Rice University faculty and fellows are actively contributing to national and international discussions on critical issues ranging from global energy markets and political dynamics to healthcare economics and technological advancements. Simultaneously, the university is celebrating significant research breakthroughs and substantial philanthropic support for its students.
Experts from Rice's Baker Institute for Public Policy have been particularly prominent. Skip York authored an op-ed for The New York Times on the "crack spread" and its economic impact, while Francisco Monaldi was interviewed by NPR News about the Venezuelan oil industry, noting Texas-based companies' new contracts. Kristian Coates Ulrichsen provided insights on the expanding Iran War, and John Diamond commented on property tax ballot initiatives in red states.
In the political arena, Rice political science professor Mark Jones offered analysis on sharpening Senate battle lines and the Texas GOP, including former President Donald J. Trump's involvement. Healthcare research at Rice includes Vivian Ho's op-ed on tools to reduce hospital prices and collaborative work on AI for notetaking in healthcare settings, featuring English professor Kirsten Ostherr. Additionally, bioengineering professor Omid Veiseh and research assistant Samantha Fleury developed an engineered cell therapy for circadian adjustment.
Further scientific advancements include Rice research on graphene wrinkles exhibiting strong flexoelectric effects, with contributions from engineering professor Pulickel Ajayan. The university is also part of a $19.9 million National Science Foundation grant to advance AI-powered materials science. On the philanthropic front, a $25 million gift from university trustee James "Jim" Whitehurst '89 and his wife, Lauren Whitehurst, will establish the Sallyport Fellows Program to support first-generation and limited-income undergraduates, alongside funding for the Gateway Project.
This period highlights Rice University's broad impact, from shaping public policy debates to pioneering scientific discoveries and fostering student success through generous donations.