Provost

Ralph S. O’Connor Building for Engineering and Science official opening marks ‘beginning of new era at Rice’

The Ralph S. O’Connor building for Engineering and Science was officially inaugurated yesterday with a ceremony commemorating the late Rice University trustee whose generosity helped make it a reality.

Making hydrogen from waste plastic could pay for itself

Rice University researchers have found a way to harvest hydrogen from plastic waste using a low-emissions method that generates graphene as a by-product, which could help offset production costs.

Ralph S. O’Connor building dedication ceremony to be held Sept. 14

On Thursday, Sept.14, Rice inaugurates a new, state-of-the-art engineering and science research facility with a dedication ceremony to Ralph S. O’Connor.

Antidepressants may reduce negative memories while improving overall memory, according to Rice study

New research from Rice University finds that antidepressants may actually reduce negative memories in individuals suffering from depression while improving overall memory function.

You can leave your gloves on: Rice-developed material burns viruses, safe for skin

A new material that packs deadly heat for viruses on its outer surface while staying cool on the reverse side could be used to make sustainable, multiuse personal protective equipment. Marquise Bell, a Rice graduate student who is the lead author of the research, was also part of this year’s NextProf Nexus workshop, a national, competitive faculty development program for engineering students from underrepresented groups.

Rice helps lead national quantum computing research efforts

A team of Rice University researchers have won a 4-year, $1.2 million grant from the Department of Energy to evaluate the strengths and limitations of different physical systems used to build quantum computers and inform strategies for achieving near-term advances in quantum computing.

Rice names new head of digital learning and strategy

Shawn Miller will join Rice as associate provost for digital learning and strategy , effective Nov. 1, reporting directly to the provost.

Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher visits Rice to discuss climate change and geothermal energy

Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D-Texas) visited the Rice campus Aug. 29. During the visit, she caught up with the university’s leadership team, including Rice President Reginald DesRoches, Rice Provost Amy Dittmar and Vice President of Public Affairs Melinda Spaulding Chevalier, before she met with Rice faculty to discuss climate change, geothermal energy and the university’s research in these areas.

Smart fabrics’ informed touch can tell you where to go

Rice U. engineers developed a lightweight, wearable textile-based device that can deliver complex haptic cues, enabling a user to perform open-world navigation tasks. The device is resilient to regular daily use, withstanding multiple cycles of washing and other damage and repair without loss of function.

Award-winning Rice economics instructor creates affordable and fun textbook for students

Rice economics instructor James “Jimmy” DeNicco has become known around campus for his straightforward and entertaining approach to teaching ECON 100, “Principles of Economics,” explaining complicated concepts using real-world examples like Texas barbecue, pop culture references and more.

Michael King, Cynthia Reinhart-King to join Rice engineering faculty

Two leading experts in the biomedical engineering field, Michael King and Cynthia Reinhart-King, whose research programs have advanced the understanding and treatment of cancer and other diseases, will join the Rice University faculty next year.

Rice’s Mikki Hebl honored with Academy of Management’s Advancing Women in Leadership Award

​​​​​​​Michelle “Mikki” Hebl , the Martha and Henry Malcolm Lovett Professor of Psychological Sciences and professor in the Jones Graduate School of Business, is the 2023 recipient of the Advancing Women in Leadership Award from the Academy of Management (AOM).

Rice digital enters new phase of development

Digital learning at Rice University is entering a new phase, underpinned by an enhanced focus on development and innovation.

Protective particles allow engineered probiotics to report gut disease

Rice U. bioengineers developed a platform that enhances survival and function of probiotics engineered to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease in animals. The technology holds promise for minimally invasive disease monitoring and advanced smart therapeutics.

Class of 2027 lauded for diversity, talent during matriculation address

Fireworks lit up the sky over Lovett Hall and the Sallyport the night of Aug. 13 as the incoming Class of 2027’s first day of O-Week culminated with Rice’s annual matriculation ceremony.