Special Projects

Isabella Avilez pieces together a puzzling world

Isabella Avilez is a problem solver. As co-president of Rice Escape, she got the club back on its feet after it was felled by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a mechanical engineering major with a passion for renewable energy, she attempts to find ways to power the world’s technologies while leaving space for a sustainable future. And as a friend, she’s an expert at turning a rough week into a pleasant smile.

Different ways to get kicked off campus

Housing Jack, Eligibility Jack, Room Jack or The Bump — every college has its own lingo for the same daunting event of deciding which students get to live on campus the following school year. 

Freedom talks life experiences

Enes Kanter Freedom, a former NBA player, human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, spoke about his life experiences around the world at Rice Feb. 27. 

Fette knighted by French education ministry

Julie Fette, an associate professor of French Studies, was named a chevalier in the Ordre des Palmes académiques, the Order of the French Academic Palms, by the French Ministry of National Education on Bastille Day, a French national holiday, July 14, 2023. 

RURS splits into school-specific research showcases

The spring 2024 Rice Undergraduate Research Symposium has been replaced with new events specifically for the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.

Astronaut Peggy Whitson ’86 to speak at 2024 commencement

Peggy Whitson ’86, widely dubbed “America’s most experienced astronaut,” will speak at the 2024 commencement ceremony May 4, President Reggie DesRoches announced in an email to the Rice community Feb. 29.

Melinda Spaulding Chevalier chases new storms

Melinda Spaulding Chevalier, Rice’s vice president for public affairs since August 2023, is more familiar with being the reporter than the story. Before working in communications, public affairs and higher education, she spent decades in journalism and was recognized by organizations like the Associated Press and the Emmy Awards.

Students build startup to ‘revolutionize’ healthcare information

The Healthcare Navigator, a new startup for consolidated healthcare information, is launching in May. The leadership team of Rice students Kayla Grimes, Arunima Jaiswal and Priya Bapna said the program aims to present healthcare information in a user-friendly manner to eliminate barriers to healthcare access.

Lactaid added to RHA bags

Rice Health Advisors have added Lactaid, an enzyme supplement which offers relief to those who have difficulty digesting dairy based products, to RHA bags at each residential college starting Feb. 1.

Faculty, students host vigil for scholars in Gaza

Community members gathered in Ray’s Courtyard Feb. 26 for an event titled “Scholasticide is Genocide, a Vigil for our Colleagues in Gaza.”

Construction begins on two new residential colleges

After the demolition of the old Sid Richardson College building finished last semester, construction of the two new colleges will begin soon. 

‘He wasn’t one for slowing down’: Ron Sass remembered

Ron Sass, a Rice professor for over 60 years, passed away Jan. 9. Sass was a renowned educator, winning the George R. Brown Prize for Excellence in Teaching, among many others. He retired in 2005 as Harry C. and Olga K. Wiess Professor Emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and as a global climate change fellow at the Baker Institute. 

Chaus launches new art gallery

Coffeehouse unveiled new art lining the walls of their cafe space on Feb. 18, featuring student artists and photographers. The project is helmed by keepers of coffee Caroline Leung and Kate Hilton, who lead a committee called “Espresso Yourself” that aims to highlight student creativity and art.

Baseball takes series against Ragin’ Cajuns, falls short of sweep finale

Over the weekend, Rice Baseball secured a series win on the road against the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, capturing victories on Feb. 23 and Feb. 24 with scores of 2-1 and 6-1, respectively. However, their quest for a sweep fell short as they suffered a 3-0 loss on Sunday afternoon. 

02-28-2024 Crossword Solutions

02-28-2024 Crossword: "Go to Jail"

The Terrarium by the Houston Zoo

02-28-2024 "Owl-American"

Owls struggle to fly: Women’s basketball drops third straight game

The Rice women’s basketball team, which spent much of this season soaring near the top of the American Athletic Conference standings, extended their losing streak to a season-high three games on Sunday afternoon. In a battle of the Owls, Rice fell to Temple University, 75-66.

Women second at indoor T&F conference, men lag behind

The men’s and women’s indoor track and field teams competed in the 2024 American Athletic Conference Indoor Track & Field Championships in Birmingham, Ala. last weekend. The women’s team was just two points short of first place behind the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, while the men finished in sixth place.