About Rice University

Matt Wilson serves as an AP Physics teacher at Stephen F Austin High School in Fort Bend ISD near Houston Texas where he teaches AP Physics 1 AP Physics 2 and AP Physics C His teaching career spans over eleven years specializing in advanced physics education His academic foundation includes a degree in Science Education from the University of Pittsburgh Beyond his classroom responsibilities he demonstrates commitment to STEM education through additional roles as the Academic Decathlon Coach and Science Olympiad Sponsor His expertise extends to developing comprehensive physics curriculum and creating engaging learning materials for students His contributions to physics education include collaborating with Rice University and Texas A&M University on educational initiatives particularly in developing AP Physics preparation materials His teaching approach emphasizes practical application and thorough exam preparation ensuring students gain deep understanding of physics concepts His dedication to STEM education is evident through his involvement in multiple academic programs fostering scientific curiosity and excellence among his students

Gigi Nevils has established herself as a distinguished physics educator and teacher trainer with extensive experience in both classroom teaching and professional development Her academic credentials include a BS in Physics from Sam Houston State University a Post-Baccalaureate teacher certification from Texas Tech and a Masters in Science Teaching from Rice University Her teaching career includes five years of experience at Stratford and Bellaire High Schools in Spring Branch and Houston ISD where she taught AP Physics C Pre-AP and regular Physics courses As the leader of the Rice Excellence in Secondary Science Teaching RESST physics program for three years she has been instrumental in developing and supporting Houston area high school physics teachers Her work at Rice University includes developing online physics courses and educational content particularly focused on AP Physics preparation Her expertise extends to creating comprehensive teaching materials interactive lab experiences and problem-solving sessions that help both teachers and students master complex physics concepts Her contributions to physics education combine practical classroom experience with advanced pedagogical knowledge making her a valuable resource in physics education development and teacher training.

Jason Hafner serves as a Professor of Physics Astronomy and Chemistry at Rice University bringing extensive expertise in both research and education His academic journey includes a BS in Physics from Trinity University in 1993 followed by his PhD from Rice University in 1998 under Richard Smalley focusing on carbon nanotubes He completed postdoctoral studies at Harvard University with Charles Lieber before returning to Rice in 2001 His research accomplishments include receiving the Beckman Young Investigator Award in 2002 and the Norman Hackerman Award for Chemical Research from the Welch Foundation in 2011 At Rice he has established himself as an exceptional educator teaching freshman and sophomore physics for over fifteen years while contributing to the development of innovative online physics courses His teaching style combines rigorous academic content with engaging demonstrations and humor making complex physics concepts accessible to students worldwide He serves as a founding member of Rice's Center for Teaching Excellence and has developed numerous MOOCs for platforms like edX and Coursera His work in nanophotonics and interfacial biology demonstrates his interdisciplinary approach to science As Magister of Jones College and Member of Scientia at Rice he continues to influence both research and education in physics while maintaining his quest to find a lecture demonstration that might get him fired His impact extends beyond traditional classroom teaching through his development of comprehensive online AP Physics preparation courses and interactive educational content.

Eden King serves as the Lynette S Autrey Professor of Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Rice University where she has established herself as a leading expert in workplace diversity and organizational management Her academic journey began at Rice University where she earned her BA MA and PhD in Psychology completing her doctorate in 2006 Her research program has produced over 100 scholarly publications focusing on challenges faced by diverse groups in the workplace including women LGBT individuals religious and racial minorities pregnant women and older workers Her work has gained significant recognition appearing in major media outlets including the New York Times Good Morning America and Harvard Business Review She currently serves as Senior Associate Editor for the Journal of Management and Associate Editor for the Journal of Business and Psychology Her expertise extends to practical applications through consulting work on climate initiatives selection systems and diversity training programs Her contributions to the field have earned her recognition from the American Psychological Association the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues and the Society for Industrial-Organizational Psychology where she served as president Her research combines rigorous academic study with practical applications making her work valuable for both scholarly advancement and organizational implementation Her impact extends beyond academia through partnerships with organizations to improve diversity climate enhance selection fairness and develop effective diversity training programs.

Michelle "Mikki" Hebl serves as the Martha and Henry Malcolm Lovett Chair of Psychology and Professor of Management at Rice University where she has established herself as a leading expert in workplace discrimination and diversity research Since joining Rice in 1998 she has built an impressive career combining research teaching and advocacy Her academic journey began at Smith College where she earned her BA followed by her PhD from Dartmouth College in 1997 Her research focuses on examining workplace discrimination and barriers faced by stigmatized individuals including women ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ individuals She has published over 200 scholarly works and secured significant research funding from the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation Her teaching excellence has earned her 21 major awards including the prestigious Robert Foster Cherry Award for Great Teaching the highest national teaching honor She has been so successful at Rice that she has been retired from receiving further teaching awards after winning multiple George R Brown Prizes for Superior Teaching Her impact extends beyond the classroom through her extensive mentoring work particularly with underrepresented students with over 70 of her undergraduate research assistants advancing to graduate school As a proud native of Pardeeville Wisconsin she brings a unique perspective to her work in diversity and inclusion Her research particularly examines subtle forms of discrimination in professional settings and ways to remediate such biases at both individual and organizational levels Her contributions to the field have earned her numerous accolades including the Academy of Management's Sage Award for lifetime research on gender and diversity in organizations

Reid Whitaker serves as the Executive Director of the Center for Digital Learning and Scholarship at Rice University bringing extensive experience in educational leadership and digital learning innovation His journey in education began with Teach For America leading to significant achievements as principal of Port Houston Elementary where he elevated the school's performance to the top 2% in Houston ISD for student growth His academic credentials include an undergraduate degree in communications from the University of Texas at Austin and a PhD in Educational Administration from the same institution His most notable contribution to education is founding STEMscopes a comprehensive science curriculum platform that has transformed STEM education across multiple states As an Associate Director for the Center for Education at Rice University he has provided extensive professional development and coaching to teachers in Houston ISD His expertise spans curriculum development digital learning strategies and educational leadership His work as a content specialist for Houston ISD demonstrated his commitment to improving teaching quality and student outcomes His innovative approach to education combines practical classroom experience with digital technology integration making STEM education more accessible and engaging for students His leadership has been instrumental in developing educational technologies and professional development programs that support teachers and enhance student learning experiences nationwide His impact on education extends beyond traditional classroom settings through his work in digital learning platforms and teacher professional development.

Kara Burrous serves as an AP Biology teacher at Stephen F Austin High School in Fort Bend ISD bringing extensive experience in science education to her role Her teaching career began at Marshall High School in East Texas where she taught Chemistry and AP Chemistry before transitioning to the Houston area Her academic foundation includes a BS in Biology from Stephen F Austin State University complemented by an MS in Science Education from Montana State University Since 2008 she has been the dedicated AP Biology teacher at Austin High School where she has developed comprehensive biology curricula and laboratory experiences Her teaching experience spans all levels of Biology and Chemistry demonstrating her versatility in science education She specializes in creating engaging learning environments that combine rigorous academic content with practical laboratory applications Her expertise includes developing effective AP Biology preparation materials and implementing innovative teaching strategies to help students master complex biological concepts Her commitment to science education extends beyond the classroom through her involvement in professional development and curriculum planning Her approach to teaching emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application ensuring students develop a thorough grasp of biological principles.

Betul Orcan-Ekmekci serves as an Assistant Teaching Professor of Mathematics at Rice University where she has been teaching since 2011 Her academic credentials include a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Texas at Austin completed in December 2010 Her research expertise focuses on nonlinear partial differential equations with particular emphasis on free boundary value problems fluid dynamics and homogenization As a teaching professor she specializes in making complex mathematical concepts accessible to students while maintaining academic rigor Her work combines theoretical mathematics with practical applications particularly in fluid dynamics Her teaching responsibilities at Rice University include both undergraduate and graduate-level mathematics courses Her approach to mathematics education emphasizes building strong foundational understanding while exploring advanced mathematical concepts Her contributions to the field include research in partial differential equations and their applications to real-world problems particularly in fluid dynamics Her dedication to mathematics education has made her an valued member of Rice University's mathematics department where she continues to influence the next generation of mathematicians

Shari Carswell serves as an Aquatic Science and AP Environmental Science teacher at Mayde Creek High School in Katy ISD bringing a unique combination of military service and scientific expertise to education Her academic foundation includes a BS in Biology from the University of Houston at Victoria complemented by her valuable experience as a US Navy veteran Her four-year teaching career focuses on aquatic and environmental sciences where she combines classroom instruction with practical environmental education Her passion for environmental education extends beyond the classroom through her volunteer work with Texas A&M Galveston Sea Camp where she helps inspire young minds about marine science Her personal interests in hiking kayaking canoeing and birding enhance her ability to provide real-world connections to environmental concepts Her teaching approach integrates hands-on experience with theoretical knowledge making environmental science accessible and engaging for students Her military background brings discipline and leadership skills to her teaching methodology while her outdoor interests provide practical context for environmental education Her commitment to environmental education is demonstrated through both her classroom instruction and volunteer activities creating meaningful connections between scientific concepts and real-world applications.

Tracey Jensen currently serves as an AP Calculus AB and BC teacher at Taylor High School in Katy ISD bringing over 30 years of exceptional educational experience Her academic credentials include a Bachelors degree in Physics and Mathematics from Sam Houston State University and a Masters degree in Mathematics/Physics from Texas A&M University Her extensive teaching career encompasses both secondary and higher education having served as an adjunct professor in Mathematics and Physics at the college level while maintaining her dedication to high school AP Physics B and C and AP Calculus instruction Her contributions to education extend beyond the classroom through her work in developing integrated curriculum for mathematics and physics at the district level Her innovative approach includes researching and piloting programs for teaching cross-curricular basic math skills demonstrating her commitment to comprehensive STEM education Her professional experience includes valuable work at Argonne National Labs and with the US Army adding practical applications to her teaching methodology Her expertise in cross-curricular teaching has helped students understand the interconnected nature of mathematics and physics Her dedication to education has earned her recognition including nominations for teaching excellence and her involvement with programs like Adopt-A-Physicist shows her commitment to inspiring the next generation of scientists and mathematicians Her teaching philosophy emphasizes the integration of multiple disciplines creating more meaningful learning experiences for her students.

Daniel Blanco serves as an AP Calculus teacher at Katy High School in Katy ISD where he has been shaping students' mathematical understanding since 2007 His academic foundation includes a degree in electrical engineering from Rice University completed in 2006 bringing a unique technical perspective to mathematics education His expertise in teaching both AP Calculus AB and BC is enhanced by his engineering background allowing him to provide real-world applications and practical context to complex mathematical concepts His contributions to education extend beyond the classroom through his active participation in district-level curriculum development teams for calculus where he helps shape and improve mathematics instruction across the district His transition from engineering to education demonstrates his commitment to sharing his technical knowledge and mathematical expertise with students His teaching approach combines rigorous mathematical instruction with practical applications drawn from his engineering background His involvement in curriculum development has helped strengthen the calculus program at both school and district levels His dedication to mathematics education continues to influence how calculus is taught and understood by students in the Katy ISD system.

Stephen Wang serves as an Associate Teaching Professor of Mathematics at Rice University where he has been making significant contributions to mathematics education since 2015 His academic journey includes earning his PhD in Mathematics from the University of Chicago with a specialization in geometry His teaching excellence has been recognized with prestigious awards from both the University of Chicago and Harvard University demonstrating his exceptional ability to communicate complex mathematical concepts Prior to joining Rice he held faculty positions at Haverford College and Bucknell University where he continued to develop his innovative teaching methods His expertise extends beyond traditional classroom instruction as evidenced by his significant contribution to the development of the MIT Calculus course on edX demonstrating his commitment to making mathematics education accessible through digital platforms His teaching philosophy combines rigorous mathematical instruction with innovative pedagogical approaches making complex mathematical concepts accessible to students His work in online education particularly through the MIT Calculus course has helped shape how mathematics is taught in digital environments His expertise in geometry and mathematics education continues to influence both traditional and online learning environments making him a valuable asset in contemporary mathematics education His commitment to teaching excellence and innovation in mathematical education has made him a respected figure in both traditional and digital learning spaces.

Elizabeth Eich serves as Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry and Professor in the Practice in BioSciences at Rice University bringing extensive expertise in science education and research development Her academic credentials include a BS in Genetics and Biochemistry from Texas A&M University and a PhD in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from Rice University Her contributions to education have earned her recognition as a National Academies Education Mentor in the Life Sciences and she has established herself as a Council on Undergraduate Research consultant specializing in integrating research into curriculum Her teaching philosophy emphasizes active learning and student-centered approaches particularly focusing on engaging first-year students in lecture and laboratory courses to foster lifelong scientific curiosity Her work extends to developing communication instruction for both undergraduate and graduate students in natural sciences Through her leadership in the Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry she has been instrumental in helping faculty develop scaffolded experiences in research-supportive curricula Her commitment to incorporating active learning and providing professional development for faculty has significantly influenced science education at Rice Her expertise in student-centered learning and research integration has made her a valuable leader in advancing undergraduate research and inquiry-based instruction

Daniel J Catanese serves as an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Biosciences at Rice University bringing extensive experience in both research and education His academic journey includes earning his BS in Biochemistry and Genetics from Texas A&M University and his PhD in Biochemistry from Rice University where he studied under Dr Kathleen S Matthews investigating RNA-protein interactions His postdoctoral research at Baylor College of Medicine focused on DNA topology and structure working with Dr Lynn Zechiedrich where he made significant contributions to understanding DNA supercoiling and minicircle dynamics His professional experience includes roles as Senior Staff Scientist at Baylor College of Medicine Faculty Lecturer and later Associate Teaching Professor at Rice University and instructor at the University of Phoenix He is also a co-inventor and scientific advisor for Twister Biotech Inc which manufactures DNA minicircles for research applications His current teaching focuses on experimental biosciences particularly BIOS 211 where he introduces students to scientific methodology and experimental design His excellence in teaching was recognized with the 2022 George R Brown Award for Teaching Excellence and the Teaching Award for Excellence in Inquiry-Based Learning His research has been published in prestigious journals including Nucleic Acids Research and his work on DNA supercoiling and minicircles has led to several patents His membership in the Biophysical Society and American Chemical Society reflects his ongoing commitment to both research and education in the biological sciences

Kirsten Ostherr serves as the Gladys Louise Fox Professor of English and founding Director of the Medical Humanities Research Institute at Rice University bringing a unique combination of media scholarship and public health expertise to the intersection of healthcare and technology Her academic credentials include a PhD in American Studies from Brown University and a Master of Public Health from the University of Texas School of Public Health obtained through an Andrew W Mellon Foundation New Directions Fellowship Her research focuses on trust and privacy in digital health ecosystems medical visualization and the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare She has authored significant works including Medical Visions: Producing the Patient Through Film Television and Imaging Technologies and Cinematic Prophylaxis: Globalization and Contagion in the Discourse of World Health As founding Director of both the Medical Humanities program and Medical Futures Lab she leads initiatives connecting Rice University with major medical institutions Her work has been featured in prominent media outlets including NPR The Atlantic and The Washington Post She currently leads the Translational Humanities for Public Health project examining humanities-based pandemic responses worldwide Her expertise extends to human-centered design in health technology development having co-created Medicine in the Digital Age on edX reaching over 25000 global learners Her insights have been shared at prestigious institutions including the White House World Health Organization and National Library of Medicine demonstrating her significant influence in bridging humanities medical education and digital innovation

Lee Ferguson serves as an AP and IB Biology teacher at Allen High School in Allen Texas bringing over 25 years of teaching experience to the classroom Her teaching career began in Plano ISD where her excellence was recognized with the district's Secondary Teacher of the Year award in 2000 Since 2003 she has been teaching both AP and IB Biology at Allen High School where she continues to make significant contributions to science education Her academic background includes a BA in Biology from Southwestern University and an MAT in Science Education from The University of Texas at Dallas Her expertise has been recognized with the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award from the Texas Association of Biology Teachers in 2010 She has served as an AP Reader since 2006 demonstrating her commitment to maintaining high standards in biology education As founder of the DFW AP Biology Professional Learning Community she has created valuable networking and development opportunities for local AP Biology teachers Her dedication to education extends beyond the classroom through presentations at multiple national regional and state science education conferences and her role as an AP consultant for the College Board She is particularly passionate about equity in STEM education especially for Black and Latinx students and consistently advocates for public school education Her combination of classroom excellence professional leadership and commitment to educational equity has made her a respected voice in biology education

Lee Ferguson serves as an AP and IB Biology teacher at Allen High School in Allen Texas bringing over 25 years of teaching experience to the classroom Her teaching career began in Plano ISD where her excellence was recognized with the district's Secondary Teacher of the Year award in 2000 Since 2003 she has been teaching both AP and IB Biology at Allen High School where she continues to make significant contributions to science education Her academic background includes a BA in Biology from Southwestern University and an MAT in Science Education from The University of Texas at Dallas Her expertise has been recognized with the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award from the Texas Association of Biology Teachers in 2010 She has served as an AP Reader since 2006 demonstrating her commitment to maintaining high standards in biology education As founder of the DFW AP Biology Professional Learning Community she has created valuable networking and development opportunities for local AP Biology teachers Her dedication to education extends beyond the classroom through presentations at multiple national regional and state science education conferences and her role as an AP consultant for the College Board She is particularly passionate about equity in STEM education especially for Black and Latinx students and consistently advocates for public school education Her combination of classroom excellence professional leadership and commitment to educational equity has made her a respected voice in biology education

Richard G Baraniuk serves as the Victor E Cameron Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rice University where he has been making groundbreaking contributions since 1993 His journey began in Winnipeg Canada where he developed his early interest in engineering leading to his studies in Electrical Engineering at the University of Manitoba University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign As Director of the Rice Center for Digital Learning and Scholarship RDLS he has revolutionized educational access through Connexions a non-profit publishing platform that reaches over 2 million users across 200 countries His research focuses on signal image and information processing with particular emphasis on machine learning and compressive sensing His leadership extends to OpenStax College where he develops machine algorithms for adaptive learning customizing materials to individual student learning styles His work has captured nearly 50 percent of the Texas state market for online science materials making him a significant figure in educational technology innovation His contributions to digital education and signal processing have transformed how educational content is delivered and accessed globally while his research continues to advance the fields of machine learning and information processing As a member of the Digital Signal Processing DSP group he combines cutting-edge research with practical applications in education demonstrating the powerful intersection of technology and learning

Craig Ceccanti currently serves as Chief Operating Officer at Softeq Development Corporation where he oversees daily operations and process optimization while simultaneously acting as Managing Partner at Softeq Venture Fund focusing on early-stage tech startups His entrepreneurial journey includes founding Pinot's Palette Houston's first BYOB painting studio which he grew into a nationwide franchise Following this success he joined the founding team of Rivalry Technologies developing mobile ordering platforms for stadiums and healthcare facilities and founded T-Minus Solutions a custom software consulting agency His academic credentials include a BS in Computer Science from Louisiana State University and an MBA from Rice University Jones School of Business where he now serves as an Adjunct Professor and Board of Advisors member His commitment to the Houston business community extends through his role as a mentor advisor and investor for emerging entrepreneurs while also serving on the Board of Directors for Bread Man Baking His expertise spans operational excellence customer experience and startup ecosystem development joining Softeq in June 2023 as part of the company's strategic growth initiative which saw 70% financial growth in 2022 and expansion to 22 countries Beyond his professional achievements he maintains a strong connection to education through his teaching role at Rice University and demonstrates his commitment to work-life balance by learning piano alongside his children

Bo Bothe serves as co-founder President and CEO of BrandExtract a Houston-based brand strategy and experience firm where he leads both brand strategy and corporate operations His academic background includes an MBA from Rice University's Jones Graduate School of Business and a bachelor's degree in Design Communications from Texas Tech University Under his leadership BrandExtract has consistently earned national recognition for creative excellence including multiple W3 Awards for marketing website design and digital communications His community involvement is extensive serving as a former President of the Jones Graduate School Alumni Association at Rice University while also holding board positions with the Kareem Jackson Foundation Camp Cho-Yeh the San Jacinto Monument and Lemonade Day Houston His professional achievements include acceptance into the Forbes Agency Council an invitation-only community for executives in successful public relations media strategy and branding agencies He currently resides in Spring Valley with his wife Heather and their four children where he serves on the city council and maintains active involvement at St Catherine of Siena Catholic Church His combination of business leadership community service and strategic brand expertise has established him as a respected figure in both the business and civic communities of Houston.