement, and it’s exciting to be part of its story.