Engineering students lend their experience to those who need it most.

Elizabeth Moon's Path to the Stars 82. Serious II ord Play Thanks to the McMurtrys ay Says Goodbye RICE SALLYPORT • THE MAGAZINE OF RICE UNIVERSITY • SUMMER 2006

2 President's Message • 3 Letters • 6 Through the Sallyport Departments 16 Students • 37 Arts • 40 On the Bookshelf 42 Who's Who • 50 Scoreboard

2Outsourcing to it Rice to manage an 1 maquiladora factories intemational team- may seem economically production ofan beneficial on the surface innovative set of but could have hidden detectors for a premier costs not initially partide accelerator. apparent.

la A Rice study looks into the facts and fictions Shelly Harvey's discovery ofIT outsourcing to 15 may not help you untie other countries. a tangled shoelace, but it will help topologists characterize the underlying mathematical structure ofcomplex surfaces like knots.

Birth weight of male 12 infants is related to their later ability to learn and focus on visual stimuli. AL 11 The new "nanorice" 10 The world's first single-molecule vehicle gets its own engine. particle may find applications in cancer treatment, medical Rice's Medical Scientist An intoxication ofcolor diagnostics, molecular 16 Training Program links 39illuminates the Rice imaging,and chemical institutions to provide Gallery. sensing. doctors ofthe future with an interdisciplinary focus.

Celebrating the struggle to 37 reach a higher plane with The Birth ofSomething. 20 Engineers Without Borders The practical experience gained by engineering students who participate in the Engineers Without Borders program is nothing compared to their feeling of accomplishment at providing clean water and electrical power for third-world villages. Features By Tracey Rhoades

26 Making Contact: Elizabeth Moon's Path to the Stars What does it mean to be "normal?" Best-selling science-fiction writer Elizabeth Moon has sought the answer throughout her unusual life and in her award-winning fiction.

By Christopher Dow

34 R2 R2,the new Rice undergraduate literary magazine, gives nascent authors a venue for expression.

By Ruth Samuelson Rice Sallyport Summer 2006, Vol. 62, No. 4

"Our students are amazing." That is a phrase I have heard often from faculty Published by the Division since the beginning of my involvement with Rice. Indeed, both the objective and subjective of Public Affairs Suzanne Gschwind, director of Web "amazingness" of Rice students was one of my main attractions to Rice. But what exactly and Print Communications makes our students amazing? Editor Of course, we are privileged to attract some of the most outstanding students from across Christopher Dow the nation and, increasingly, from across the world. (This fall's entering undergraduate class Editorial Director has twice as many foreign students as previous classes.) They are outstanding as measured on Tracey Rhoades the usual numerical criteria such as SAT or ACT scores and on their high school grade point Creative Director average or class rank. But that is not what makes them amazing—rather it is that they explore, Jeff Cox they create, they contribute, and they excel. Art Director Let me start with exploration, because without it, our students cannot realize their potential. Chuck Thurmon They must reach outside the familiar and explore themselves and the world. Our job at the Editorial Staff university, in large part, consists of maximizing students' opportunities for exploration, in Dana Benson, associate editor the classroom and outside of it. In this issue, we take note, in particular, of the Sarah Williams, assistant editor Christie Wise, production coordinator international explorations ofsome ofour students,funded both by Rice fellowships and scholarships such as the Wagoner and national competitive awards such as Design Staff Tommy LaVergne, photographer Fulbrights and Watsons. Our students will use this support to study in places Jeff Fitlow, assistant photographer from Argentina to Vietnam. The Rice University Board The second amazing thing about our students is their creativity and imagination. of Trustees Two of our schools are devoted, in large measure, to such creativity, namely the James W. Crownover, chair; J.D. Bucky Allshouse; D. Kent Anderson; Teveia School of Architecture and the Shepherd School of Music. But our students are Rose Barnes; Alfredo Brener; Vicki creating all across the campus,from the college-based theatre to the establishment Whamond Bretthauer, Robert T. Brockman; Albert Y. Chao; Robert L. Clarke;Edward of R2, a student-run magazine for student writing. It is no surprise, given the A. Dominguez; Bruce W. Dunlevie; Lynn "It is no surprise, creativity of our students, that we find our alumni engaged in a wide range of Laverty Elsenhans; Douglas Lee Foshee; given the creativity Susanne Morris Glasscock; Carl E. 1sgren; creative endeavors, from writing novels to producing movies. K. Terry Koonce; Michael R. Lynch; of our students, that Our cover story in this issue focuses on the third exceptional element of Rice Robert R. Maxfield; Steven L. Miller; M. we find our alumni Kenneth Oshman; Marc Shapiro; L. E. students, contribution. I was so moved and inspired when I attended a student Simmons; Robert B. Tudor III engaged in a wide presentation of the work of Engineers Without Borders, and I felt privileged range of creative Administrative Officers when the group asked me to address a national meeting of EVVB held at Rice. David W. Leebron, president; Kathy endeavors,from This is a student-created and student-led effort at Rice. It is wonderful to see our Collins, vice president for Finance; writing novels to Eric Johnson, vice president for students recognize that the opportunity to obtain knowledge and develop skills Resource Development; Kevin Kirby, producing movies." at Rice also creates an obligation to contribute. Our students have changed the vice presidentfor Administration; Eugene Levy,provost; Chris Munoz, vice president —David W. Leebron lives of people in Central America, in particular, and, in so doing, have learned for Enrollment; Scott W. Wise, vice valuable skills and life lessons. presidentfor Investments and treasurer, Richard A.Zansitis„genera/ counsel; TBN, On another scale, many of our students, especially our graduate students, contribute to vice presidentfor Public Affairs. the pathbreaking research that takes place at Rice and helps advance human knowledge and All submissions to Sallyport are subject understanding. The research teams that produced nanocars in Jim Tour's laboratory and to editing for length, clarity, accuracy, nanorice in Naomi Halas's laboratory (with physics professor Peter Nordlander), mentioned appropriateness, and fairness to third parties. in this issue, included graduate students. All this might be enough to make our students amazing, but beyond that, they excel. They Sallyport is published by the Division of Public Affairs ofRice University and is sent excel in their drive to explore, they excel in their creativity, they excel in their contributions, to university alumni,faculty, staff, graduate and they excel in their learning. Creating the opportunity for such excellence, regardless ofthe students, parents of undergraduates, and friends of the university. financial backgrounds ofour students,is costly. In this issue, we cover the recent announcement of a $100 million campaign for scholarships. The college system at Rice also has been a key Editorial Offices Office of Publications—MS 95 feature in creating a climate for the pursuit of excellence and exploration, and we are very P.O. Box 1892 pleased to announce an expansion of the college system in anticipation of the growth of the Houston,Texas 77251-1892 university in the years to come. It is graduates and friends like Burt and Deedee McMurtry Fax: 713-348-6751 Email: [email protected] whose engagement and support make the "amazingness" of our students possible. Postmaster Send address changes to: Rice University Development Services—MS 80 P.O. Box 1892 Houston, TX 77251-1892

OSEPTEMBER 2006 RICE UNIVERSITY

2 Rice Sallyport LETTERS

Letters

1,111910 "The winter 2006 issue of Sallyport is absolutely awful. Has Rice become the Berkeley of the South?" —Michael S. Adams '64

Our Own Facts and Fiction ter supply do not go back that far), private citizens to capture, collect,and both the legal issues and the practi- Rice has provided some or all of the hold protected wildlife outside of the cal problems we saw in Rice continu- Thanks for an interesting, education- campus domestic water supply from normal hunting and fishing laws. It ing in its present course with its live al article, "Rice Fact and Fiction," in groundwater through this well. We was a minor, if somewhat sore, spot mascots. The Rice representative ex- the winter 2006 edition of Sallyport. currently supply 42 million gallons a among some animal rights activists plained that poor maintenance on the I learned a lot and resolved some 40- year (about one-fifth) of the campus's who maintained contact with us that owl cage had allowed some animal year-old questions. domestic water from this well, and in some colleges in Texas were hold- to pry open a corner of the enclosure, However, in the interest of total ac- the past (1991) were legally allowed ing protected wildlife and displaying invade it, and kill both the owls. She curacy, as a member of the first class to withdraw as much as 180 million them as mascots. Notable were Baylor also explained that there were no more to pay tuition at Rice, let me assure gallons a year from this well. University's endangered black bears, owls at the university at that time and you that the first tuition charged at Concerns over land subsidence and, Texas A&I University's occasional ja- that none were likely until funds could Rice was $1,200, not $1,500 (answer as noted,the stability ofthe underground velinas, University of Houston's cou- be found to make the cage safer. to question 16, page 35). I counted ev- water table, have indeed led us (and gar, and Rice University's great horned We had earlier spoken with Dr. Fisher, ery penny of it. others)to curtail,though not complete- owls. who could not attend our meeting,and Walter (Scot) Ruska '69 ly, our underground withdrawals. One of the first briefings I had when found that,although he wanted his per- Albuquerque, New Mexico Douglas Wells I took that job was on these mascots. mit renewed, he was reluctant to as- Director, Central Plant (found that one of my staff (a Baylor sume continued responsibility for the OK,I'm confused.... On the webpage Rice University graduate) had issued a zoological per- mascot. The owls were, after all, out- "A Brief Rice History"(www.explore.rice. mit to Baylor for its bears. A&I did not side of his research program, and far edu/explore/A_Brief_R ice_H istory.asp), I just read the test questions and an- always keep a javelina (probably be- away from his laboratory and office. it states that, in 1962,"Rice donates the swers in the winter 2006 Sallyportar- cause of the handling difficulties in- Nonetheless, he was also reluctant to land for NASA'sJohnson Space Center." tide, "Rice Fact and Fiction," and felt volved), and University of Houston be the sole reason why Rice could not But in the winter 2006 issue of Sallyport, that I needed to "fill out" the histor- actually used a cougar that was per- have a live mascot. on page 34, it says that Rice never actu- con- ical record on question No. 10 mitted as part of the Houston Zoo's We suggested to the Rice repre- ally owned that land and was only the next to Lovett cerning the owl cages collection. Rice's owls were held as sentatives that they explore a coop- intermediary in the exchange. Which is College. part of a scientific collecting permit erative arrangement with a licensed the correct statement? student at Rice from When I was a issued to Dr. Frank Fisher in the biol- wildlife rehabilitator or the Houston Mary Cochran 1971 to 1975, there were up to three ogy department. Administrator, Zoo rather than the continued use of System great horned owls at a time in the owl While I no Department ofEarth Science longer have access to my Dr. Fisher's scientific permit, and we Lovett College. The owl Rice University cage next to office diaries from that period, I recall provided them with contact informa- and occasion- keepers lived in Lovett that, in about 1990 or 1991, I was in- tion. We were later informed by Rice on a The statement in Sallyport is the cor- ally kept the owls in their room formed that the owl cage next to Lovett and the Houston Zoo thatthe zoo would water balloon rect one. —Editor perch, especially during College had been invaded by either a assume responsibility for future owls One of battles with Will Rice College. feral cat or wild animal and the owls and that they wished to have them air-condi- In the winter 2006 Sallyport article the keepers told me that the were killed. There was general mur- added to their zoological permit. Dr. titled "Rice Fact and Fiction," ques- tioning was not good for the owls and muring from my contacts that animal Fisher received his permit without the tion No. 13 discusses the past use of that it was preferable to keep them rights groups were planning on pro- owls. That was the last I heard of the a system of wells throughout the cam- outside. testing the use of live owls at Rice as owls until the Sallyport story. pus to provide public drinking water During the same time, the Rice mascots,and I could expect some form Paul M. Shinkawa '75 (i.e., domestic water) to the campus. cheerleaders had a somewhat musty of inquiry soon. In checking our records Austin, Texas The answer to question No. 13 states owl costume that was used by a stu- at TPWD, I found that Dr. Fisher's per- that this is fictional, and that "The use dent during the games in addition to mit was due for renewal and that the Thanks to all of you who sent in correc- of the pumps was discontinued due to the live owls. The costumed Sammy application was then pending. tions and additions. Rice history buffs, concerns regarding the stability of the occasionally would act inebriated and Another attorney, who also was a take note! —Editor underground water table." lift upthe skirts of the opposing team's wildlife biologist from Texas A&M, While I am not certain where the cheerleaders. and I set up an appointment to meet The Arts at Rice Revisited Rice domestic water supply came From 1987 to 1999, I was an attor- with a representative of Rice from a from prior to 1969, I am certain that ney at the Texas Parks and Wildlife department that had some nominal John O'Neil's personal notes on the in 1969 Rice had drilled, outside the Department(TPWD), one of the natu- authority over the mascot program. I establishment of a fine arts program Central Plant, a 1,626-foot deep wa- ral resource agencies that had jurisdic- no longer recall who that was or what at Rice [fall 2005] make clear the huge ter well intothe Gulf Coast—Evangeline tion of native Texas wildlife. For most her department affiliation was. We met distance that has been traveled in the Aquifer, and for at least some of the of that time, I was in charge of scien- at Lovett College with her and one or last 40 years. Although his notes con- years since 1969 (my records of wa- tific permits—those permits allowing two student owl handlers to explain vey many frustrations of the pioneering

Summer '06 3 LETTERS

phase of fine arts at Rice, his vision of has known The Big Easy for the last 50 Re-Viewing Alberto Gonzales pabilities and drive to achieve success the potential in Houston is compel ling, years or so), and unsupported conten- are noteworthy, as well. even to this day. tions about "a shift of resources out It was interesting to read about the Unfortunately, I can't imagine that O'Neil clearlyforesaw the steep rise of the hands of the poor and middle life story of Alberto Gonzales in the Mr. Gonzales got the most out of his of the arts in Houston. Brilliant lead- class and into the hands of the rich" latest issue of Sallyport Everyone can Rice education based on the obfus- ership has given Houston some of the (who said government was respon- agree that he has come a long way; cation and stubborn intransigence he finest art collections in the country and sible for income redistribution?) . . . however, Gonzales's role in undermin- has displayed as White House coun- world-class opera and theatre, not to misses totally issues of the desirabil- ing the fundamental human rights on sel and attorney general in the Bush mention one of the best creative writ- ity of building (and trying to insure) which this nation is built overshad- administration. The convoluted and ing programs in the nation. As O'Neil a city in a below-sea-level bathtub. ows his positive accomplishments. His illogical arguments made in the in- writes, "There was a heady feeling in Taxpayers are getting tired of paying Distinguished Alumni Award should famous "torture memo," nullifying Houston that almost anything of worth for folks who insist on building in ar- be revoked. the Geneva Convention standards, as in the arts could be accomplished." eas known to be seriously affected by The article does not discuss the lat- And, he well as his evasive, essentially non- says, "Rice could only dream disasters like hurricanes, floods, etc. est controversy in which Gonzales has of achieving a responsive appearances before con- parallel art order." The "interyiewwith Attorney General become embroiled: the warrantless O'Neil's article ties nicely with the gressional committees are offensive Alberto Gonzalez" is no such thing. It wiretapping issue. He has claimed that report on page 11 announcing the new to the idea of an open, intellectually omits quoting the questions asked, Congress's authorization of the use of collaborative initiativewith the Houston honest, morally grounded government. only occasionally quotes Gonzalez, force in Afghanistan also authorized museum community made possible by Mr. Gonzales's actions and words indi- and is basically a cut and paste po- the president to wiretap Americans Suzanne Deal Booth. For the School of litical collage. without warrants. Gonzales argues cate a small mind,a mind that, instead Humanities, this is the first step in a Assimilation hardly seems to be a this, even though prominent members of critically thinking through consider- major initiative to bring us up to that problem; so-called multiculturalism and of Congress have said that, at the time ations of law,is prone to merely serving parallel level of achievement in visu- open borders are problems. California's they passed the bill, they considered up contorted justifications for already- al arts and art history. Building on the increased healthcare costs due to hav- it to have nothing whatsoever to do decided policy. How did he make it unique resources in art, creative writ- ing to accommodate speakers of some with wiretapping. through the academic rigors of Rice? ing, and theatre in Houston, and sup- 140 different languages,dialects, etc. is Gonzales once wrote, according to And should Mr. Gonzales be a point ported by David Leebron's vision of a a problem. By the way,"migration" and the Sallyportarticle, that "Legislative of pride for our university? Sallyport new partnership between Rice and "immigration" are not the same thing. intent is the polestar of statutory con- was stepping into a no-win situation Houston, Rice has exceptional oppor- "Empowering teachers through in- struction. Our role as judges requires by interviewing the attorney general, tunities to realize the potential O'Neil creased knowledge and a stronger pro- that we put aside our own personal and I understand that. But I do hope grasped 40 years ago. fessional voice" is the solution to the views of what we might like to see that the Rice alumni I want to assure readers of Sallyport who read the ar- problems of the public schools? You enacted and, instead, do our best to that plans are under way to create a ticle take a moment to carefully con- must be kidding. The mediocre mo- discern what the legislature actually "parallel art order" at Rice. sider who and what we as community nopoly of public education, the ab- intended." Why didn't Gonzales abide Gary Wihl should be focusing on and honoring. sence of choice, waste of resources, by his own philosophy when consid- Dean ofthe School ofHumanities and the inabilityto send a poor teacher Shay Harrison '94 Rice University ering the wiretapping? If he had, he East Greenbush, New York packing are much closer to being the could never have claimed that Congress real problems in need of solution. The Opprobrium and Approbation unknowingly authorized a secret spy National Education Agency is not part When one becomes an officer in the program. executive branch of the U.S. govern- The winter 2006 issue of of the solution. Sallyport is This is just one more example of ment, he or she swears to support and absolutely awful. Has Rice become You might want to develop an edi- where Gonzales musters whatever ar- defend the Constitution of the United the Berkeley of the South? torial policy for Sallyport as a way of guments are at hand to defend the ruth- States. It is thus alarming to read the The back cover is somewhat emus- rethinking what it's all about. less agenda of his friends who brought following quote from Attorney General ing—good to see three white lads prac- Michael S. Adams'64 him to power. As the evidence piles in, Oceanside, California Alberto Gonzales in Sallyport "Is the ticing their gangsta rap hand gestures. Gonzales's life is less and less "open president You can almost hear "It's Hard Out Here to interpretation," as the title of the pleased with my perfor- The winter issue of Sallyport is fabu- for a Pimp" playing in the background. article suggests; it is increasingly fit mance? That's all I really should wor- lous. I sense a raising of the bar. The The description of 60 people weaving for a verdict. ry about, or can worry about." He may articles are very interesting and show a hay was absolutelywonderful—"com- not have much to worry about, but we university on the move. Best of all was Greg Keaton '87 munity based thing" . . . hmmm . . . 1 San Francisco, California who live in and care about this country David Leebron's two-page summary of think I hear laughter. certainly do with scoundrels like this his Call to Conversation. The mission It's amazing that a foundation will I have been stewing over the article in office. An alum is who is high and statement says so much in two well- cough up $283,000 to research some- published in the most recent Sallyport mighty is not necessarily an alum to crafted sentences,and the 10 steps are thing that's been kicking around since concerning the magazine's interview be proud of. no surprise—David has mentioned them 1913 or so. And what is the significance with Rice alumnus Alberto Gonzales. to me over the past year. The beauty is Frederick Lazare '88 of the findings on atheism? Publish I'm torn in my opinion of this man and Houston, Texas that, by engaging in the conversation, the 36 questions so we can get a feel the university's celebration of one of he has created a feeling of ownership for how these "distinct frameworks" our own making it to such a high and on the part of the many constituencies developed. powerful level in the federal gov- that must coalesce and commit in or- The Katrina article, though focused ernment. Certainly Attorney General der to achieve Rice's goals. on "the handling of the crisis"(except Gonzales's background is worthy of for the corrupt state and local politi- John Mendelsohn, MD mention because it is representative President ofthe University of Texas cal machine,of course),"grinding pov- M.D. Anderson Cancer Center of so many of the students who have erty" (like that's news to anyone who Houston, Texas passed through Rice's gates. His ca-

4 Rice Sallyport [ LETTERS]

Cornmentary

The following personal commentary is in response to the profile on U.S. attorney general Alberto Gonzales titled "Open to Interpretation" that ran in the winter 2006 issue of Sallyport.

Sallyport'srecentarticleaboutAlberto may reflect Gonzales's wholehearted No wonder Gonzales equivocated. all civilians. Add another 240,000 lives Gonzales provides an opportunity embrace of the perverse vocabulary No wonder so little stock now is placed lost at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Can for everyone connected with Rice put into circulation by the torture in the administration's claim that it slaughter of civilians on this scale be to explore the values we live by. I memo.Cavalierly declaring the Geneva has, out of the sheer goodness of its wished away by observing,as bickering welcomed the publication of the Conventions to be obsolete,the memo's heart, upheld the humane standards children do, that "they started it?" Gonzales article, but along with it authors claimed to find in other laws of the Geneva Conventions even while In 1964-65, as a lieutenant in the came an honorific electronic banner an authoritative consensus that would contending that the conventions lack U.S. Navy and advisor to the assistant on the Rice website that I found define torture as a crime but also legal force and are counterproductive operations officer of the Vietnamese shocking. The banner, visually quite make it a vanishingly rare event. Only given the "new paradigm" of warfare Navy, I neverwould have believed that mesmerizing,displayed a photograph "extreme acts"and "the most egregious ushered in by 9/11. People who play my country would one day ridicule the of Gonzales being sworn in as attorney conduct" would qualify. "Physical pain fast and loose with words like torture Geneva Conventions,demonize ordinary general of the United States by his amounting to torture must be equivalent are not to be trusted. foot soldiers as unlawful combatants, political patron, President George W. in intensity to the pain accompanying Until the Supreme Court began and incarcerate them without due Bush. Although no text accompanied serious physical injury, such as organ dismantling the administration's process. Am I proud today that a Rice the image, the visual message was failure, impairment of bodily function, ill conceived prison system in the graduate played an important role in unmistakable: We at Rice like George or even death" the memo reads. Having Hamdi, Rasul, and Hamdan cases, forging the legal and bureaucratic Bush and are proud of Alberto Gonzales. thus shrunken the word torture to a anyone suspected of any sort of tools that transformed Guantanamo Given the limitlessdiversity of a global shadow of its customary meaning, the linkage to terrorism was subject to Naval Station into a prison camp and audience potentially reached by Rice's memo narrowed it even more by invoking secret incarceration at Guantanamo interrogation center thatthe Supreme website, however,there is reason to the necessity of "specific intent." If a or elsewhere without a shred of due Court now finds unlawful and even our wonder if it was truly in the interest defendant accused of torture "acted process.Worse, prisoners were I ia ble to closest allies call loathsome? No. of the university to bestow honors knowing that severe pain or suffering be subjected to interrogation practices The Al Qaeda attack of 9/11 was a on Gonzales and his patron in this was reasonably likely to result from his that, in the vocabulary of any candid, despicable deed, and in its wake, my fashion. Is there, in fact, anything actions, but no more, he would have plainspoken person, unquestionably countrymen never again will rest easy remotely like a consensus of respect acted only with general intent [not qualify as torture. The justifications in the free security that wide oceans and admiration for Gonzales on this specific intent]," and therefore not be commonly given for stripping stateless have bestowed on us. From now on, campus or among its graduates? Is guilty of torture. The memo went still soldiers of even the most elementary Americans will have to realize that he a fitting emblem of the values we further:"Even if an interrogation method human rights are threefold: they do not war is notjust something that happens cherish? These are controversial, arguably were to violate section 2340A wear uniforms,they do not distinguish overseas but also may be experienced many-sided questions. All I can report the statute would be unconstitutional between military and civilian targets, on our own soil. Most of the world's are my own views. if it impermissibly encroached on the and they are neither soldiers embedded peoples had to acknowledge this lesson At Gonzales's confirmation hearing president's constitutional power to in a chain of command that takes centuries ago. Of all the blunders in January 2005, senators of both conduct a military campaign." responsibility for their conduct nor committed bythe Bush administration, parties pressed him about torture, The main purpose ofthe torture memo citizens ofan established state thatsigns the greatest in my eyes is that itturned for the Abu Ghraib photos were was to specify the level of brutality treaties ensuring civilized treatment of its back on the rich Western heritage fresh in everyone's mind, and the thatwould maximize intelligenceyield, prisoners. In short, they do not make of humane laws, rights, practices, and infamous "torture memo" of 2002, while stopping just short of criminal war like Westerners. They have no conventions meant to minimize, or at solicited from Department of Justice liability. Never imagining that their aircraft carriers, ballistic missiles, or least set limits, to the unspeakable lawyers by Gonzales acting in his work would become public knowledge, tanks; they are third-world irregulars horrors that all parties, no matter role as counsel to the president, the authors categorized aggressive who, in combat, improvise, making do how well intentioned, are liable to had, by that time, been leaked to but acceptable interrogation methods with the resources at their disposal. commit in the heat of combat. As I the press. His testimony seemed with a revealing trio of words that they Is this grounds for torturing them? For write, a couple of weeks after the evasive. Although he stated in his used again and again with no sense of treating them as war criminals? Hamdan decision, the nation waits opening remarksthat"America stands irony: cruel, inhuman, and degrading. It wasn't in Vietnam,40 some years as Congress debates whether to make against and will not tolerate torture These three words define what the ago.There, too, the United States was that blunder permanent and clothe it under any circumstances," under Bush administration came to regard at war with irregular guerilla soldiers in legitimacy or reinstate the Geneva skeptical questioning, he claimed as acceptable. Imagine that you come who wore no uniform and pledged Conventions. The fate of the nation that the torture memo was "just the undersuspicion of withholding valuable allegiance to no state. Yet to the best hangs in the balance. opinion of the justice department's intelligence and the jailor invites you of my knowledge,no one in Washington Then he to choose between two Thomas Haskell Office of Legal Counsel." options: You ever considered putting America in the Samuel G. McCann Professor of abruptly reversed himself,saying that can submit to torture, or you will be business of routinelytorturing suspects. History, Department ofHistory it was the "binding interpretation," humiliated, treated like an animal, and Asforsparing civilians,the United States Rice University before speaking of it, only minutes experience cruelty so severe that it puts does not occupy high moral ground. In later, as "an arguable interpretation you on the road to organ failure. Could Vietnam, we selectively assassinated of the law." anything be more Orwellian? The bar of civic leaders whose politics offended What appears to be flagrant decency and moral responsibilitycould us. In World War II, the firebombing of doubletalk and deception actually hardly have been set lower. Tokyo alone took 100,000 lives, nearly

Summer '06 5 THROUGH THE SALLYPORT

McMurtrys Pledge 32 Million to Rice Money Will Help Build 10th Residential College at Their Alma Mater

Houston natives Deedee and Burt McMurtry have proven that their alumni couple more dedicated 1956 and 1957, respectively. reputation as two of Rice University's most generous supporters is well to the aspirations of Rice than He continued his education at Burt and Deedee McMurtry," deserved by pledging an additional $32 million to their alma muter. Stanford, where he earned an says James Crownover, chair of MS and a PhD in electrical en- the Rice Board of Trustees."We gineering in 1959 and 1962, "Deedee and Burt have been also will make a contribution are thrilled to add 'McMur- respectively. A Rice University both extraordinarily generous toward the construction of try' to the list of distinguished trustee emeritus, Burt McMur- and tireless in their support of Rice's 10th residential college. names attached to our residen- try currently is a private investor Rice," Rice president David Le- Robin Forman, dean of un- tial colleges. We were truly sorry and a founding partner of Tech- ebron said. "They have always dergraduates, underscored the to see Burt leave the Rice board nology Venture Investors and responded to the university's importance of this new college. to become chair of the board Institutional Venture Associates most pressing needs and have "Rice is about to embark on a at Stanford University, but we in California. His venture firms provided inspired volunteer 30-percent expansion of the un- could not be more grateful for have backed such companies as leadership that has impacted dergraduate student body," he Burt and Deedee's enduring KLA-Tencor, Adaptec, Altera, the lives of many generations of notes. "To carry this out while love for their undergraduate Compaq,Intuit, Linear Tech- Rice graduates. With this new preserving, and even enhancing, school." nology Corp., and Microsoft. pledge, coupled with earlier, the unique residential nature Burt and Deedee McMurtry The McMurtrys have a long undesignated gifts, the McMur- history of generous support to trys will help us make some stra- Rice. They established two en- tegic investments as we begin dowed professorships and two to implement our Vision for the "Naming a residential college is one ofthe most endowed scholarships and have Second Century." enduring legaciesat Rice, and there is no alumni given major support to the Rice The university will use the Annual Fund and the Class of McMurtrys' earlier undesig- couple more dedicated to the aspirations of 1956 Scholarship Fund. Mc- nated gifts, plus a portion of Rice than Burt and Deedee McMurtry." Murtry Auditorium in Anne the new pledge, to create a and Charles Duncan Hall is —James Crownover long-term operating and main- named in their honor, and they tenance fund to support Rice's have helped fund many other 50-year-old residential college campus features. of undergraduate education at met at Houston's Lamar system, which Burt played a role High "As Rice prepares to enter Rice, we need to build two ad- School but did not begin in planning back when he was dat- its second century with a new ditional colleges. We could not ing until they came to a student representative on the Rice. He vision, now seemed the right be happier that the McMurtrys was the Student Association 1955 committee that set out time to make an additional in- will help us build the first of president, and she was the the original mission and basic vice vestment in Rice and strategi- these two new colleges." president. Deedee McMurtry organizational design of the sys- cally combine some of our past Recognizing their lifetime received her BA in English from tem."We have long understood support with new gifts to help of generous contributions to Rice in 1956. She currently is that the residential college sys- David Leebron achieve his goals Rice, their volunteer leadership, an active civic volunteer in the tem is a truly distinctive feature for the university," Burt Mc- and their commitment of time Silicon Valley, including serv- of undergraduate education at Murtry says. "We are glad that to their alma mater, Rice will ing on the Director's Advisory Rice," says Deedee McMurtry. it all came together at a time name the 10th college Burton Council at the Cantor Art Mu- "As Rice moves into its second when we could be helpful."• and Deedee McMurtry College. seum at Stanford century, we want to do our part University. "Naming a residential college Burt McMurtry received to help preserve it for future is one of the most enduring BA and BS degrees in generations of students." electri- legacies at Rice, and there is no cal engineering from Rice in In addition, the McMurtrys

6 Rice Sallyport THROUGH THE SALLYPORT

Rice Launches New Undergraduate Scholarship Initiative Scholchips Open Doors fa Recent Because scholarship offers can strongly influence whether highly gifted students from diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds and geographic regions choose CaTiputer Science Graduate to study here or at some other prestigious university, Rice University has launched an initiative to raise $100 million in endowed scholarships for undergraduates by 2012—Rice's 100th anniversary.

"In today's dynamic and competitive college- international leaders who study at Rice recruitment environment,the universities that appreciate American values. are the most successful in bringing accom- Rice students who currently are receiv- plished,ambitious students to their campuses ing scholarships have commented on how arethe universitieswith endowed scholarships important the funding is to them. that are both large in size and number," Rice "I live in a middle-class family, and one of president David Leebron says. "Substantial our main concerns with college, aside from need-based and merit-based undergraduate quality, is cost," says Angelique Poteat, a scholarships will help us shape each incoming junior music composition majorfrom Clinton, class with young people destined for leader- Washington."One of my main worries was ship positions in their careers." the hefty $775-per-semesterfee for studying The new initiative targets five levels of with the clarinet professor, and the schol- scholarship recognition: endowed scholarships arship I received truly helped lighten that ($50,000), centennial endowed scholarships load. It also will allow me to practice more ($100,000), distinguished university endowed instead of taking on a second job, helping scholarships($300,000), presidential endowed me to be a better-prepared clarinetist, which scholarships ($500,000), and William Marsh will give me a boost when I apply for posi- Eric Shao—yu Cheng '06 has a bright future ahead of Rice endowed scholarships ($1 million). tions in orchestras." him. The Phi Beta Kappa member graduated in May with "Raising $100 million in scholarships will Sophomore Esther Tricoche, a psychology a degree in computer science and worked as an intern bolster Rice's ability to continue its need- and policystudies majorfrom Weimar,Texas, at Microsoft this summer. Eric also completed summer blind admissions process and to use merit says, "Without scholarships and financial internships with National Instruments and Google. aid to compete effectively with other schools aid, there would have been absolutely no Now pursuing a PhD at Yale University, Eric believes for students who may be considering Rice," chance that I would be able to afford to go that these experiences, along with his undergraduate says Julie Browning, dean for undergraduate to school at Rice. I have three older sisters research that resulted in published papers and conference enrollment. The funding will be critical in in college, and I have seen them struggle presentations, will help him be successful in whatever light of the university's plans to increase its to go to school full time while also work- career path he chooses. undergraduate enrollment by 30 percent (to ing full time to pay for their tuition, and I Eric, who was a transfer student from Taipei, was approximately 3,800 students) over the next realized how difficult it would be if I had to able to attend Rice thanks to two scholarships: the decade as part of Rice's Vision for the Second do that at Rice." John W. McKee Scholarship and the Samuel Sikes Jr. Century. Browning notes Rice faces particu- May graduate Luke Austin Stadel, an Scholarship. These merit scholarships were crucial in larly stiff competition for students in the top economics major from Osage City, Kansas, helping Eric payfor his Rice education because students 5 percent of their high school classes from says his top choices forcol lege were Harvard from other countries do not qualify for federal or state academic peer institutions offering generous University and Rice. "Harvard couldn't give financial assistance. merit scholarships as a recruiting tool. me any scholarship money," he recalls."Rice Half of high school graduates in the United was more affordable to begin with, and it Eric says he wanted to come to Rice because it is States now come from families earning less was able to give me a scholarship, so that small, has an approachable faculty, and is one of the than $50,000."Rice must be prepared to dedi- made my decision very easy. I hope that finest universities for programming language theory. It cate substantial financial aid for scholarships people like the Rice alumnus who donated also feels like a family. "I will never forget what the for highly talented low- and middle-income my scholarship continue to find creating Rice family has done for me, and when I'm in a posi- students so we continue to have a rich learn- scholarships to be worthwhile, because tion to do so, I will establish a scholarship so I can help ing environment where students are admitted this kind of financial help provides awe- distinguished students in the same way my donors for their capacity to learn and not for their some experiences for students. It certainly supported me." capacity to pay," Browning says. did for me." Having a greater number of endowed For more information about endowing scholarships also will aid Rice in increasing scholarships at Rice,contact Leslie Brewster, YOUR GIFT WORK the percentage of its international undergradu- assistant director of constituent relations RICE UNIVERSITY ates to 5 percent from 3 percent. Diversity in the development office, at 713-348-4633 in geographic origins and backgrounds can or Ibrewst©rice.edu, or visit www.giving. Rice University • Office of Development—MS 81 help Rice students gain different perspec- rice.edu.• P.O. Box 1892 • Houston, TX 77251-1892 tives from around the world and help future —B. J. Almond 713-348-4600 • www.giving.rice.edu

Summer '06 7 THROUGH THE SALLYPORT

tor Billy Bonner, a co-principal U.S., China Cooperate investigator on the grant,"but on High-Energy Physics the cost of the detectors alone was estimated at $12 million, Experiment so we went back to the drawing board and came up with a less With $5 million in new U.S. expensive design. Without our funding and a $2 million com- Chinese partners, this new sys- mitment from the Chinese tem wouldn't have been feasible. Academy of Sciences, Rice Uni- Their detectors are superior in versity physicists are organizing quality to any of the prototypes the joint U.S.-Chinese pro- we created, and their support duction of an innovative set of and enthusiasm for the project detectors for one of the Depart- are unparalleled." ment of Energy's premier par- ticle accelerators, the Relativistic "Without our Chinese Heavy Ion Collider(RHIC) at partners, this new sys- Brookhaven National Laborato- tem wouldn't have been ry(BNL) on Long Island, New feasible. Their detectors York. The project represents the are superior in quality most significant collaboration to to any of the prototypes date between the United States we created, and their and China in high-energy par- support and enthusi- ticle physics detector research. asm for the project are "Particle physics provides a unparalleled." clear example of the need for increased cooperation in sci- —Billy Bonner ence today because no single The STAR Time-of-Flight institution—indeed, no single (TOF)detectors will allow physi- nation—can afford the appara- cists to help distinguish tus or command the expertise types of subatomic particles from one required to advance the bound- another after they are created in aries of physical knowledge in head-on smash-ups between pro- this arena," says Rice University tons and neutrons, giving physi- president David Leebron. "This cists a brief glimpse ofsome of program is an example of the the basic constituents of matter. most robust scientific coop- "Producing the detectors is eration, the type that emerges a huge undertaking, and the when scientists meet and col- U.S. partners will wind up laborate on important areas of mak- ing more than 2,300 electronic mutual interest and concern." boards for the system," says "This program is an STAR TOF project manager example of the most Geary Eppley, a research scientist at the robust scientific coop- Bonner Lab. "Assembly eration, the type that and testing will take place at the emerges when sci- University of Texas at Austin (UT),and we'll install as many entists meet and col- detectors as we can each summer laborate on important areas of mutual inter- when RHIC is shut down. We est and concern." expect to finish in 2009." Participating institutions —David Leebron include Rice, BNL, UT,the University of California at Los Over the next three years, Angeles, the Institute of Particle the international team, which is Physics at Wuhan, the Institute managed by Rice's T.W. Bonner of Modern Physics at LanZhou, Nuclear Laboratory, will build, the Shanghai Institute of Ap- install, and test a cylindrical plied Physics, Tsinghua Univer- bank of more than 23,000 par- sity in Beijing, the University ticle detectors in the Solenoi- of Science and Technology of dal Tracker at RHIC (STAR). China at Hefei, and the Insti- "Physicists at the Bonner Lab 111 11111%... tute of High Energy Physics in first proposed a system like this STAR TOF project manager Geary Eppley, a physicist in Rice's Bonner Lab, Beijing.• 15 years ago," says lab direc- tours high-energy physics research facilities in China. —Jade Boyd

8 Rice Sallyport THROUGH THE SALLYPORT

U.S. IT Industry Robust Despite Offshoring nternahona rojec oos s A recent study released by the Association of Computing Machinery shows Nanotechnology Research a robust information technology (IT) industry in the United States, despite IT jobs being moved to workers in other countries, also called "offshoring."

Rice University has been awarded S2.2 million by the The study confirmed the United cent of the world's largest 1,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) for a five-year States now has more IT jobs avail- companies currently send work project that will offer an integrated approach to able than at the height of the dot- offshore, and that percentage is corn boom, and the IT industry expected to increase. international research and education in the area of will be among the fastest-growing Still, the study found that the nanotechnology. over the next decade. However, the trend is not as threatening to The U.S.—Japan Cooperative Research and Education United States already faces intensi- the U.S. economy as is widely program, titled "Ultrafast and Nonlinear Optics in fying global competition for higher- perceived. In fact, only 2 to 3 6.1—Angstrom Semiconductors," will investigate the skill-level jobs and, according to percent ofIT jobs are lost annu- optical properties ofseveral semiconductors,including the study, must foster innovation to ally in the United States due to indium arsenide, gallium antimonide, and aluminum keep its current edge. offshoring. The study also cited antimonide. "The key message of the study data from the U.S. Bureau of Junichiro Kono, associate professor of electrical is that the fear that offshoring will Labor Statistics that shows IT and computer engineering at Rice, is the program's 'suck away' all IT jobs in developed employment in the United States principal investigator. Members ofhis research group countries has so far shown to be in 2004 was 17 percent higher will use ultrashort laser pulses to create, manipulate, unfounded," says Moshe Vardi, the than in 1999. and study a variety ofelectron quantum states in ma- Karen Ostrum George Professor The key to remaining com- terials supplied by their Japanese collaborators. The in Computational Engineering and petitive in a global economy, the investigations could lead to new,ultrafast information- professor of computer science, who study states, is to adopt policies processing technologies. co-chaired the study. "At the same "that improve a country's abil- Rice's grant is one ofonly 12 in the nation awarded time, software has become a truly ity to attract, educate, and retain in this year's NSF Partnerships for International Re- global market. To be successful the best IT talent." Countries search and Education program designed to help U.S. in software requires being able to must continue to strengthen institutions "establish collaborative relationships with compete globally." educational systems, increase in- foreign groups or institutions in order to advance The goal of the yearlong study vestment in research and devel- specific research and education objects and to make create government was to explain the causes and effects opment, and possible a research effort that neither side could ac- of the globalization of software policies that allow the free flow complish on its own." development and research. The of talent. The multidisciplinary program includes participation "Traditionally, computer sci- study noted several forces behind from the Department ofElectrical and Computer En- ence educators focused on tech- the offshoring trend: the creation gineering, the Career Services Center, and the Office -bandwidth nical skills, with a particular oflow-cost and high ofInternational Programs. Co-principal investigators telecommunications, the standard- emphasis on programming," from Rice include Patrick Frantz, lecturer on electri- Vardi says. "We also need to con- ization ofsoftware platforms and cal and computer engineering and special liaison for sider nontechnical skills, for ex- business applications, and world- international engineering programs,and Hiroko Sato, ample, communication skills, and wide improvements in technology lecturer in the Center for the Study ofLanguages. Also broaden the curriculum beyond education. Simply put, businesses participating are the physics departments atTexasA&M emphasis on programming."• can cut costs using offshoring strat- its University and the University of Florida. egies, and many already are doing —Katherine Manuel In addition to the research itself,the program includes so. The study found that 30 per- a nanotechnology summer program in Japan,designed to encourage U.S. undergraduates to enter the field of nanotechnology and prepare them for work in the international arena. After a four-week orientation in the Tokyo area, including intensive language instruc- tion and basic science taught by graduate students, 16 Rice folks will recognize freshman and sophomore students will engage in six- to one of the backdrops eight-week research internships in the laboratories of that appeared in the Rice's Japanese partners. At the end ofthe summer,all Sesame Street episode ofthe students will meet in Houston to participate in titled "Baby Bear's First a weeklong nanotechnology symposium held in con- Day of School" as Rice's junction with a Rice Quantum Institute event. And own Lovett Hall. The finally, the award provides permanent funding for the episode has appeared annual INNOVATE conference in Asia, which offers several times since last students an in-depth look at globalization,leadership, September. and technology. • —Margot Dimond

Summer '06 9 THROUGH THE SALLYPORT1

Bacteria Power

Introducing the World's First Motorized Nanocar The U.S. Air Force has long been interested in microscale air vehicles— some as small as insects—to serve as spy drones, but it has been stymied In follow-up work to last year's groundbreaking invention of the by the lack of a suitable, compact power source. But a diverse team of world's first single-molecule car, chemists at Rice University have researchers from Rice and the University of Southern California (USC) produced the first motorized version of their tiny nanocar. thinks it has discovered a power source small enough: bacteria.

Rice geochemist Andreas Liit- cade-long collaboration with tge will spearhead the team principal investigator Ken- of microbiologists, engineers, neth Nealson, a USC profes- and geochemists as they join sor who helped pioneer the forces to create bacteria fuel field of modern geobiology cells that could power palm- and the investigation of the size spy drones and other genetic pathways that some electronic devices. Fueled microbes rely on to maintain by a $4.4 million grant from their respiratory metabolism the Department of Defense's in oxygen-poor environments. Multidisciplinary University Shewanella oneidensis uses Research Initiative, the Rice— metals instead of oxygen to USC research team hopes to fully metabolize its food. prove its concept valid within "Since this organism is ca- We want to construct things from the bottom up, one molecule at five years by producing a self- pable of passing electrons di- a time, in much the same way that biological cells use enzymes to propelled prototype. rectly to solid metal oxides," assemble proteins and other supermolecules," says James Tour, the The key is understanding Nealson explains, "it is not Chao Professor of Chemistry, professor of mechanical engineering and how the bacteria Shewanella particularly surprising that it materials science, and professor of computer science. "Everything oneidensis attach to can do the same to that's produced through biology—from the tallest redwood to the and interact with the anode of the largest whale—is built one molecule at a time. Nanocars and other anode surfaces in- fuel cell. It seems synthetic transporters may prove to be a suitable alternative for bot- side the fuel cell. a reasonable step Anodes are the to apply the same tom-up systems where biological methods aren't practical." parts of fuel cells approaches to un- The nanocar consists of a rigid chassis and four alkyne axles that and batteries that derstanding cur- spin freely and swivel independently of one another. It measures just gather excess elec- rent production. 3-by-4 nanometers and is about the same width as a strand of DNA, trons for harvest- What is new here but much shorter. Approximately 20,000 of them could be parked ing. To optimize is the incorpora- side by side across the diameter of a human hair. They are the first its design, the team tion of colleagues nanoscale vehicles with an internal motor. must understand in chemistry, geol- The motorized model of the nanocar is powered by light. Its rotating how bacteria trans- ogy, engineering, motor, a molecular framework that was developed by Ben Feringa fer electrons to an- and evolutionary at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, was modified by ode surfaces under Rice geochemist Andreas biology to opti- Tour's group so it would attach in line with the nanocar's chassis. a variety of condi- Liittge will spearhead the mize the entire tions. system, not just When light strikes the motor, it rotates in one direction, pushing the team of microbiologists, "There are three the bacteria." car along like a paddlewheel. The four buckyball wheels that were primary compo- engineers,and geochemists The research- used in the original version of the nanocar drained energy from the nents in the sys- as they join forces to cre- ers still have a lot motor and were replaced with spherical molecules of carbon, hydro- tem: the bacteria, ate bacteria fuel cells that to learn about the gen, and boron called p-carborane. the surface, and chemical cues that could power palm-size spy Initial tests carried out in a bath of toluene solvent found that the the solution that the Shewanella motor rotates as designed. Follow-uptests are underwayto determine the bacteria are di- drones and other electronic use—both individ- whether the motorized car can be driven across a flat surface. gesting," says Liit- devices. ually and in colo- The research appeared in the April 13 issue of Organic Letters. tge. "Any change nies—but they are Other members of the research team include postdoctoral associ- in one variable will incredibly efficient ate Jean-Francois Morin and doctoral student Yasuhiro Shirai. The affect the other at converting or- research was funded by the National Science Foundation, the Welch two, and what we want to do ganic inputs to electricity. "We Foundation, Honda, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research is find out how to tweak each are confident," Liittge says, optimize the perfor- "that they'll be great candi- Council of Canada, and Le Fonds Quebecois de la Recherche sur la one to mance of the whole system." dates for our fuel cells."• Nature et les Technologies.• Liittge's participation in —Jade Boyd —Jade Boyd the program grew out of a de-

10 Rice Sallyport THROUGH THE SALLYPORT

Architecture Program Researchers Create New Nanoparticle Ranks Nationally

Who better toinvent "nanorice" than researchers with greater accuracy. ice iniversitys Halas and her colleagues plan Architecture's graduate pr at Rice University? But to capitalize on this by moving marketing and whimsy gram placed seventh—ahea weren't what motivated the team grains of nanorice next to pro- ofengineers, teins and unmapped features on of such prestigious schools physicists, and chemists from Rice's Labora- the surfaces of cells, hoping to Massachusetts Institute get a far clearer picture ofthem Technology, Yale, and PrinC- tory for Nanophotonics(LANP) to make rice- than is possible with current eton—in the 2006 nationa shaped particles of gold and iron oxide. technology. The researchers already have shown, for ex- ranking of architecture schoo ample, that nanoshells are about by DesignIntelligence for th "On the nanoscale, the shape with gold. The core size and 10,000 times more effective at Design Futures Council Last of a particle plays a critical role shell thickness vary slightly, but surface-enhanced Raman scat- year, Rice's in how it interacts with light," the nanorice particles described tering than traditional methods. graduate says Naomi Halas, the Stanley C. in the Nano Letters paper were Raman scattering is a type of was No 9 national Moore Professor in Electrical and about 360 nanometers long and spectrographic technique used Rice's undergraduate pr Computer Engineering, profes- about 80 nanometers in diam- by medical researchers, drug gram in architecture maintain sor of chemistry, and director of eter-1/20th the size of a red designers, chemists, and oth- LANP."We were looking for a blood cell. ers to determine the precise its No.3 spot from last year in new shape that would combine Research over the past decade chemical makeup of materials. a tiewith California Polytechnic the best properties of the two has shown that some nanoscale Nanorice possesses a far greater State University right behind most optically use- structures—like ability to change the shape of a No 1-ranked Cornell University ful shapes—spheres "We were looking nanoshells and na- metal at the nanoscale than even and rods. It's just for a new shape norice—act as su- nanoshells and another com- and No 2-ranked University of a coincidence that that would combine perlenses that can monly studied optical nanopar- Texas at Austin that Shape turned the best properties amplify light waves tide, the nanorod, indicating The rankings were deter- out to look exactly of the two most and focus them on that nanorice is the most sensi- mined by a survey of more than like a grain ofrice." optically useful spots far smaller tive surface plasmon resonance The new par- shapes—spheres than a wavelength nanosensor yet devised. 400 U.S.architecture firms and and rods. It's just oflight. ticles, which are When The research appeared in the organizations of various sizes being examined a coincidence that light of a specific April 12 issue of Nano Letters. In reference to graduates hired for possible appli- that shape turned frequency strikes The co-authors include Peter cations in molecu- out to look exactly plasmons—ripples Nordlander, professor of physics over the past five years, the lar imaging, cancer like a grain of rice." in the ocean of and astronomy and in electrical survey participantswere asked treatment, medical electrons that flow —Naomi Halas and computer engineering, and which schools best prepared diagnostics, and constantly across graduate students Hui Wang, studentsfor real-world practice chemical sens- the surface of Daniel Brandt, and Fei Le. It ing, are similar in structure to metals—that oscillate at a com- was funded by the National Only schools accredited by the nanoshells, spherical nanoparti- patible frequency, the light is Science Foundation, the U.S. National Architectural Accredit- des invented by Halas in 1998. converted into electrical energy Army Research Office, the U.S. ing Board were eligible. Both are made of a noncon- that propagates, as plasmons, Air Force Office of Scientific For ducting core that is covered by though an adjacent nanostruc- Research, NASA,and the Rob- more information on the a metallic shell—in the case of ture. This allows scientists and ert A. Welch Foundation.• rankings, visit www di net nanorice, a nonconducting iron engineers to examine minute —Jade Boyd oxide called "hematite" covered details of the adjacent surfaces 1

Summer '06 11 THROUGH THE SALLYPORT

Variations in Birth Weight Related to Boys' Early Cognitive Development

Studies have long shown that low birth weights can have an impact The discrepancy between genders in Dannemiller's findings is similar to on cognitive and motor development later in a child's life. A new Rice data reported from a study in England that saw a correlation between normal University study also has found that normal birth weight—at least, birth weight and intelligence measures in adult life In that study, researchers among male infants—is related to how readily they focus on a visual also reported a stronger correlation for males than females stimulus, an ability that later may play a role in some attention deficit Dannemiller also discovered that abnormally large male and female babies hyperactivity disorders. within his sample—thosewith birth weights of more than 10 pounds—showed less inclination to orient their eyes toward a visual stimulus One of the causes In his study, published in Infant Behavior and Development, James Danne- of this condition, called "macrosomia," is uncontrolled diabetes in mothers miller, the Lynette S. Autrey Professor of Psychology, chose during pregnancy. None of the mothers of the 30 macrosomic to focus on visual orienting as one of the earliest dimensions infants in Dannemiller's sample had this disorder, however. "I of infants' typical development "Visual orienting is the earli- am gathering more details on the pregnancies of these moth- est and most-developed of our abilities to focus and plays ers," Dannemiller says,"to determine the reasons behind their a role in our cognitive development," explains Dannemiller. babies' high weights and why,in their cases,the ability to orient "The fact that it is associated with something physiological, decreased for both male and female infants." namely birth weight, suggests the further importance of pre- Dannemiller cautions that the variation in birth weight as- natal development." sociated with visual orienting is too small to be meaningful To examine the relation between birth weight and visual at the level of the individual child As he explains it, if the ori- orienting, Dannemiller studied a sample of 944 infants between enting measure were analogous to an ID test with a standard 2 and 5 months old Information about the babies' birth weight deviation of 15 points, then the effect size would equal three and gestational age was collected from the parents James Dannemiller ID points per kilogram of additional birth weight. "Infant boys who are heavier at birth, but within the normal The study's results, however, do offer clues as to how various weight range, are more likely to focus toward a visual stimulus," Dannemiller prenatal factors within a population are related to behavioral development says "On the other hand,while girls visually orient on average as well as boys, in infants and children their birth weights appear to have no connection to this type of attention." "Disorders of attention can impair the child's ability to learn," Dannemiller Visual orienting, according to Dannemiller, may be involved in some types says "So it is important to understand how these processes develop dur- of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) "While ADHD is often ing the early period when infants are just beginning to explore their worlds thought of as an inability to sustain attention," he says, "it also may be the visually."• result of overactive orienting with anything in the environment grabbing the —B J. Almond person's attention."

12 Rice Sallyport THROUGH THE SALLYPORT

Does Outsourcing to Mexico Improve Investment Returns?

For close to four decades, U.S.firms have sought to take advantage may exceed the cost savings in ever, when Roman compared of cheaper labor in Mexico by shipping materials and equipment cheaper labor," says Roman. their performance with their Since on a duty- and tariff-free basis for assembly or manufacturing in 1999, Roman has con- industries' overall performance, ducted fieldwork and analyzed he did not find a statistical maquiladora facilities. the effects of maquiladora pro- difference between the two duction on the performance of groups. Last year, about 80 percent of Francisco Roman, assistant pro- 48 firms with significant labor One reason there was any the firms that outsourced their fessor of management at Rice's outsourcing operations. He improvement at all among the labor by way of maquiladora Jesse H. Jones compared the ma- transplanted companies Roman facilities in Mexico were from Graduate School of I quiladora group studied may have been that they the United States. Mexico's Management. with a control were having financial prob- lower,labor costs and proxim- In addition to group consisting of lems before moving to Mexico. ity to the United States should transaction costs, firms in the same "Their profits were decreasing, explain why such manufacturing companies have industries but op- and their costs were rising," he arrangements are on the rise. to deal with ma- erating mainly in says. "The fact they were not A new Rice study shows, jor infrastructure the United States. cost effective is the main rea- however, that this strategy may problems that exist Both the control son why they decided to go to not be as cost effective as be- in Mexico, particu- firms and maquila- Mexico." lieved. Except for companies larly in border areas dora also had simi- Roman also believes that ma- with poor financial performanc- where many ma- lar performance quiladora firms may face fewer es, those that locate in Mexico quiladoras are lo- averages over the committed costs in Mexico as don't necessarily improve their cated. Cheap labor Francisco Roman three years prior opposed to the United States, return on investments sig- costs also can be offset by the to the opening of the Mexican- where firms still have to pay their nificantly more than those who costs incurred from Mexico's based facilities. workers whether demand for keep jobs in the United States. very high turnover rate, a poorly The average return on invest- their product is up or down. The "Although there are clear ben- educated labor pool, and Mexi- ments for the maquiladora firms high turnover and absenteeism efits for having maquiladora op- can laws requiring employers did show improvement or no in Mexico may allow firms there erations in Mexico, there are also to provide an extensive range decline between the three years more flexibility with regard to potential costs firms may or may of employee benefits. "The prior to their move to Mexico labor costs, particularly if sales not be taking into account before additional—sometimes hid- and the three years after they are seasonal or cyclical.• they move their operations," says den—costs to operate in Mexico opened the facility there. How- —Debra Thomas

Summer '06 13 Scents A More lnte When Not! Are in Motion

In the words of Irving Berlin,"The sun never shines so bright, nor Based on prior studies, Chen and Dalton had expected women's do things seem to go so right, when were in love." Or smell so sense of smell to be more influenced by emotion. While there are no differences between men and women regarding their overall intensely, according to a Rice University psychologist. sensitivity to smell, women generally are more able than men to Lyricists have written about it, and psychologists continue to study discriminate, identify, and name smells. "A number of prior studies it: the notion that our moods influence how we perceive the world showed that women are more emotional and better at detecting around us When it comes to our sense of smell, there's definitely emotional signals," Chen says."We were surprised to discover that, a correlation between a person's perception and state of mind, but under certain conditions, men are influenced more strongly by their it's not a straightforward one, according to Denise Chen, an assistant emotional state than women." professor of psychology at Rice. "A happy mood state does not make In addition to studying the effect of emotion, Chen and Dalton ordinary smells more pleasant or bad smells more toler- also were interested in how personalities influenced a able," Chen says "However,the intensity of smells are person's sense of smell. Their subjects were prescreened perceived differently depending on whether a person for specific personality characteristics, including neuroti- is feeling emotional or not." Smells seem stronger, cism or moodiness versus stability and anxiety versus for example, when a man is feeling emotional, be it calmness. happiness, sadness, or hostility. Prior studies found that anxious and moody people are In a paper published in the journal Chemical Sense, more likely to attend to negative information. However, Chen reports on the first study of the effect of emotion when it comes to smells, Chen and Dalton report that on olfaction in men and women. Funded by the National these individuals had heightened sensitivities to both Institutes of Health, the research was co-authored by positive and negative odors over neutral smells. Anxious Pamela Dalton of the Monell Chemical Senses Center women perceived pleasant or unpleasant smells stronger in Philadelphia. than the neutral smell, while calm women perceived them Study participants watched a series of videos that equally strongly. Moody men responded to positive or were selected with the intention of eliciting emotions Denise Chen negative odors faster than the neutral smell, while stable of happiness, sadness, hostility, or a neutral mood. Following each men responded to them equally fast. video, they completed a short questionnaire on how the segment Chen believes that studies on how emotion and personality influ- made them feel. They were told that at some point during the experi- ence sensory perceptions not only have inherent scientific importance ment a smell would be introduced into their room. The smells were but also may have clinical implications for the understanding of the a pleasant citrus scent, an unpleasant fecal odor, or a neutral odor causes of the "sick building" and multiple chemical syndromes. consisting of a very low concentration of rubbing alcohol. Every time "The behavioral study of human olfaction is still at a beginning participants smelled an odor, they were instructed to press a bell, rate stage," Chen says. "Results like these form an integral part of a the odor's strength,and describe what it smelled like. "We measured multipronged approach to the understanding of human olfaction that how quickly the subjects responded to each smell and how pleasant is being carried out here and elsewhere." and intense they found it to be," Chen explains. —B. J. Almond

14 Rice Sallyport THROUGH THE SALLYPORT

A Knotty but Useful Pattern

Knotty problems beg for explanations that are both elegant and broadly line. VVhile the study of knots they are more sophisticated descriptive—the kinds of ideas that aren't easy to come by. But Rice may sound esoteric, it does ap- algebraic objects like matrices mathematician Shelly Harvey beat the odds when she discovered an ply to real-world problems. or polynomials. One such mea- DNA,for example, are long, sure developed 100 years ago underlying structure that had gone unnoticed for more than 100 years unbroken strings of nucleotides by Frenchman Henri Poincare, within the mathematical descriptions that topologists most often use to that fold naturally into complex, which is reminiscent of Euler's characterize complex knots. knotted clumps. The knotting Konigsberg bridges problem, and linking of strands of DNA is uses algebra to measure all pos- a by-product of natural cellular sible paths that can be navigated "Ifsomeone comes up with a "having one hole" is preserved. processes, and their unknotting in the space surrounding the new mathematical theory that's One of the underlying in- is necessary for the cell to sur- knot, without ever touching the 300 pages long with a lot of sights of topology is that some vive. It is known that enzymes string itself. This collection of complex calculations, then you geometric problems depend not dubbed "topoisomerases" have data is called the "fundamental might suppose that the reason on the precise shape of objects the job of unknotting those group of the knot." it hadn't been done previously but only on the way they are clumps, and topologists have "I realized that there's an was that it was too difficult," connected. In the classic ex- been collaborating with cancer algebraic structure within the says Tim Cochran, professor of ample, 18th-century mathema- researchers in recent years to at- fundamental group of a knot," mathematics and fellow knot tician Leonhard Euler proved tempt to find novel cancer treat- Harvey explains. "Some of these theorist. "However, real truth that it was impossible to find ments that capitalize on that. paths are more robust than should be simpler and more a route through the Russian Topologists are keen to find others. What Tim and I subse- beautiful than that, and this idea quently determined is that this of Shelly's has the ring of truth structure remains unchanged to it. The moment I heard it, I as you try to unravel the knots. knew she had hit on something It even survives in four dimen- quite special." sions, which turns out to be a Harvey's discovery applies particularly handy tool for knot to a longstanding problem theorists because four-dimen- within knot theory, but it can sional problems—like the jig- best be understood within the city of Konigsberg that crossed ways to prove that two shapes gling of a DNA strand within a larger context of topology. each of the city's seven bridges that may look very different cell—happen to be some of the Topology is a branch of math just once. Topologically, the are truly equivalent. One of most difficult topological prob- that is sometimes called "rub- problem derives from the way the overarching goals in knot lems to understand." ber-sheet geometry" because the bridges connect the major theory is to find a method that Harvey's observation is so topologists study objects that islands of the city, so the re- can determine equivalency in fundamental that it pertains retain their spatial properties sult would be the same even if every case. Great attention has to the study of many other to- even when they are twisted into the primary shape of the town been paid to finding math- pological objects, and these odd shapes. A classic example were—in the rubber sheet anal- ematical measures of a knot's applications form part of her is the topological equivalent of ogy—twisted into a complex complexity that can then be ongoing research at Rice. The a donut and a coffee cup. The three-dimensional shape. used to describe similarities and research was described in the donut could be stretched into In knot theory, topologists differences between knotted November issue of the journal the shape of the cup, where the are concerned with the spatial shapes. Sometimes these mea- Geometry and Topology and was hole in the center of the donut arrangements of unbroken lines sures are actual numbers, like funded by the National Science becomes the handle on the side that are folded in knots, like the so-called "unknotting num- Foundation.• of the cup. Thus the property of tangled kite string or fishing ber of a knot," and sometimes —Jade Boyd

Summer '06 15 STUDENTS

Rice Collaborates with Baylor to Offer Medical Scientist Training Program

Emmanuel Chang sees a future as perhaps followed by a fellowship.Programs a physician and scientistspecial- of this type are few,Crawford says. Within izing in ophthalmology, probably that elite group, the Rice—Baylor partner- in an academic medical center ship is one of the premier options, in part setting. For him and a selectgroup due to the close collaborative relationship of similarly motivated students, between the two institutions a medical—doctoral joint degree Chang, a student working in the lab of program offered in conjunction Rebekah Drezek, the Stanley C Moore with Rice's Department of Bio- Assistant Professor in Bioengineering and engineering and Baylor College in Electrical and Computer Engineenn of Medicine offers the best of says the way the program is organize both worlds. adds to its advantages "You actually get clinical experience before working Chang, who studied biomedical and your PhD, unlike most schools where you electrical engineering as an undergradu- sit in a classroom for two years with n ate,was attracted to the Medical Scientist patient contact and then go to get you Training Program for the opportunity to doctorate," he explains "With no patient learn in two world-class institutions and contact for five years, it's hard to keep up the chance to combine laboratory research your motivation." with hands-on healing Geography also plays a part in the "It is very important to me to be able program's quality and its attraction to bio- to help others," he says "I think I can engineering students, Chang adds."There really make a difference by applying my are very few bioengineering MD/PhD research interests in nanotechnology and programs because most medical schools imaging to ophthalmology, and I'm espe- don't have local access to a high-quality cially interested in pediatrics." engineering program like the one at Rice," It's a rigorous program, and students he says. "Because the two institutio are usually in their mid-30s before they are so close and collaborate so well, enter the professional world But those program is quite interdisciplinary. holding dual degrees are rare—onlyabout Rice's bioengineering department ha a 10 percent of the faculty at Baylor—and huge clinical focus." they are in demand for clinical medicine, The numberof bioengineering programs research, and teaching acrossthe country is growing,Richards-Kor- "These students are highly sought tum says,creating a larger pool of students after, as you can imagine," notes Kathy with engineering backgrounds She predicts Crawford, director of administrative op- the interest in medical—doctoral Joint degree erations for the Baylor program. "Really, programswill grow as healthcare continues they have their pick of anywhere they to become increasinglytechnology-focused want to go." And,she says, Rice increasingly will stress The program, which began almost 30 bench-to-bedside research years ago,admits only a small percentage "A big focus of the engakering de- of applicants. Demand is growing, and in partment over the next five yeats will be just four years, the number of students translational research," Richards-Kortum pursuing theirdoctorate in bioengineering says "Students in this program are at the has grown to 18 from just seven forefront of understanding the limits of "These are absolutely phenomenal clinical medic ne, tthe same time,they students,"says Rebecca Richards-Kortum, are able to desig g`y to eliminate the Stanley C Moore Professor of Bioen- the problems " gineering and Electrical and Computer The dual degree will posh hang Engineering at Rice "They are academi- perfectlytorhisgoal helping peo cally talented, of course, but they're also theworld "Academics tend to pursue thin compassionateand inventive Not onlydo that are interesting to them," he note_ they want to participate in patient care, "However, their research may not alwa they want to make that care better." result in clinical significance for pane During the first 24 months of the pro- management Having an MD helps y gram, students attend medical school at understand the clinical standards of care Baylor, completing basic science courses and directs yourfocus toward clinical issues and some clinical rotations. Then they at the bedside On the flip side,an MD with complete doctoral work at Rice Finally, a PhD better realizes what research tools they return to Baylor for about a year to are available." finishclinicalworkandreceivetheirmedical —Dawn Dora degree Some stop there, but most go on to another three to five years of residency,

Emmanuel Chang, a student in the me IcaT-- &iota joint degree program, works in a lab at Rice University. 16 Rice Sallyport Graduate Students Win Support For Research on Deafness Bioengineering graduate student Louise Organ,a fourth-year student in the laboratory of Robert Raphael, was awarded a National Research Service Award from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, which is part of the National Institutes of Health. The award, a Predoctoral Students in the News Ruth L. Kirschstein Fellowship, includes two-and-a-half years of funding. Organ is the second of Raphael's students to receive a Kirschstein Fellowship in the past two years. The other, Jenni Greeson, won the award last year for a proposal to apply advanced optical imaging techniques to study the mechanical and biophysical properties of the protein prestin. Both students conduct research that, according to Raphael, is leading to a greater understanding of nature's most unique molecular motor. Organ's research also involves prestin, a protein found in outer hair cells of the inner ear that converts electrical signals into physical motion, allowing the outer hair cells to act as biological audio amplifiers. Organ hopes to understand how changes in the structural properties of outer hair cell membranes affect the performance of prestin. The research could help answer questions about why certain drugs, like aspirin, can cause temporary deafness, and may help scientists identify new classes of drugs that could allow some deaf people to hear for the very first time. Moreover, understanding how prestin operates lays the foundation for potential applications in bionanotechnology.

Computer Programming Team Wins Regional Competition For the first time since 1985, a group of Rice students participated in the Tech Olympics, where they competed again 80 other teams from six continents in solving computer programming problems. The Rice Blue Team,comprised of Wiess College students Paul Etienne Vouga, Gregory Malecha,and Ryan Prichard, earned a berth in the Tech Olympics by winning the 2005 South Central USA Regional Programming Contest, sponsored by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), at Louisiana State University last November. Rice's Department of Computer Science sent a second team, the Gray team—including Will Rice College senior Shao Yu Cheng and Sid Richardson College freshmen Jae Woo Jeon and Derek Ses- sions—to the regional contest. That team placed 20th in a contest of 58 teams. The Tech Olympics, officially called the ACM Programming Contest World Finals, was held in San Antonio in April and was won by Russia's Saratov State University. ACM programming contests are intense five-hour sessions that require teams of three undergraduates to use their computer program- ming skills to solve eight complex problems under a demanding deadline. The students are Judged not only on finding the correct solutions, but also on their programming speed.

Grad Student Earns Top Nano Honors The Nanotechnology Foundation of Texas has awarded Rice University doctoral student Vinit Murthy its 2006 George Kozmetsky Award for Outstanding Graduate Research in Nanotechnology. The award includes a $5,000 prize. Murthy, a fifth-year chemical engineering doctoral student in the research group of Michael Wong, assistant professor in chemical and biomolecular engineering and assistant professor in chemistry, studies nanoparticle assembly. Along with Wong,Murthyco-discovered a simple method to encapsulate any water-soluble compound easily and without damage. The method is the mostenvironmenta I ly sensitive approach yet devised for making tiny hollow spheres called "microcapsules." Microcapsule research is one of the most active fields in applied nanotechnology, with dozens of companies either developing or using the tiny containers—usually smaller than living cells—to deliver everything from drugs and imaging agents to perfumes and flavor enhancers. Murthy has been very successful in creatively applying the physical and colloid chemistry of nanopa r- tidies to the synthesis of functional materials, Wong notes."His PhD research provides a great example of nanotechnology research performed at the basic science level that can readily transition into com- mercial products," Wong says. "This award is a wonderful and well-deserved honor." The Kozmetsky Awards are the first awards of their kind to be offered in the United States to stu- dents working in fields related to nanotechnology. They are given annually to the top two graduate students in Texas. The award funds must be used for stipends, travel, lab supplies, books, and other costs directly associated with the students' research.

Armed Forces Scholarship Allows Student to Pursue Graduate Degree Jingyi Li, a master's student in the Department of Computer Science, received a $3,000 scholarship from the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association to complete her graduate stud- ies. Li was one of five students worldwide in 2006 to win the award, called the Ralph W. Shrader Diversity Scholarship • —Reported by Jade Boyd and Katherine Manuel

Summer '06 17 Wagoner Scholarships Robert S. and Coralee Talley also earned a Udall Scholar, More Earn Fulbrights Underscore Importance of Wagoner, and of his wife, the first Rice student in eight Four students and one International Education Frances Poe Wagoner. In re- years to do so. The $5,000 staff member have received tirement, Wagoner, Sixteen undergraduates a busi- scholarship, which honors Fulbright scholarships to nessman, traveled and four graduate students the world the late Arizona congress- travel abroad, where they have been named 2006 re- and built grandfather clocks man Morris K. Udall, recog- will study such diverse top- cipients of the Wagoner by hand, two of which are nizes the most outstanding ics as the Tibetan language, Foreign Study Scholarship, displayed in Cohen House American sophomores and energy policy and women's the most prestigious study- and O'Connor House. He juniors who are committed rights in China, and youth abroad award offered by died in 1996. to careers related to the en- volunteerism. Rice University. This marks Undergraduate student vironment. The competition The student recipients, a major commitment by the recipients, their majors, and for the Udall Scholarship has their majors, and the nations university to further the in- the nations where they will become more intense in re- where they will study are: ternationalization agenda ar- study are: Jared Blakely, cent years, and only about 15 Jason Lee, biochemistry and ticulated in the Vision for the linguistics, China; Gregory percent of the 80 recipients policy studies, China; Jo Ling Second Century. Brown, anthropology, South are sophomores, which fur- Kent, Asian studies, history, "Through the foresight Africa; Francisco Castillo, ther underscores Takemura's and policy studies, China; Ian and generosity of alumnus music, the Netherlands; achievement. MacCormack, mathematics James Wagoner," said Rice David Kemp, psychology, Wagoner recipient Tito and religious studies, Nepal; president David Leebron, Cambodia; Jaymin Kim, an- Escobar, a triple major in and Brian Viliunas, music, "we are able to help students thropology, Asian studies, political science, Hispanic Norway. have the meaningful interna- and history, China; Meagan studies, and policy studies, Kelly Wright, political tional experiences that are an Mauter, civil and environ- will study in Brazil. Escobar science and Asian stud- essential part of a Rice under- mental engineering and histo- also has been named Rice's ies, declined the Fulbright graduate education." ry, England; Yusef Neggers, 2006 Center for the Study of to accept the 2006 Roy The value of each schol- economics and mathematical the Presidency Fellow. The and Hazel Zeff Memorial arship depends on financial economic analysis, England; prestigious fellowship pro- Fellowship, which was cre- need and the cost of the Thuy Van Pham, cell biol- vides a yearlong experience ated by Stephen Zeff, the proposed program of study ogy, Vietnam; Alexander of mentored research on a Herbert S. Autrey Professor and ranges from $5,000 Roinesdal, history, Brazil; topic related to the American of Accounting. to $15,000. The selection Alexander Triantaphyllis, presidency. He will focus on The Fulbright Program is criteria are scholastic at- Hispanic studies and politi- the history of U.S. presiden- sponsored by the U.S. State tainment, financial need, cal science, Argentina; and tial decision making on Latin Department and allows se- dedication, character, and Marissa Winship, music, America. niors, recent graduates, and career prospects. The Faculty Spain. Jo Ling Kent, Jason Graduate student recipi- graduate students to conduct Committee on Scholarships Lee, and Ian MacCormack ents of Wagoner scholar- research or teach English in a and Awards, chaired by so- also earned Wagoner scholar- ships, their areas of study, foreign country. The amount ciology professor Elizabeth ships, but turned them down and the nations where they of the scholarship depends on Long, serves as the Wagoner to pursue study through will study are: Rev. Israel where the student is studying selection panel. Fulbright scholarships Ahimbisibwe, religious stud- and is worth at least $20,000. The Wagoner Foreign instead. ies, Israel; Stephanie Hunt, The selection criteria include Study Scholarships were en- Alison Takemura, a bio- music, the Netherlands; academic record, strength of dowed by the late James chemistry major, will study in Valerie Olson, anthropology, essay and recommendations, T. Wagoner '29 in honor the United Kingdom through the Netherlands; and Ayla leadership experience, and and memory of his parents, her Wagoner scholarship. She Samli, anthropology, Turkey. language experience.

18 Rice Sallyport STUDENTS

Beinecke Winner to Study Latin Watson Foundation to study pursuit of learning for its own supporters of international America in Graduate School abroad independently for one sake, rather than a focus on travel. Franz Brotzen is profes- year. the development of particular F. Alberto Herrera of El Paso, sor emeritus in the Department Connors, a music major, will professional skills. As an addi- Texas, a Brown junior majoring of Mechanical Engineering study "How Melody Derives tional indication of intellectual in Hispanic studies, has become and Materials Science. For six from Life Experience in the breadth, at least 10 of these Rice's first winner of the pres- weeks, Simpson will explore the Circumpolar North." She will qualifying courses must be cho- tigious Beinecke Scholarship modern travel to Mongolia, China, sen from outside the division in architecture of Mexico in six years, and only the sev- Kyrgyzstan, Norway, Iceland, which the student's major lies. and will "discover the spirit" enth in the university's his- and Canada to pursue her inter- of Luis Barragin by traveling tory. Beinecke Scholars are est in folk-song traditions. Travel Scholarships Announced throughout Mexico and visiting selected when they are juniors Swanson, who majored in Barragan's various designs. and receive $32,000 for gradu- Rice University's Office of mathematical economic analysis, Alex Stoll, ate school in the humanities International Programs has an- a junior, and will travel to Tanzania, Uganda, or social sciences. Rice may nounced the 2006 recipients of senior Ting Wang were se- Malawi, and Mozambique nominate one student for the the following scholarships for lected for the Darrell M. to research her project titled Beinecke Scholarship each year, international travel. Whitley Summer Work Abroad "Women, Microfinance, and the Jue (Julie) Liaok, a senior, and Herrera was chosen from Division of Labor Within the Scholarship. This award is in- a very competitive group of has been named the Kathryn tended to assist undergradu- Household." Leebron Smyth Fellow and applicants. foundation awards up ate students with the travel The will investigate the educational Herrera plans to pursue a fellowships each year to costs associated with working to 60 conditions in rural China as PhD in comparative literature students from 50 outstanding a volunteer inspector for the abroad, whether in an intern- and Latin American studies at private colleges and universi- Overseas China Education ship or casual employment. the University of California at ties, providing recipients with a Foundation. Her project is a The scholarship was established Berkeley, focusing on border $25,000 grant. Watson fellows first step toward reaching her in 2000 by Darrell Whitley literature and border identities. are selected for their indepen- goal to be a leader in improve- '92, who worked in London He studied abroad in north- dence, integrity, responsibil- ments in Chinese rural educa- Universities eastern Brazil in fall 2005, be- ity, and maturity. Candidates' through the British tion. The Kathryn Leebron coming interested in literatura academic records also are North America Club when he Smyth Travel Fellowship was de cordel, a form of popular considered. was an undergraduate. Stoll established by President David literature addressing politi- has been accepted into the W. Leebron and Y. Ping Sun in cal and social topics that are Phi Beta Kappa Inductees CDS International Summer 2004 and provides support for circulated in pamphlet form. Announced an undergraduate student to Internship Program in Germany At Rice, he has been a Mellon- Seventy Rice students have participate in an international and will be participating in a Mays Undergraduate Research demonstrated a level of commit- internship, international travel, one-month German language Fellow, working with Professor ment to excellence and a love of study or research abroad, or course in Frankfurt before Maarten van Delden. He is a learning that qualified them for other international program. native speaker of Spanish and is completing a mechanical engi- membership in Phi Beta Kappa. Senior Sarah Simpson was fluent in Portuguese. neering internship. Wang has Election to Phi Beta Kappa selected for the Franz and secured an investment bank- is a significant honor recogniz- Frances Brotzen Summer Two Seniors Named 2006 Watson ing internship at JP Morgan in ing outstanding achievement in Travel Award, a unique schol- Fellows Hong Kong. Wang's internship the liberal arts and sciences. To arship that enables a student Ellen Connors and Kim be considered for membership, to investigate a personal pas- is part of the highly competi- Swanson, who both gradu- a student at Rice must have sion in an international set- tive Sponsors for Educational ated in May, have received fel- completed at least 90 semester ting. It was established by the Opportunity mentorship pro- lowships from the Thomas J. hours in courses that reflect the Brotzens, who are longtime gram for minority students.•

Summer '06 19 bometimes all it takes is creativity, hard work,and perseverance to make an impossible ' situation possible. Beyond Borders • By Tracey Rhoades

In a world where technological breakthroughs are more common than not and groundbreaking discoveries quicklyturn into yesterday's news,going to a spigotto fill a glass with clean,fresh water has become as routine as tying a shoe. But for nearly two and one-half billion people in the world,obtaining life's basic necessity poses a daunting,unsafe, and sometimes impossible task. Thanks to the efforts of the student-run organization Engineers Without Borders(EWB) at Rice University, that scenario is changing for third-world communities across the globe.

hen Rice students Tamar Losleben, Alex Higbee, groundwork for the Rice chapter, which now has more than 70 active and Alex Gordon traveled to San Jose Villanueva, members, four international engineering projects in three countries, El Salvador, in January 2004,they were astound- and a yearly budget of nearly $50,000. ed by what they observed. Approximately 750 Dawson,who continues to serve as the club's sponsor,recalls, "When 1111 residents, or 150 families, shared a single water Tamar, Abigail, and Mike first came to me looking for support to cre- source, a natural spring, La Ceiba, located on the edge of town. The ate an EWB chapter at Rice, their enthusiasm was contagious, and water, dispensed from two pipes at 20 liters per minute (the equivalent the subsequent response from other students was equally impressive." of roughly five gallons), was used by the entire community for drink- While Dawson oversees the group's activities in terms of university ing, laundry, open-air bathing, and domestic purposes. Because the regulatory compliance, the students are solely responsible for locating area around the spring was so small, no more than two or three people professionals outside ofthe Rice community to work as project advisors could access water at one time. At times, women had to wait for hours and to procure monetary contributions from individual,charitable, and just to fill a jug or get their turn to wash clothes on a rock opposite the corporate supporters. A nonprofit organization, EWB uses donations water source. Baths were taken in the open,and while water was scarce to cover travel expenses, which are significant, as well as to purchase during the day, thousands of gallons were lost throughout the night materials, equipment, and incidentals. because there wasn't a repository to collect the constant flow. One of nearly 80 university chapters, EWB at Rice is part of To make matters worse, the students discovered the water was con- EWB—USA,the national organization,established in 2000. While the taminated. The lack of a sanitary system for human waste disposal and parent organization offers guidance and technical support, university bacteria-ridden storage containers were just two factors contributing to chapters are self-sustaining, and students involved with the organiza- the community's problems. To find out just how polluted the water was, tion gain invaluable hands-on domestic and international experience the students visited the local health clinic to obtain municipality records. in addition to acquiring outstanding managerial, organizational, and Not surprisingly, the data revealed that San Jose Villanueva residents, es- leadership skills. pecially children, were experiencing the worst water-related health prob- The EWB chapter at Rice, officially affiliated with the civil and en- lems in the area. Illnesses such as diarrhea, enteritis, and gastroenteritis vironmental engineering department, is maintained and managed by affect as many as three-quarters ofthe village's children under the age of students. Professional mentors serve as advisors and faculty members 5. Amoebiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a single-celled microscopic assist with technical issues, but a board of 11 elected students, along parasite, plagued both males and females of all age groups at consistent with other EWB members, runs the show. And the group has been and highly dangerous levels. In addition to water-born diseases,influenza, anything but complacent. pneumonia, and upper respiratory infections were prevalent. In the span of three years, EWB at Rice has triumphed. In addition Following a weeklong assessment of the area, the Rice EWB team to receiving the 2004 Sustainable Legacy Award from EWB—USA for felt compelled to do what it and EWB chapters throughout the world its work in Mexico, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, the group served as do: partner with a developing community to improve its quality oflife. the host for the 2006 EWB—USA International Conference this past "The goal of this project, as well as our organization, has always been April. More than 350 students and professionals traveled to Houston to use our engineering expertise to assist developing communities in and Rice for a three-day conference featuring prominent engineering completing engineering projects that significantly improve quality of and business professionals,including the former director ofthe United life," says Gordon. And the needs of the San Jose Villanueva residents States Peace Corps and executive director of EWB—USA. enabled the aspiring engineers to do just that. To date, more than 200 Rice EWB student—volunteers have EWB at Rice was established in 2003 by engineering students Abigail worked on several projects in four countries. Projects have involved Watrous, Michael Higuera, and Tamar Losleben, all class of2004. The improving water quality and availability, building bridges over local three, who joined students from the Colorado University chapter of rivers, and constructing solar electric systems to light a community EWB in 2002 to help bring clean water to residents in Foutaka Zam- without electricity. bougou,Mali, were so inspired by their experiences there that they were Since its inception, EVVB's main priority has been to train students to motivated to get other Rice students involved in similar projects. They be comfortable with and experienced at working on projects in foreign enlisted the help ofRobert Dawson,senior department administrator in countries and to instill members with a sense ofsocial and environmental civil and environmental engineering at Rice,elected officers,and laid the responsibility that they will carry with them throughout their careers.

Summer '06 21 Phase one is an exploratory trip in which students trek to the area, interview residents. TABERNACULO BIBLICO BAUTISTii - 'AMIGOS DE ISRAEL'TJ assess the AN JOSE VILLANUEVA ; ARIO & C14

need, and L0 la04.: decide if I 10S OA JOSE VILLANU the project SI is scale- appropriate for the chapter.

"I am very proud of the EWB program at anything," says Ross Gordon, Alex's twin could be built, and based on suggestions by Rice," affirms Sallie Keller-McNulty, dean of brother and a team member, "but gathered community leaders, it was decided that wash- Rice's George R. Brown School of Engineer- more data and worked with the community ing stations needed to be built on the exterior. ing. "We are one of the most active chapters to establish a government that could support Due to the high cost ofwood and an inability in the country and frequently pointed out as and maintain the new water system when it to mix large concrete batches, a decision was a chapter others should emulate." was complete." made to build the majority of the structure Because projects often take two to three Although EWB chapters throughout the using cinderblocks. Everyone involved made years from conception to completion, it's country provide assistance to third-world com- significant contributions to the overall plan, common for EWB team members to gradu- munities like San Jose Villanueva,an important but team members majoring in structural ate and move on. Fortunately, Rice's EWB aspect ofwhat these groups do is to be certain engineering played an integral part in deter- chapter has had success in continuing with that the villages can maintain the facilities once mining foundation depths,wall thickness,and ongoing projects while transitioning new,eager the students depart. To assure that the resi- rebar placement. students into the fold. Project teams involve dents ofSan Jose Villanueva would be able to Throughout the process,the students always 10 to 20 students, working year-round, and sustain their system,the students facilitated an remained conscious of design changes, con- EWB participants maintain a full academic election to select a water board president, vice struction difficulties, and material variations. load, traveling to respective countries during president, secretary, and treasurer—a process "We planned ahead as much as we could," school breaks. Projects are generally broken that took several months.The board president, remembers R. Gordon,"and we formulated into three distinct phases. Don Emilio,pulled dual duties,also serving as lists of what we would need to complete the Phase one is an exploratory trip in which the project's maestm de obra, or construction structure." Prior to construction,the team or- students trek to the area, interview residents, foreman. And to further involve residents,the dered materials, which were sent to the water assess the need, and decide if the project is team requested that villagers build a composting board president's house for safekeeping until scale-appropriate for the chapter. Following latrine near the site ofthe spring to promote a the team arrived. submission ofa formal application to EWB—USA more sanitary disposal ofwaste and reduce the As plans began to materialize, consultation is phase two: a return trip to gather statistics, possibility offurther water contamination. with residents was essential, which at times be- data, and any information pertinent to the When the students returned to campus,they came difficult. To help streamline this process, region that will be necessary to formulate an began formulating a workable plan for the the students relied on help from Mike and Susie initial project outline. On completing phase community's water problems. The first order Jenkins, former Peace Corps volunteers who two, students return to Rice and begin work of business was addressing the primary area of have lived in El Salvador for several years and on the final design. During this time,students concern—the lack of an adequate water stor- worked with San Jose Villanueva residents on a seek out training from members of the Rice age system. While a 20-year-old underground series oflife -improving projects."The Jenkins community as well as outside experts to learn tank still existed, it was no longer operational had a greatrelationship with the residents,"says the skills necessary to implement and execute or suitable for the needs ofthe community. At R. Gordon,"and were very helpful in rallying a project. The final phase is to put the months, a team meeting, members drew a rudimentary the community around the project." and sometimes years, of planning into action. sketch ofa storage tank on a napkin. From that During the school year, EWB organizes Follow-up trips to incorporate additional im- initial drawing, a more formal design for the training and educational opportunities for its provements are common. structure evolved. members. So when it became apparent that a While each phase is important in any proj- Studying the spring's yearly flow rate and concrete structure was going to serve as the ect, the second step in the El Salvador project the amount of water consumed,the team de- water system's backbone,the students realized proved to be perhaps the most crucial and time termined that a gravity-driven water distribu- they needed a tutorial."We found an area ma- consuming. Following five months ofprelimi- tion system supported by a 40,000-liter tank son who spent an afternoon teaching us how nary design, several team members returned would meetthe community's needs.The threat to lay cinderblocks," explains R. Gordon,who to El Salvador in May 2004."We didn't build of earthquakes mitigated where the new tank admits that, while the tutoring session was

22 Rice Sallyport

"The community was amazing. When we first arrived and every day after that, men, women,and children would be waiting for us at the site each morning.

—Ross Gordon

helpful, the best training they received was on and a colloidal silver-lined ceramic filter, cost bridge project in Jinotepe, Nicaragua; a water the job site itself. $15 per unit. To overcome families' up-front purification project in Mexico; and a new El In January 2005,a year after initially visiting costs in purchasing a unit,the team subsidized Salvador project. with the community, seven Rice EWB mem- $9 of the expense, leaving families with the Recently, the chapter was awarded the Ap- bers and their mentor returned to El Salvador responsibility of paying $6 per filter. The fil- propriate Technology Award for 2006 from to implement their design. Over the next 17 ters, which have a two-year lifespan, produce EWB—USA and received a large grantfrom the days, the students worked alongside residents enough disinfected water for an entire family, Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Founda- to construct a new,state-of-the-art water stor- and R.Gordon believes that providing residents tion. The support of Groundwater Services, age system. "The community was amazing," with clean,affordable water was the team's best Inc.,TCB-AECOM, and Walter P. Moore,all recalls R. Gordon."When we first arrived and accomplishment. prominent engieering firms headquartered in every day after that, men,women, and children Team members completed two subsequent Houston,has been integral to the rapid growth would be waiting for us at the site each morn- trips, making their final return to El Salvador in of EWB. These three companies have agreed ing." Together the group moved materials, January 2006.During these trips,they educated to fund a large percentage of EVVB's budget dug the foundation, cut and tied rebar, mixed families on how to use the water purification for the next three years, making it possible for and poured concrete, and laid rows and rows units, installed solar-paneled lights, and reaf- EWB teams to continue to plan ahead and, as of cinderblocks. In the end, the zealous team firmed that the storage tank was functioning R. Gordon puts it, "dream big." constructed a 40,000-liter storage tank, seven successfully. The total cost ofthe entire project Additionally, EWB and the civil and envi- washing stations,three water taps,and a private was $25,000, $17,000 of which was used to ronmental engineering department at Rice bathing area.The system functioned as planned, cover travel expenses. But cost aside, the hard are working to further integrate the orga- and San Jose Villanueva residents wasted no work and dedication of the team members nization into the curriculum by creating a time in putting it to use."When we finished," positively impacted the health and quality of series of one-credit courses to introduce new R. Gordon recalls, "the area was immediately life for nearly 1,000 people. members, as well as students university wide, crowded with happy women washing clothes, To recognize the El Salvador team, the lo- to innovative technologies,intercultural com- laughing, and having a great time." cal government held a dedication ceremony, munication skills, and the tools to successfully With a large portion ofthe project complete, officially thanking the team members for all of take a project from inception to completion. the team set its sights on a follow-up trip to their help. Everyone received a certificate of "The EWB program provides a wonderful op- incorporate water purification systems and so- gratitude, and a plaque was presented to the portunity for our students to learn the value lar powered lighting around the tank to make group. But as R. Gordon explains,"the most and challenges offinding sustainable solutions the area more secure and accessible at night. rewarding partfor me wasthe respect we gained to societal problems," Keller-McNulty says. After exhaustive research and discussion with for each other while working on the project "Students are able to put their engineering community members, the team decided that and the true friendship that was created with skills to work, learn about civic responsibility, the best solution to improve water quality the residents ofSan Jose Villanueva." and simply have a lot offun." was to equip each resident with an in-home, While most of the team members have Whether or not team members are south of point-of-use water filtration system.Partnering graduated, the organization's new president, the border or learning a new trick ofthe trade with the health clinic to help with distribution, senior Deepa Panchang,and chapter members stateside, rest assured that members of EWB EWB members purchased 200 filters from are fully engrossed in several projects, includ- at Rice are out there strategizing what,where, Potters for Peace, an independent, nonprofit, ing a water and energy project and the con- and when their next challenge will be.• international network of potters. The system, struction of a health center for a community which consisted of a plastic storage container in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua; an ongoing

For more information about how to support Engineers Without Borders at Rice or to learn more about current and past DNB projects, please visit the organization's website at ewb.rice.edu or email [email protected].

24 Rice Sallyport Engtheenn

The desire to lend a helping hand is a common to work overseas, using the skills she has acquired in While waiting or an assignment, she volunte trait shared by Tamar Losleben '04, Abigail sustainable development with UNICEF and was sent to El Salvador to wor Watrous '04, and Michael Higuera '04, found- Taking a slightly different approach, Higuera Imme- a sanitation and water engineer. A few months later, ing members of Engineers Without Borders diately started work as a self-employed engineer after Losleben received her Peace Corps assignmentand t (EWB)at Rice. Since graduating, all three have earning a BS in electrical and computer engineering For eled to Uzbekistan, where she coordinated with US continued their efforts in various ways to help the next year, he and a partner, now his wife, formu- to develop democratic water associations for farmer improve the quality of life for others. lated a business plan for a nonprofit organization, Third to discuss and resolve water management confli Technology. Through the organization, Higuera intends to In June 2005, after only five months, civil unrest an After receiving a BS in bioengineering, Watrous began develop and distribute technological solutions for life's political tension escalated in Uzbekistan, and Losleben graduate school at the University of Colorado Special- basic needs to communities in developing countries. After was sent back to El Salvador izing in engineering fordeveloping communities,Watrous 18 months of planning, however, Higuera reevaluated Now working in El Pital, Chalatenango, Losleben had the take electives opportunity to outside of stan- his role as an entrepreneur. "I decided that I needed to assists the village's council in organizing the commu- dard engineering classes, such as global development, pursue a graduate degree before going full force with nity to solicit, manage, and evaluate needed projects. appropriate technology, and public health "I enjoyed the organization," Higuera explains.So Third Technology "EWB continues to be an inspiration to me," Losleben learning more about the theory,economics, and policies was temporarily placed on the back burner. explains. "It is that kind of contact with people in of development," says Watrous, "and I believe it will Currently, Higuera works as a business analyst and developing countries that puts a face on poverty and make me a more well-rounded engineer." developer in a small Houston-based software startup in moves the heart and mind to want to live and work to In August, Watrous received a master's degree and the oil and gas industry. He plans to earn his MBA within help improve the lives of others." now is pursuing a PhD As a member of the University the nextfew years, and once that's accomplished,Third Once Losleben completes her Peace Corps assign- of Colorado's Solar Decathlon team, Watrous devel- Technology will be the primary focus once again. ment,she plans to return to the United States to attend oped an interest in solar power. As a result, she plans "Through EWB,I saw poverty first hand and was able graduate school in civil engineering or international to continue investigating how renewable energies can to help," Higuera says. "The work fit me, and my long- relations. best be used in developing communities. term goals are still pointed in that direction." While Losleben, Watrous, and Higuera continue to An added bonus for Watrous this past year was Wanting more field experience,Losleben, who earned assist communities around the globe,one of their great- receiving a National Science Foundation Fellowship, a BA in visual arts and environmental science and en- est contributions has been spearheading EWB at Rice. enabling her to work with fifth-grade students to cre- gineering, decided to continue using the skills she had Thei r vision and dedication to the creation of the chapter ate small, fully functional solar-powered houses. "The acquired as an EWB member."I learned how rewarding left an indelible mark and gives future Rice students the houses were complete with lights, buzzers,and motors," yet challenging it is to work at the village level to find opportunity to make the world a better place.• Watrous says, "and now the students are big fans of solutions to people's basic needs," Losleben says, "so —Tracey Rhoades solar power." After completing her PhD, Watrous hopes joining the Peace Corps was the next step for me."

Summer '06 25 . 26 Rice Sallyport

iltk By Christopher Dow • Photographs by Tommy LaVergne Elizabeth Moon talks so knowingly about all the native spe- cies of grasses she and her husband, Richard, have reintro- duced to their 85 acres in the Texas Hill Country, you'd think she's a conservation biologist. Call that a plot that didn't gel. Instead, life cast Moon in the role of a science fiction and fantasy writer, and ecology's loss is her readers' gain.

or.'06 27 Born Susan Elizabeth Norris, Elizabeth up in McAllen, it was perfectly acceptable. A go,how long I could stay up, all those sorts of Moon grew up in McAllen, Texas, loving not man down the street played the accordion at things. I also had to learn to deal with stressful only the outdoors and riding horses, but also neighborhood gatherings,and Ilearned to play people and situations." She earned the rank of music and reading. She still rides horses, and one. At Rice, we had a little group consisting first lieutenant and was promoted to captain of she still makes music as an alto in her church of cello, mandolin, and accordion." inactive reserves when she mustered out. choir, but it is reading—and writing—that And,of course, she wrote. "I wrote tons of The Moons moved back to Texas to attend has dominated much of her life. The road poetry and fiction. Most of it was bad," she the University ofTexas. While Richard went to to success as a writer, though, was a winding admits. "Periodically, I'd think about being a medical school, Elizabeth earned a bachelor's one with many detours. Her mother, who'd writer, but I'd decide that everything I'd writ- degree in biology and later pursued a master's trained as an engineer, gave Moon her first ten up to that point was utterly and disastrously with the idea she might go into some ecological real lesson in storytelling when she was just horrible."That opinion seemed validated when field. Her master's was cutshort however,when a preschooler. "She wrote and illustrated a she read Frank Herbert's Dune and J. R. R. Richard finished medical school and started his couple of little books for me," Moon recalls. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. "Those put me residency. In 1979, they moved to Florence, "One was a book of manners, which may not in a complete blue funk," she says. "I knew I Texas, a small town north of Austin, where have stuck very well, and the other was about might never be that good, and I was at Rice, Richard established a family practice. me and a boy who lived across the alley. Those where, if you're not going to be at the top As it turned out, Florence was too small taught me that books didn't just appear out level, shelve it. So that put me on hold for a to support a family practice, but the Moons of nowhere but that real people wrote them. long time. I kept writing, but I had no belief managed. "We didn't get rich," Moon says, I even tried to write my own book when I was that I actually would make it." "but we had a lot offun and delivered a lot of six, titled My Dog Tippy: Her Life." But she did receive a bit of unexpected babies." To help Richard,she joined the local In the ninth grade, a friend asked Moon if encouragement from Drew. "She pointed volunteer emergency medical unit and earned she read science fiction, and Moon responded me to Cecilia Holland's historical novels and emergency medical technician and paramedic somewhat disparagingly,"Ah, I don't read that suggested that I consider writing as a career," certifications, although she had to quit after stuff." The friend said, "If you don't read it, Moon chuckles. "It took me years to believe about five years when she and Richard adopted how do you know you don't like it?" She gave she was serious and that it wasn't just a clever their son, Michael. Moon three science fiction novels, and after way of saying, 'Now dear, you're really not Through it all, she kept writing, but with a Moon read them, she says, "I was hooked. I smart enough to be a scholar, but maybe you different focus."There was no employment in read all the science fiction in the library and could write novels." Florence,"she says,"and Richard's practice was everything else I could get my hands on. In Elizabeth met fellow Rice student Richard not exactly booming,so sometimes we needed about six months, I was trying to write it, Moon when she was invited to play her ac- money. I realized that I could sell articles to because that's what I did. When I read dog cordion at a hotdog fest after a brush clearing medical journals, especially if the articles had stories, I wrote dog stories; when I read horse party. "During the day," she smiles, "I kept Richard's name on them. He'd think them stories, I wrote horse stories." noticing this handsome young man,and by the up, and I'd write them." She laughs."At one As high school came to a close and it was end of the evening, we were fairly interested point, he was doing quite well with Medical time to think about college, Moon insisted in each other." Economics." on Rice University. In fact, she'd had her eyes Elizabeth and Richard graduated in 1968, The sales were helpful, and Moon realized set on Rice from the age of8 or 9."My uncle but before they pursued further careers, both that she wasn't bad at this sort of writing, but and great uncle had gone there, so I knew it joined the military—Richard the army and she still didn't trust that her fiction was any was a good school," she says. "And I was a Elizabeth the Marine Corps. "It was a very good."One bar to writing fiction for me was competitive kind of kid." unpopular thing to do in 1968," she admits. that I'd been told that you have to write short Her time at the university proved formative "I've never been entirely able to define why I stories before you can write a novel. I am a for Moon."Like a lot of people who came to did it, which may be why I keep writing books natural novelist,not a natural shortstory writer, Rice from smaller towns, I'd been one of the with military characters. I wanted to serve my and all my short stories insisted on being too smart kids in my high school, and I thought country. I admired what I'd read of the mili- long." Then a fortuitous set of circumstances I was hot stuff. And then I got to Rice and tary, and I had a romantic attitude toward it. changed everything. found out that the world is full of hot stuff. It sounded adventurous, exciting, different. "We had some friends who moved to Utah, That can be very shocking and depressing, I'd always climbed higher trees and did things and their son was not happy about it, so I de- but it also can free you to reach out and see that felt exciting and somewhat scary, so that cided to write a story to cheer him up. Like just how far you can go." She started out as a was part of it, too." all my short stories, it grew too long, but in- physics major,but after she "gloriously flunked Initially, she wanted to be a pilot, but myo- stead of stopping, this time I kept going. By calculus and freshman physics," she went on pia and being female shot down that idea. "I the time I was 170,000 words into it, I was to major in history. talked to recruiters from all the branches, and beginning to think it might be good enough Two history professors, in particular, influ- most, like the other colleges I'd approached, to be published." enced her. One was F.S. Leer,then a professor were eager to have me. But just as Rice had The book was The Deed ofPaksenarrion. Set emeritus."I took every one ofhis classes that I said,'We'll see if you can qualify,' the marine in a fantasy world much like medieval Europe, could," Moon says. But most ofall, Katherine recruiter said,'Well, you might make it through it is the tale of a young peasant woman who Drew impressed her enormously. "I was just officer candidate school.' So,of course, it had joins the army and,through daunting tasks and blown away by her scholarship and character. to be the marines, just like it had to be Rice. hardships, rises to the rank of knight. Having She was the kind of person I wanted to be in Tell me it's hard, and then tell me you don't a finished novel on your desk is not the same terms ofscholarship." think I can do it." as having it published, but Moon had learned Outside the classroom, Moon practiced Moon served in the marines for three years, from the experience of writing it. "I then was photography for fun and sang in the Jones and like her time at Rice, it was a formative able to write short fiction," she says,"because chorus. She also played the accordion. "The experience. "Rice had pushed my mind close I finally understood how much story would accordion now is considered such an awful in- to its limits, and the marines pushed the rest fit into a shorter piece." She soon sold several strument,"she laughs."But while I was growing of me to the limit, so I knew how far I could stories to science-fiction digests, and an agent

28 Rice Sallyport Summer '06 29 the speed of dark nov,•l etizabeth moon

contacted her and said that if she ever had a was Moon's seven-book Hens Serrano series, this alien culture? But, man, it was 24-7. If novel,he would be interested in seeing it."Like featuring several characters whose lives and you'd asked me before I did it WI could do it, the grandparent who just happens to have pic- adventures revolve around the military of an I'd have said, no way." tures of the grandchildren," Moon chuckles, interplanetary league. The Vatta's War series, While Moon was helping Michael face the "I just happened to have a novel." with explosive space battles and a spirited, constraints of autism, she also was facing the The Deed of Paksenarrion was rejected by tough-as-nails heroine who refuses to back constraints ofwriting adventure stories."Main a lot of publishers, and a letter from one ex- down,is in process. characters usually just come to me," she says. plained why: It was too long,and it was about The switch from medieval fantasy to space "I sit there and say to the people in my head, a woman soldier, by a woman.The implication ships may seem like quite a leap, but it was a 'Okay,who wants to be next?' And this crowd was that women can't know anything aboutthe providential change for Moon,whose personal comesforward, and then I prod and poke them military. "I blew my stack." Moon says. "I've life had taken a grievous turn. Her son, Mi- to see if any ofthem are solid enough to make studied this stuff, I have a degree in history, I chael, had been diagnosed as severely autistic. a main character. If they come to me with a own horses,and on top ofthat, I was a marine, "Having a child that different," she says, "is big problem right off the bat, they're usually and how dare they, and so on." The agent kind oflike getting a box ofparts, but the parts pretty strong. Otherwise, I say,'Shut up and went back to the publisher and said, "You've aren't the ones in the directions,and you have go away.'" Ofelia wouldn't go away. insulted a marine." The publisher, who had to figure out what you can build out of the Ofelia, whose story is recounted in Remnant strong military feelings, agreed to look at the parts you do have that will result in some kind Population,certainly does not fit the adventure manuscript again, and when he actually read of happy conclusion." character mold.She is an old and simple widow it, he liked it. She began homeschooling Michael and living in a small colony on an out-of-the way The Deed ofPaksenarrion was published in discovered that the switch from fantasy to planet with a son who does not understand three volumes—The Sheepfarmer's Daughter, science fiction might be the only thing that her and a daughter-in-law who dislikes her. Divided Allegiance,and Oath ofGold—in 1988 would allow her to continue writing. "To "What I saw in Ofelia," Moon says, "was and 1989."One ofmy biggest thrills as a writer write deep fantasy, I need six to eight hours a person who'd had all of the fun and play was seeing that first book out," she says. "I without interruption because I have to sink squashed out." showed the cover flats to a friend who ran a into that world in order to make it real. So I All Ofelia wants is to live out her life in peace bookstore in Georgetown,and she folded one knew I couldn't write fantasy, at least for the on this planet that has been her home for most and stuck it between some other books on the near future. With science fiction,though, I can of her life. But the corporation that colonized shelfso it looked like my book was sitting there write some, be interrupted, and go right back the planet has lost the franchise,and the entire with the others. I managed not to scream and and write some more." colony is scheduled for deportation. Instead jump up and down in the store, but I was really Moon says that the intellectual training ofaccepting her fate, Ofelia hides in the forest excited. Later, I was terrified because, when instilled by Rice allowed her to survey the until the last ship has left, then she reoccupies you're a writer, you also reveal, and when I professional literature on autism relatively her home in the settlement and goes on,quite seriously thought about everything that was in quickly and thoroughly by setting standards comfortable and happy with her solitary life. The Deed ofPaksenarrion, I thought, oh boy, by which to judge the quality of her sources. Until she discovers that she isn't alone. The I've just thrown open the closet." "It's been very challenging," she says, "but indigenous intelligent species, which is at a Twolinked prequels to The Deed ofPaksenar- it's been stimulating, too. Rice helped give pretechnological level and has been hiding rion followed, but not before Moon received me the ability to see the situation as an intel- in the forest since the colony was founded, an invitation to co-author a pair ofbooks with lectual challenge, not just an emotional one. begins to explore the town left vacant by the well-known science-fiction writer Anne Mc- The cultural anthropology at Rice gave me humans, coming face to face with its sole re- Caffrey. Those two showed that Moon had the means to look at autism as a culture thing maining occupant. a talent for writing military science fiction, rather than as a pathological thing. If this is At first, Ofelia resents the intrusion, but she and her publisher requested more. The result what we have, how do we make contact with soon becomes an integral part of the fabric of

30 Rice Sallyport "If you have to write, if you can't do anything but write, if you find yourself writing when you should be doing something else, you're probably cut out to be a writer."

—Elizabeth Moon

the indigenous culture,despite the fact thatshe how they feel about the things that society it. I clutched the award and wouldn't let it is the alien. Asshe teaches her new family about tells them." go for hours." human technology, it becomes apparent that Lou lives in the near future and has found a She's still happy about the Nebula, but the these strange beings are a lot more intelligent niche for himselfwithin a group ofautistic people reasons go beyond the award itself. "It gave than humans,rapidly absorbing everything she who analyze data for a company, looking for the book a new lease on life, which means that can teach them and more. And then humans patterns that the company can use in its busi- more people are reading it, and I'm getting return, and the two cultures clash with poten- ness. Things are comfortable until a corporate more mail from relatives ofautistic people and tially disastrous consequences. climber attempts to coerce the group members others. One of the most touching was from Published in 1996,the novel was nominated into participating in an experimental treatment someone in a police station in California. Be- for the Hugo Award, the oldest of the major that, he says, will make them normal. But just cause she'd read the book,she recognized that annual science-fiction awards. While it didn't whatis normal? The book becomes a parable of a child she was handling was autistic and not win,the novel gained for Moon the recognition the way people face the fears, unknowns, and on drugs or just being difficult, and she was that she could go beyond the conventions of potentials of any life-altering change. able to talk to him. I just sat there and cried the adventure story and delve into deeper cul- When Moon finished,she thought the book after reading that." tural and psychological issues. She returned to was good, and she hoped it would be read If Moon has one succinct piece ofadvice for the adventure stories, but it wasn't long before and help people understand autistic people. beginning novelists it is that you must be true another out-of-the-mold character came into Initially, sales were modest, in part because it to your art. "I write what I want to read," she her head,demanding that his story be written. was so different. It did garner a nomination for says. "The characters have to be real and true His name was Lou, and he was autistic. the Arthur C. Clarke Award,though it didn't for me." Over the years, she's talked to a lot of Lou's book is The Speed ofDark,published in win,prompting Moon,she says,"to categorize people who want to be writers, but what many 2003,and in many ways,it is the most difficult myselfas the bridesmaid,not the bride,when it really want is to be published."It doesn't work book Moon has written. "My first thought came to awards." And then The Speed ofDark that way," Moon says. "If you have to write, was that I was going to write about a child," was nominated for the Nebula Award, whose if you can't do anything but write, if you find Moon explains, "but Lou popped up as an importance is on par with the Hugo. yourself writing when you should be doing adult and insisted on telling the story in his "The morning of the award ceremony," something else,you're probably cut outto be a own way—insisted on doing it in first person she says,"my agent asked if I had my speech writer. Atthat point,the hunger to be published present tense, which I knew better than to ready. I replied, basically, that I didn't need no isn't bad, but it can't ever take over, because if try. But that was the only way to tell it. I tried stinkin'speech since I wasn't going to win. My it does, you start falsifying things to do what writing it the other way, and it became very agent said I was going to look really stupid up you think will get you published." remote,as ifit had four plates ofglass between there ifI did win and didn't have a speech,and As exciting as the high points in her career Lou and the story. I had to be inside his head, that's when I started to get nervous. At the have been,the real satisfaction for Moon comes and I had to write it that way. I found that I ceremony, I was sitting there with my editor during the writing. "It's that flow," she says. could do it, though staying in that mindset and my agent, and they kept asking if I was "Sometimes when I'm sitting there, typing as and character was really difficult." doing all right, and I said I was fine until they fast as I can, and the story is really blooming But Lou helped her along. "I became fas- started in on me.I know how to lose graciously. and coming alive there in front of me, I feel, cinated with him," Moon says. "There are I've done it before. But they kept asking,'Are yes, this is right. The first book was an enor- things about him that surprised me, that are you doing okay? Are you getting nervous yet?' mous thrill, and the award is a thrill, and it's not like Michael but that are consonant with And I said,'Yes, I'm getting nervous yet. Are still a thrill to have a book come out, but the everything that I know about autism and the you satisfied?' real thing that keeps me going is when the autistic people I've met—what they're like, When her name was announced as winner writing is alive and making the story a reality how they communicate with each other, what for the best novel of the year, she says,"I just that other people can play in. It's creation. kinds ofthings interest and concern them,and went off. It was incredible. I couldn't believe Creation is the whole thing."•

Learn more about Elizabeth Moon at her website: www.sff.net/people/Elizabeth.Moon.

Summer '06 31 yping as fast as I can, and the story iS r y iS really blooming and coming alive there in front of me, I feel, yes, this is right."

—Elizabeth Moon

Summer '06 33 "What is R2?" That was the question posed on flyers circulated around campus last January. It didn't take students long to discover it was the name of a stylish new undergraduate literary magazine.

By Ruth Samuelson • Photographs by Jeff Fitlow and Ann Chou

34 Rice Sallyport rye hundred dollars is high pay for a beginning writer. next semester, it quickly established a broad goal: to not be For years, the George Guion Williams Prize awarded another stereotypical undergraduate review. this amount to students for the best undergraduate "If you hear there's a new literary magazine, you think,'Oh IFfiction and poetry.But being paid fora piece of writing great, there's a new clique of coeds in a basement printing is only half the reward The other half is seeing it published, and something out,— Dimond says. "For our first issue, we really that was a problem. The prizewinning pieces rarely appeared wanted to produce something exceptional and establish the in print, and that situation didn't inspire students to labor over magazine's presence immediately." short stories and poetry alone in their rooms. There is, of course, an obvious way to have a great student Creative writing professor Justin Cronin believed he had a literary magazine—great student writing Yet without any better way to motivate young Rice writers He proposed as- reputation, the magazine needed some major public relations sociating the Williams Prize with a student-led magazine that to attract submissions. To generate buzz, the staff papered would publish the prizewinners and also provide a forum for the campus with the "What is R2?" signs and hung a huge other student writing on campus. "Writers always wonder. bedsheet posing the same question above Fondren Library. How do I put my work out in the world? How do I find other The editorial board also held an open-mike night on campus, writers to talk about it with?" Cronin says. "The magazine and board members continually begged their friends to submit would give young Rice writers just those opportunities." pieces. A Thresher article helped to spread the word about For a year, Cronin spoke to his classes about the idea, raised the magazine as well. funds, and even came up with a name: The Rice Review,or R2 R2 promised to publish fiction, poetry, and nonfiction, but for short. In some respects, though, the magazine got its real until a few days before the submissions deadline, barely any start in England. Andy Dimond '05 was studying there in fall work had arrived. Then, in a rush, 73 stories came in For "the 2004 when he received an email from Cronin asking him to be big read," the staff reviewed submissions for more than four editor in chief. Dimond immediately jumped at the chance and, hours in the English department lounge. At least three people against all normal senior tendencies, found himself embark- evaluated each piece anonymously before the group came ing on something new and exciting during his last semester. together for discussion on what to include. A few days later, Throughout the fall, other students volunteered to work on Dimond and prose editor Lamar White '05 made the final cuts, R2 as well. When the editorial board first came together the selecting 10 stories, two nonfiction pieces, and five poems.

R2faculty advisor Justin Cronin with 2005-06 editor in chief Searcy Milam and layout designer Ann Chou When it came to editing, Dimond and has established several new writing-related White did not expect to spend much time on positions and programs. In addition to the individual pieces. But once they got started, three professors who regularly teach creative it "snowballed," says Dimond. To ensure writing—Cronin, Susan Wood (poetry), and the stories were fully developed and clear, Marsha Recknagel(creative nonfiction)—there both editors scrutinized every word of every is now a new visiting writer each year. Wihl, piece and analyzed what elements could be Cronin, and Wood created the Parks Fellow- improved. The magazine's faculty advisors, ship in 2004, which annually brings a new including writer-in-residenceAmber Dermont, writer-in-residence from the prestigious sometimes reviewed the work, but ultimately, Graduate Program in Creative Writing at the the students were responsible for organizing University of Houston to teach fora year. Simi- meetings and taking on editorial duties. larly, this past fall, Rice welcomed U.S. Poet "We worked until the point of diminishing Laureate Robert Pinsky as the first speaker returns," says Dimond."I think that's the best in the new Campbell Lecture Series, which way to go: to just work until your work is not brings distinguished guests in the study of producing bigger and better results." literature to Rice. Significant revisions were sometimes In the future, Wihl hopes to form a relation- necessary, and in those cases, the writers ship with lnprint, Houston, an organization did all their own rewriting Though they could that holds writing classes and hosts readings reject the editors' suggestions, most of the with renowned authors—recently including writers were willing to change their pieces, John Updike, Jonathan Franzen, and Lou- and some stories even went through two ise Gluck. Through Inprint, Wihl would like major revisions. to set up more workshop opportunities for Collecting and editing the writing wasn't Rice students. He also hopes to collaborate the end of the production process. Thanks to with the organization's local ties to start a generous gifts from Jane and James Rhodes program where Rice students can mentor '62 and support from the George Guion Wil- Houston high school student—writers. The liams endowment,the editors had the funds School of Humanities also expects to add to give R2a sleek, distinctive look. Architec- another course in creative writing in the ture student Ann Chou '06, then a junior and near future. a veteran of two creative writing classes, Although this new growth may be a revela- joined the editorial board and worked mostly tion to some,writing workshops always have on style and layout. Though there were no been overenrolled, requiring writing samples plans for R2 to showcase student art in the and instructor approval for admission. When same way that University Blue, the Student Cronin first started R2, he knew there would Association's art and writing magazine, does, be strong submissions, and he had no doubt R2's editors did hold a contest to select a students would want to edit the magazine. cover design. The staff eventually selected Nevertheless, the first year did offer some a graphic of a dreamy gray prairie scene and surprises—in his experiences at other uni- also printed the image on a bookmark listing versities, he'd never seen students take on the Williams Prizewinners included in the the full editing process or devote so much magazine. After hundreds of hours of work, time to details. "I figured we'd get some R2's first edition was distributed in April 2005 things published and have a nice magazine," at a party in front of Valhalla. he says, "but the staff made it spectacular For the 2005-06 academic year, Chou re- right out of the gate." turnedto R2 with several of the previousyear's Now that R2 is off and running, everyone staff, including editor in chief, senior Searcy involved has new ideas about how to keep Milam '06. Most of the group's meetings it growing and fresh. R2 received more than were open to anyone who had taken a Rice 90 submissions last February, and the 2006 creative writing class, and R2 had no trouble magazine included a new section titled "Oc- attracting new editors and staff members. casionals," featuring brief interviews with The three-hour writing workshops, intimate several renowned authors, including short yet intense,tended to bond students and cre- story writerAntonya Nelson and Pulitzer Prize- ate friendships since everyone had to share winning poet Stephen Dunn, and any other and discuss their own works. The magazine, short literary pieces that didn't fit squarely Milam says, has become an extension of this into other categories. Looking toward next experience—more like a special opportunity year, the staff would like to bring more writ- than just another extracurricular activity. ers to campus for readings and meetings "To be responsible to a community of with students. people who you really care about makes it "I don't want R2 to ever reach a point that much more rewarding," Milam says. where it can't change or grow," Cronin says "We could never let this project be anything "Every year, the students will decide what but excellent." direction the magazine is going in." Interestingly, R2 is only one aspect of the expanding literary interest at Rice. Since ar- riving in 2003, dean of humanities Gary Wihl

36 Rice Sallyport ARTS

Students Shine

3914A

3

When it came time for Rice Gallery director Kim Davenportto find a curator The seasoned artist became a mentor for Rice's graduating seniors for the gallery's 2006 exhibition of graduating art majors, she thought of during their final semester, asking them to "dream as big as they would artist Christian Eckart. Eckart had been an instructor at Rice University, like to dream about how they would like to be represented in the show." After they presented their ideas and he helped them determine the fea- but what was especially interesting was the professional practices class sibility of their projects, he assisted them in finalizing what they would he had designed and taught at Rice as well as at the University of Houston show and explored the formal and technical issues of presenting their and the Glassell School of Art. work. Finally, he helped them prepare their artist statements. Davenport says Eckart has a tremendous interest in students. "I could Explaining how he works with students, Eckart says,"You walk into tell from the way he related to them that he would be able to give Rice a studio cold, and you have one or two minutes to know more about students a professional experience,which is one ofthe aims of what the artist is doing than they do. You figure out where they are the student exhibition," she says. And Eckart knows what headed, and then you can help them objectify their work and he's talking about. "He is an internationally renowned see it from the outside." Having a better grasp artist," Davenport explains."We are so fortunate of what their work is saying to other people that he is living right here in Houston." helps students make positive changes and Eckart came on the New York art scene clarify their focus. out of the East Village in the mid 1980s, the Megan Sandler had been taking decade of the art star. His contemporaries straight black and white photographs were the likes ofPeter Halley, Jeff Koons, ofchildren at Yellowstone Academy,a and Richard Prince. Since that time, free private school in the Third Ward. his work has been shown in more Working with Eckart,she decided to than 70 solo shows and more than juxtapose her photographs with the 150 group exhibitions all over the children's drawings, creating a more world, and his work is included in multidimensional view of her subjects. Meanwhile, Matthew the collections ofinstitutions like Crnkovich's photographs of decaying industrial buildings had the Guggenheim Museum and the an emphasis on abstract form cut with a kind of romantic mel- Museum of Modern Art in New ancholia. Eckart saw parallels with the paintings of Mark Rothko York; the Museum ofFine Arts, Houston; and the Museum Modemer and recommended his work to Crnkovich. The student responded by Kunstin Vienna,Austria. His abstract,wall -based work straddles the line exploring and increasing the level of formal abstraction in his photo- between painting and sculpture and is designed on the computer and graphs over the semester. In other cases,like the hanging fabric pieces of executed in materials like mirror-polished stainless steel or aluminum Thomas Hardin or the self-portraits of Dustin Haynes, Eckart encour- plates sprayed with lush glistening coats of auto body lacquer. aged students to explore ways of combining what they had previously Eckart moved to Houston on New Year's Eve,2002, and he was im- considered to be separate works. mediately impressed by Houston's flourishing contemporary art scene. According to Davenport,the selection of Eckart proved to be a very From his new Houston base, he has continued his studio practice and good choice. "The students responded to him," she says, "and gave busy exhibition schedule, but he also contributes to the local artistic him credit for guiding them in new directions." community. In New York, he taught at the School of Visual Arts for Eckart is more modest about his contributions. "I can't take any eight years, and he decided to continue his teaching in Houston art credit for it; it's just about helping people understand their own pre- departments. Curating Shine: Rice Gallery Student Exhibition 43, was dilections." IN yet another way to work with young artists. —Kelly Klaasmeyer

38 Rice Sallyport Lisa Hoke isthe most recent in a series of Rice Gallery art- ists to take a truckload of banal, mass-produced materials and transform them into something amazing Tara Donovan did it by turning a million plastic drinking straws into an ethereal cloud-like wall for her exhibition Haze. Phoebe Washburn did it by taking 7,000 pounds of cardboard boxes and nailing them together into a massive vortex for her installation True, False, and Slightly Better. And now Lisa Hoke has done it by turning 100,000 strips of office supply store cover stock into a wall of filigreed color for her Summer Window installation Light My Fire. "I love that initial intoxication of color," says Hoke. Her pursuit of color in past works has led her to employ mass-produced materials like plastic cups, paper, rubber bands,and zippers. Massing her materials together, Hoke creates large-scale installations of saturated color. "You can take the simplest thing," Hoke says, "and find out what potential is locked inside it." There is a lotof manual laborbehind the visual impactof Hoke's installations. Creating bIghtMyFireforthe gallery's 16'-by-40' window wall took Hoke and three assistants four solid months. The notebook-sized paper was cut into strips, and the artist's studio became a factory as Hoke and her team took each one of the 100,000 strips of paper and wrapped it around a dowel to create a curl. Hoke plotted outthe window's design in a markerdraw- ing, then she gridded off the drawing to act as a guide for the 96 5'-by-5' panels she had to create to cover both sides of the window wall. After standing each curl on end, she glued it to its neighbors, replicating the color patterns of the drawing. Once the panels arrived in Houston, Hoke and a crew of assistants spent four days attaching panels to either side of the gallery's window wall. Because she was replicating the drawing on both sides of the wall,each panel also had to be matched up with its mirror image on the other side of the glass. The whole thing had to be glued twice. First, Hoke and the crew used low-temperature hot glue to quickly but temporarily hold everything in place. Then, donning respirators,they applied long lasting, but reeking,silicone adhesive. Since Hoke's work is specific to a particular site, she never knows exactly how it will look until it is installed. Working this way has a built-in element of risk. She tested the paper curls on a small sample glass in her studio, but there was no way to anticipate what effect an increase in scale would have. But all the effort was worth it. On entering Sewall Hall,viewers are greeted with an immense wall of frothy color. Light filtering through the designs creates a filigreed pattern, and if viewed from an acute angle, the surface becomes a landscape of solid color. Because the paper curls are of varying heights, they give the design a topographical effect that casts shadows and varies the surface's color. The Summer Window Series was designed to allow the gallery to remain active even when closed during the summer months. But the light flowing through Hoke's installation into the darketied gallery creates a stunning effect, so Rice Gallery director Kim Davenport decided to leave the gallery door open.• —Kelly Klaasmeyer

Summer '06 39 ON THE BOOKSHELF

different trials and tribulations. The Bowl Is Already Broken This could present a disjointed overall picture, but Zuravleff What do you deem valuable? What would you sacrifice in its cause? skillfully ties it all together with These are the questions Mary Kay Zuravleff '82 asked herself when her central theme of value and writing her second novel, The Bowl is Already Broken (Farrar, Straus, sacrifice in a world ofinevitable and Giroux, 2005). change. And just in case the reader has missed the message inherent in the novel's pages, Drawing on Zuravleff's ex- ter to the inner workings of a Zuravleff lays it out in the perience as senior editor of museum,flaws and all, "where book's final line: "Admit there publications at the Freer and behind the marble walls, mu- TRANSFORMATION is loss, and all can be treasured." Arthur M. Sackler Galleries of seum work can have much in mapc tomb..omtz a laumat.g wono,...1 won, Zuravleff currently teaches Mew.Rown. &O. of the Smithsonian Institute in common with mud wrestling." Th,O,...,,kfl writing in the MFA program at Washington, D.C., the novel is One of Zuravleff's strengths George Mason University, and set in a fictitious museum lo- is character development, and she is the author of The Fre- cated on the capital's National Mall. The protagonist, Promise 'Whitaker, is a working mother trying to balance family and her "Admit there is loss, and all can be treasured." new position as acting director of the Museum of Asian Art, which is peopled with difficult and complex co-workers, in- she has an uncanny ability to quency ofSouls, which has won cluding one who is embezzling make her characters believ- several awards. Her short fiction Carol Neilon Berg '70 is the from the museum to pay for able and likeable, even while has been published in numer- many—and in winner of the 2005 Geffen Award fertility treatments. As if that exhibiting their ous small magazines, including some cases, grievous—faults. Gargoyle, and her work is in- forthe bestfantasy novel released were not enough, the powers Putting them on display almost cluded in the anthology Grace in translation. She earned the that be are trying to shut down the museum and turn it into a as if they were exhibits in the and Gravity. She lives in Wash- honor for her epic fantasy novel, food court, her former boss and museum, Zuravleff takes the ington, D.C., with her husband, Transformation. The award is pre- mentor has been kidnapped by reader into the psyches of the Gary, and two children, Theo sented to "distinguished works in terrorists while on an archeo- different characters as she tells and Eliza. the genre" to honor the memory logical dig, and she's just dis- the story through their vastly —Sarah Williams of Amos Geffen, a prominent covered she's pregnant with her Israeli editor and translator of third child. science fiction and fantasy, who The book's title, inspired by died in 1998. a Zen parable, reveals its mean- Transformation originally ing in the first chapter. During was released in the United a presentation full of pomp and attended by States and Canada by New circumstance and dignitaries, the museum is pre- The Bowl ii American Library/Roc Books sented with an antique Chinese and in the United Kingdom by porcelain bowl, which is to be Is Already Time Warner/Orbit Books The the centerpiece of a new exhibit Hebrew language version was vital to the museum's fundrais- released in fall 2004 by Graf Press, ing effort. However, in a scene Broken translated by David Chanoch.The of seemingly cruel irony, the book also has been translated curator drops the $1.2 million into Russian, Czech, Polish, and bowl as she carries it up the German. Transformation was a front stairway of the museum, finalist for the 2001 Compton and it smashes to pieces while Crook/Stephen Tall Award and the rest of the staff and exhibit visitors look on in horror. Right the Barnes and Noble Maiden at the beginning, the bowl is Voyage Award for the best first already broken, and the reader fantasy or science fiction novel begins to learn, along with of 2000. Promise, the lesson of how to Berg, a former software en- live in a world of impermanence gineer, has written seven other and loss. novels, the most recent being Having spent years in muse- Daughter of Ancients. Her book ums, Zuravleff has great affec- Song of the Beastwon the 2004 tion for the quirky environment, C ok Award for genre the type ofindividuals that envi- ronment attracts, and the world of Asian art. In fact, the book can be read as a sort oflove let-

40 Rice Sallyport ON THE BOOKSHELF

If you live in Austin, half the him wrong. "Standing at 8th photographs in Jeffrey's Kerr's and Congress, I could visually book probably will seem com- trace exactly the same sloping terrain down to the waterfront monplace, while the other half that inspired Lamar. I could turn might look,at most, only haunt- around and see the same hill inglyfamiliar.Taken as a whole, conceptualized by urban planner though, the photos are certain and Lamar friend Edwin Waller "I present a scrapbook of Austin scenery, which may serve to to make you pause and consider as the perfect site for the Repub- strengthen our ties to those who preceded us, and our sense historical perspective. lic's Capitol building." of responsibility to those whom we precede." Kerr says that the book is not —Jeffrey Kerr The book is Austin, Texas, Then a history, per se, nor is it a col- and Now: A Photography Scrap- lection of artistic photographs. "Instead," he writes,"I present book (Promised Land Books, aleatat, 2004), and in it, Kerr '79 takes a scrapbook of Austin scenery, 09' a simple idea and replicates 01474 which may serve to strengthen it with interesting results. To our ties to those who preceded begin with, he collected some 4;240 us, and our sense of responsibil- 100 old photographs of the city ity to those whom we precede." dating from the 1860s to the Arldflpafihy Indeed, one of the most inter- 1940s. Then, during 2004, he esting aspects of Austin, Texas, took his own camera and cap- Then and Now is the way that, tured shots of the same vistas as after a time, the photographs cease to be about Austin, instead they look today. The photos— 6. 0 old and new—are reproduced depicting Anytown, U.S.A. In the older photos, we are treated side-by-side on facing pages, to common street scenes of pro- each with explanatory text writ- to-urban American fife—filled ten by the author. with horses and wagons, early Looking at the paired photos, automobiles, and the kinds of it's impossible not to be awed shops and businesses that no by the differences and the way looks today or the view along book was a story he read about longer exist—only to have them the city has grown and devel- Speedway in 1897, with its Texas's then-vice president Mi- transform in the next photo into oped. But equally remarkable empty expanse relieved only by rabeau B. Lamar killing a buf- something so familiar it seems to is the number of old buildings a row ofseedlings and domi- falo in 1838 at what is now the have been with us forever. But that have endured and how nated by a huge light tower. intersection of 8th Street and if the older photos demonstrate much of the original infrastruc- In 2004, the seedlings are fully Congress Avenue. "I visited just how short-lived our cultural ture of the city remains evident. plain is memories can be, they also imply One extreme example of this grown trees and the downtown Austin to stand on but the that our current state is probably are the photos showing the First covered with houses, the spot of the unfortunate buf- 100-year-old light tower still falo's demise," Kerr writes. "As just as transient. Methodist Church at the corner Kerr practices pediatric neu- rises over it all. The text ex- I gazed north to the Capitol of West 12th Street and Lavaca, rology in Austin, and the book plains why such a light tower and all around me at tall build- the state capitol's dome tower- jacket includes, appropriately existed in the first place—Hyde ings new and old, I was struck ing in the background. Except enough, then-and-now photos Park developer Monroe Shipe, by the drastically different ap- for the presence of traffic signals of the author.• and larger trees in the newer with an eye toward the future, pearance the landscape offers photo, the scenes are practi- convinced the city of Austin to in modern times. . . .1 was sad- —Christopher Dow cally identical. More amazing is erect 31 such towers in his pro- dened that nothing remains as a the difference between Barton posed neighborhood. physical link to the city's birth." Springs in 1886 and the way it Kerr's inspiration for the But further reflection proved

A Hallmark Night The 2001 memoir if I\k/ThtsCou/d Taik by Rice University's in-residence Marsha Recknag,elpremiered as a Hallmark Hall of movie on April 23 on CBS. The movie,starring Marcia Gay H and Taylor Handley, was titled In From the Aktibt and tells th of a young, single writer whose well-ordered life is upended, her troubled nephew shows up on her doorstep. As he op to the writer about his abusive past, she is forced to confront' eventually triumph over—her own dark fecling,s.

Summer '06 41 WHO'S WHO

]dgald10 Apponted 1]eall Of Soca1 COFICOS at 111C0

Lyn Ragsdale

Lyn Ragsdale,former head of the Department of Political Science at the and will be published in a third together every two years with University of Illinois at Chicago, has been appointed dean of Rice's School revised edition next year. political figures to discuss nation- During her University of Ari- of Social Sciences. She will oversee the departments of anthropology, al and state election results. zona era, Ragsdale spent a year At Rice, Ragsdale hopes to economics, political science, psychology, and sociology, as well as as an American Political Science combine her project-planning the managerial studies and policy studies programs. She also has been Association Congressional Fel- style with strategic planning. named the Radoslav A. Tsanoff Chair of Public Affairs and professor of low in Washington, D.C., where "One project that I would envi- political science. She succeeds Bob Stein, who, during his 11 years as she was named the William A. sion is to create a center for so- dean, helped make the School of Social Sciences highly sought by city Steiger Fellow (best fellow of cial science research that would the year), one year in London as make the social sciences as visible and business leaders seeking urban research. an honors professor for the Ari- as possible, not just on campus zona—Iowa Consortium Study but nationally and internation- Ragsdale says her interest in poli- Abroad Program, and a year ally," she says. tics stems from her childhood "One project that I would envi- in New York as a fellow for the She also advocates that the in Milwaukee. "I come from a sion is to create a center for Russell Sage Foundation. School ofSocial Sciences be a very political family," she notes. social science research that She left Arizona in 2001 to leader in diversity. "Core parts of "That's what we talked about at would make the social sciences head the political science de- the curriculum and research in the dinner table. I knew I would as visible as possible, not just partment at the University of the social sciences involve top- either go into politics or study Illinois at Chicago, where on campus but nationally and she ics of race, ethnicity, and gender politics." Her husband, Jerrold implemented a project-plan- as well as social movements and internationally." Rusk, shares that professional in- ning style of management. One cultural identity," Ragsdale says. —Lyn Ragsdale terest and will join Rice's faculty of her projects entailed work- "This is important not only in as a professor of political science. ing on the establishment of a matters offaculty hiring and re- She began her academic ca- master's degree in global affairs tention, but also in how people reer at the University of Arizona, that combines the University of at all levels—faculty, graduate where she served on the faculty Illinois at Chicago's courses with students, undergraduate stu- for 19 years, starting as an assis- those at a university in Europe dents, and staff—view their daily tant professor of political science or Asia along with an internship experience on campus." in 1982 and then becoming an in an international organization, Ragsdale had ample op- associate professor with tenure foreign government, or nongov- portunity to develop her orga- in 1987 and a full professor in ernmental organization. Another nizational, interpersonal, and 1994. She directed the Univer- project focused on strengthening budgetary skills during her four sity of Arizona Survey Research the graduate program by estab- years as editor of Political Re- Center for three years. lishing a fellowship to recruit top search Quarterly and from her Her research interests—the students, making travel funds year as president of the Western presidency, electoral behavior, available for students to attend Political Science Association, for and Congress—are reflected in major political science conferenc- which she planned two annual the books she has written: The es, creating a course to educate conventions for more than 1,100 Elusive Executive: Discovering students on how to publish their participants. Statistical Patterns in the Presi- seminar papers, enhancing the In addition to carrying out her dency, and Presidential Politics; methodology curriculum, and duties as dean, Ragsdale plans to and Vital Statistics on the Presi- devising an exit survey to solicit finish writing two books over the dency, Washington to Clinton, valuable feedback from gradu- next two years—one about the which won the American Library ates. She also developed a project tough choices presidents make Association's Choice Award for called the Politics Forum, which on major decisions and one the best reference work in 1996 brings political science alumni about America's nonvoters.•

42 Rice Sallyport WHO'S WHO

Top Researchers Win Prestigious HHMI Grants for Undergraduate Teaching

Bonnie Bartel Jennifer West

Rice University, which provides more than half of its engineering and using gas-chromatography and for a much smaller class size. science undergraduates with research experience, recently won three other cutting-edge techniques. Both the freshman seminar and highly sought grants from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute(HHMI) to In follow-ups to the lab, the the accelerated course in cellular students will have the opportu- and molecular biology will tar- develop model programsfor the nation that infuse undergraduate teaching nity to work in faculty labs with get undergraduate engineering with cutting-edge research. graduate students and postdoc- and science majors at Rice who toral researchers to continue are interested in biomedical re- HHMI has named Rice profes- lab training. She will develop a studying their enzymes and search but who have little life sors Bonnie Bartel and Jennifer course designed to introduce prepare peer-reviewed research science training. West to the elite ranks of its freshmen to the realities and publications. Richards-Kortum's program, HHMI Professor program. The excitement of lab research. The West's program,"Educating "Healthcare Technology De- highly competitive program class will consist of multiple Interdisciplinary Scientists for Bi- velopment and Assessment: provides four-year, $1 million small groups, each led by a onanotechnology: A Bottom-Up Integrating Research and grants for top-flight researchers graduate student or a postdoc- Approach," includes four com- Undergraduate Education in to develop innovative programs toral researcher who will con- ponents: a high school summer Biomedical Engineering," is that combine undergraduate duct in-depth discussions about academy, a new seminar-style one of20 inaugural programs teaching and research. The ins- a newly published research course to introduce freshmen to funded by the HHMI Professor flute also announced continued program. The HHMI fund- funding for HHMI Professor ing allowed Richards-Kortum Rebecca Richards-Kortum. HHMI Professors are leading research scientists who are deeply to develop a new introductory HHMI Professors are lead- committed to making science more engaging for undergraduates. course in bioengineering geared ing research scientists who are specifically for nonscience and deeply committed to making nonengineering majors that science more engaging for un- article from a local laboratory. the interdisciplinary elements of focuses on how new technolo- dergraduates. Bartel is the Ralph Students will delve deeply into bionanotechnology, a biology gies are developed to address and Dorothy Looney Profes- the ins and outs of day-to-day course designed for upper-level world health challenges. Hands- sor of Biochemistry and Cell research through laboratory students in engineering and the on activities allow students to Biology. West is the director of tours, meetings with research- physical sciences, and a summer examine global challenges as- Rice's Institute of Biosciences ers, and reviews of experimental internship program for both sociated with developing and and Bioengineering, the Isabel data and equipment. Rice and non-Rice engineering testing new vaccines to prevent C. Cameron Professor of Bio- For sophomores, Bartel will and physics students who want infectious disease, imaging sys- engineering, and professor of implement a laboratory module to participate in bionanotechnol- tems to detect cancer, and im- chemical and biomolecular engi- designed to serve as a gateway ogy research. plantable devices to treat heart neering. Richards-Kortum is the into more extensive projects The high school summer disease. She's also worked with Stanley C. Moore Professor and in faculty research labs. In the academy will expand on an an- Michele Follen at the University department chair in bioengineer- module, pairs of students will nual program Rice has conduct- of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer ing and professor of electrical identify the products of an un- ed with the Science Academy of Center to develop a highly suc- and computer engineering. characterized plant enzyme. South Texas. The new program cessful summer intern program Bartel's HHMI research Using biotechnological meth- will add a research component that provides undergraduate program,"From Reading to ods, each pair will create a ge- to allow students to experience bioengineering students the rare Research: Introducing Under- netically modified yeast that will life in the lab with a graduate opportunity to shadow research graduates to Research from the produce enough of the enzyme student mentor. The seminar physicians in the Texas Medical Outside In," will attempt to for systematic study. In the final course in bionanotechnology Center as they see patients and draw freshmen and sophomores phase, the students will conduct will be developed by West and work in the lab to bring new into science by involving them the first structural studies of the taught in multiple sections by technologies into clinical use.• in small classes and practical products of their target enzymes postdoctoral fellows, allowing —Jade Boyd

Summer '06 43 INHO'S WHO

— Michael Emerson — Richard Baraniuk —Michael Gustin —James Brown — Richard Stoll — Alexander Byrd —John Hutchinson — Kyriacos Athanasiou — John Boles — Lisa Meffert — Robert Roux —Carlos Jimenez — William Wilson —Jose Narbona

Emerson Wins Teaching Prize A member of Rice's Department Athanasiou, Boles Honored for and advising. But it is his outstanding of Sociology faculty since 1999, Mentoring achievement in mentoring that has This year's recipient of Rice's most Emerson left during the 2004-05 earned Boles the 2006 Presidential prestigious teaching award vividly Rice's 2006 Presidential Award for academic year to teach at the Mentoring Award. recalls his social psychology profes- Mentoring has been presented to bio- University of Notre Dame in Indiana. Former students roundly lauded sor at Loyola University in Chicago. engineering's Kyriacos Athanasiou But he came back lastyear because Boles for his patience,engagement, "He came into class one day with and history's John Boles. he missed Rice students. wisdom, and advocacy. "I regard his tie on his head and his shirt Athanasiou,the Karl F. Hasselmann When he isn't immersed in him as the finest living example of open down to his belly button so Professor of Bioengineering, is in- teaching, Emerson is likely to be how to mold and shape future col- you could see the chains he was ternationally known for his research, conducting research or writing a leagues in academia," wrote one wearing," says Michael Emerson, actively involved in professional book. He has co-authored Divided student in a nomination letter for the Allyn and Gladys Cline Professor organizations, and a leader of one by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the award. of Sociology. "He made the point of the largest research groups on the Problem of Race in America, that we would think differently of campus. But, he says, interacting which won the 2001 Distinguished him if he dressed this way all the with students is the primary reason Ecology's Meffert Takes Home Phi Book Award from the Society for the time. His creativity in teaching he is a faculty member. Beta Kappa Award Scientific Study of Religion, United stood out." Athanasiou has mentored more by Faith, and Against All Odds. His Assistant professor of ecology and Now Emerson's own outstand- than 130 postdoctoral research- latest book, People of the Dream: evolutionary biology Lisa Meffert's ing teaching is in the spotlight. He ers, medical residents, graduate Multiracial Congregations in the favorite teaching evaluation starts out, the 2006 George students, undergraduates,and high was awarded United States, was published in "Even though I have no interest in Brown Prize for Excellence in school students. In 2003, he won R. April. Emerson also is director and Dr. Meffert's fields whatsoever, I've is chosen the Graduate Student Association Teaching. The recipient founder of Rice's Center on Race, got to say that she did an amazing job responses Teaching and Mentoring Award. on the basis of survey Religion, and Urban Life. of holding my attention and getting graduated two "It exhilarates me when I see from alumni who Six other Rice professors were me to learn her material." young people reach for the stars," and five years ago. honored for their outstanding skills These same sentiments were he says. "It is such a joy to see Whether he's teaching courses on in the classroom with the 2006 echoed in many of the teaching students garner prestigious awards race and ethnicity, the sociology of George R. Brown Award for Superior evaluations that helped her win the and accolades and then leave the religion, statistics and methods, or Teaching.The recipients are Richard 2006 Phi Beta Kappa Teaching Prize. program knowing they have what it urban sociology, Emerson strives to Baraniuk, the Victor C. Cameron A committee reads the evaluations very top. It's also relate the material to his students' Professor in Electrical and Computer takes to be at the of the assistant professors with the lives. Being authentic is one of the Engineering; Michael Gustin,asso- rewarding when they keep in touch highestteaching evaluation numeri- essential ingredients of successful ciate professor of biochemistry and professionally and personally." cal scores to determine the winner teaching, according to Emerson. cell biology; James Brown, profes- Boles, the William Pettus Hobby of the award. "You can read a lot of books about sor of economics; Richard Stoll, Professor of History, decided when teaching and take courses," he associate dean of social sciences he was a boy that he wanted to be Shepherd School's Roux Honored notes, "but at the end of the day, and professor of political science; a college professor, even though he With Chance Prize what matters is whether you truly Alexander Byrd,assistant professor knew nothing about it. Hundreds of care about your subject and your of history; and John Hutchinson, Rice students are happy he didn't The Shepherd School of Music's students. I try to live what I'm professor of chemistry. fancy being a cowboy or a fireman, Robert Roux is the 2006 recipient teaching, and I want my students for they have been beneficiaries of of the Julia Mile Chance Prize for to apply it in their own lives." his skill at writing, talking, teaching, Excellence in Teaching, which is

44 Rice Sallyport WHO S WHO

Michael Emerson Michael Gustin John Hutchinson Kyriacos Athanasiou John Boles Lisa Meffert

given annually to an associate or full University of Houston in 1981. After as a theater technician and a sound Teaching Award for Excellence. professor who provides students a brief partnership, he started his engineer by helping produce more Created with supportfrom Rice en- with an intellectual challenge and own studio in 1982. He became a than 50 Tabletop shows at Wiess, dowment manager Fayez Sarofim, inspiration in a field of study, shows visiting professor at Rice in 1987, taping shows at other colleges, the award is given to a lecturer in extraordinarydedication to students' and in 1996, he started teaching and recording performances by the the School of Humanities who has professional development, and en- full time at the university. By that Rice Philharmonics, the comedy en- shown exceptional professionalism hances gender-sensitive leadership time, he was well known with a semble Spontaneous Combustion, and dedication to students. on campus. substantial portfolio of work and and other student groups. He Narbona loves to hear about The nominations are based on many publications. helped create JamFest, an annual students' busy lives, which he does recommendations from under- festival showcasing Rice student not only in the classroom but also graduate students, graduate stu- bands. And his countless photos of through hosting "language tables" Dr. Bill Receives Salgo Award dents, and alumni and on teaching student life have been on display at the residential colleges, giving evaluations. A Rice University alum from the in the Wiess Commons, including students a chance to flex their de- Roux's willingness to unselfishly 1970s recentlyemailed William "Dr. freshman mug shots he takes each veloping language skills over lunch extend himself past his required Bill" Wilson, professor in electri- summer during Orientation Week with other students and faculty. duties is what has earned him a cal and computer engineering, to so that upperclassmen can learn Narbona,whoearned his bachelor's reputation among students and congratulate him on his upcoming the newcomers' names. When degree at the University of Seville, alumni. "He goes out of his way retirement and noted, "You were Rice alumni contributed money Spain,and his master's at Rice,says to give his students the individual the first professor who ever called for a gift in Wilson's honor, Wilson he owes a lot to the university. "I attention they need to meet their me by my name." established the Dr. Bill Student pretty much shaped myself as an goals," commented one student, Wilson was somewhat surprised. Initiative Fund to support student instructor here," he says. "All the "even if it involves extra hours "That's the whole point of being a projects that improve campus life knowledge and techniques forteach- spent outside his weekly teaching teacher," he says, "knowing who or student activities. ing that I learned here make me schedule." your students are and being part His dedication helped him win feel very proud, especially because of their lives." the George R. Brown Award for they include important concepts like That personal touch has Superior Teaching multiple times, excellence, efficiency, and profes- Duncan Award Goes To earned Wilson the Nicolas Salgo as well as the George R. Brown sionalism that I consider essential Architecture's Jimenez Distinguished Teaching Award, Prize for Excellence in Teaching, in the work of an educator."• Carlos Jimenez, professor of archi- Rice's oldest teaching prize, which during his 34 years at Rice. — Reported by B. J. Almond, Dawn tecture and an internationally known is funded by the Noren—Salgo Dorsey, Jennifer Evans, Lindsey architect, has combined a distinctive Foundation and Rice. The recipient Fielder, and Arie Wilson Humanities' Narbona Wins Sarofim style of teaching and research into is chosen by members of the junior Award an award-winning blend. He is the and senior classes. recipient of the 2006 Charles W. It's likely that the Salgo Award When senior lecturerJose Narbona Duncan Jr. Achievement Award for reflects not only Wilson's dedication teaches Spanish, he hopes to bring Outstanding Faculty, which recog- as a teacher in the classroom, but together language and culture in a nizesaccomplishment in scholarship also outside the classroom as well. waythat enhances students'learning and teaching. For 28 years, he served as a resident experience and world view. He calls Jimenez, who was born in Costa associate of Wiess College, where it a "total learning experience." Rica, came to the United States in he became affectionately known as That kind of dedication to his stu- the 1970s and graduated from the "Dr. Bill." He has shared his expertise dents has earned Narbona the Sarofim

Summer '06 45 1 WHO'S WHO

— Janice Bordeaux — B. J. Almond — Aramis Martinez — Andrew Barron —Jade Boyd — Kadim Tasdemir — Shelly Harvey — Veta Byrd — Ahmad Khoshnevis — D. Michael Lindsay — Arnold Chee — Cristina Hoffman — B. Paul Padley — Amanda York Focke — Angela Noel Hvitved In the News — Paul R. Paslay — Pamela L. Reiland — Janet Braam — Al and Suzy Hirshberg — Laura Hubbard — Russell Barnes — Qimiao Si — Cecilia Alatriz Tobar — Glynda Cumby — Kurt Stallmann — Jordan Konisky — Amber Raley — Walter Chapman — Brett Ashley Leeds — Amanda Cruess — Gary Marfin — Douglas Schuler — Russell Schafer — Naomi Halas — Maria Maldonado — Althea Tupper — Jennifer West — Sushant Madhukul Dutta

Bordeaux Named Associate Dean He will conduct a comprehensive New Assistant Professor Wins Particle Physicist to Lead Major of Engineering review of ongoing research at the Prestigious International Award U.S. Contribution at CERN school to identify both immediate Janice Bordeaux is the new associ- D. Michael Lindsay, a new faculty Rice University physicist B. Paul and long-term opportunities for col- ate dean of program development member in the Rice sociology de- Padley has been chosen to lead laboration and technology transfer. at the George R. Brown School of partment, recently placed first in the the scientific operations for the $40 He'll also coordinate with the direc- Engineering. fourth Worldwide Competition for million Endcap Muon System of tors of Rice's academic institutes Bordeaux, adjunct associate Junior Sociologists,for researchers particle detectors at the European and centers, with industrial relations professor in psychology, is a noted younger than 35. Organization for Nuclear Research's personnel in other Rice divisions,and expert on learning and assessment The paper for which Lindsay won (CERN) Large Hadron Collider with officials in the development and in higher education. She joined the award, "Liminal Organization in (LHC). technology-transfer offices. the school of engineering in 1999 Elite Ranks: Linking Societal Power Scheduled to begin operations next to oversee Rice's response to to Religious Faith," was based on his year, LHC is poised to become the sweeping changes in national en- dissertation research, which explores most powerful particle accelerator Math Professor Wins Sloan gineering accreditation standards. the role of religious conviction in the in the world. Housed in a sprawling Fellowship In her new position, she will apply lives of societal leaders. Research 27-kilometer ring of subterranean tun- similar program development and Shelly Harvey,assistant professor involved interviews with more than nels on the border between France evaluation methods to school-wide of mathematics, has won a presti- 350 elites, all of whom are part of and Switzerland, LHC will smash initiatives. gious research fellowship from the the evangelical movement. together beams of protons travel- Collaborating with faculty and Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. She is Lindsay, the author of several ing at near light speed to recreate students, Bordeaux has designed one of 116 young researchers in books,articles, and research reports, high-energy conditions that existed and implemented new methods the nation selected to receive the specializes in issues surrounding during the universe's infancy. of outcome-based program as- award, which includes a two-year, elites, religion, and culture. A Phi The physical scale of the project sessment in response to pioneer- $45,000 grant. The Sloan fellowships Beta Kappa and summa cum laude is matched by its human scale: the ing accreditation standards from are among the most highly sought graduate of Baylor University, he project team boasts 2,300 people ABET, the national accreditor for because the fellows are free to earned a master of divinity degree from 159 scientific institutions. A goal U.S. applied science, computing, pursue whatever lines of research from Princeton Theological Seminary, of the project is to detect the rapid engineering,and technology degree are of most interest to them. where he was a presidential scholar. stream of muons that will be created programs. This year's Sloan fellows came He then earned an additional degree in the LHC. Muons are short-lived from the fields of physics, chemis- at the University of Oxford as a particles that act much like electrons try, computational and evolutionary Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar be- but are far more massive. Detection Barron Tapped for New Post molecular biology,computer science, fore returning to Princeton for his of muons is crucial at the LHC be- economics, mathematics,and neu- doctoral studies, which he currently cause muons will play a key role in Andrew Barron has been appointed roscience at 55 of North America's is completing as a National Science unveiling the physics of the Higgs associate dean for industry interac- top research universities. Foundation Graduate Fellow. field and of supersymmetry, two of tions and technology transfer at the Harvey's work is characterized by In addition to his position as the collider's primary goals. Wiess School of Natural Sciences. the complex and inventive use of assistant professor of sociology, "Precise and reliable detection Barron, the Charles W. Duncan algebra, which she brings to bear Lindsay also will serve as assistant of muons is a notoriously difficult Jr.—Welch Professor of Chemistry in surprising ways on problems director and faculty fellow at Rice's task at hadron colliders, but we and professor of materials science, of central importance in topology. Center on Race, Religion, and Urban must solve this problem at LHC if is tasked with three primary goals: (See "A Knotty but Useful Pattern" Life. He will lead classes within his we are to adequately reconstruct increasing industry awareness of on page 15.) main interests of elites and leader- the decay products of the Higgs par- the school, its faculty, and its stu- ship, sociology of culture, political ticle," Padley says. "Most exciting dents;increasing industry-sponsored sociology, sociology of religion, and of all, we may be able to shed light research within the school; and social theory. on the mysterious dark matter that promoting and fostering technol- pervades the universe." ogy transfer.

46 Rice Sallyport WHO •S WHO1

Janice Bordeaux Andrew Barron B. Paul Padley Oimiao Si Kurt Stallmann Walter Chapman Gary Marfin

Fund Created to Honor Former Rice fermion metals, high-temperature and his work has been performed director. Chapman, who joined the Engineering Professor superconductors, and mesoscopic throughout the United States and Rice faculty in 1990 from Shell The Paul R. Paslay Endowed and disordered electronic systems. Europe. Development Company,was named Excellence Fund has been cre- He is particularly well known for Most recently, he premiered the first holder of the William ated for tenured and tenure-track his theory of quantum criticality, SONA: Sounds of Houston: Wind, W. Akers Chair of Chemical and faculty in mechanical engineering which concerns the physics of Rain, and Trains, a multimedia work Biomolecular Engineering. and materials science to seek matter undergoing transitions from that combines music for string EESI organizes interdisciplinary funds for innovative projects that one quantum state to another. The quartet with live computer process- research,education, and community enhance existing programs in the theory has received extensive sup- ing, video of East Coast trains with outreach activities. More than 100 department or jump-start new ones port from experiments in heavy the sounds of Gulf Coast trains, Rice faculty members are affiliated and to enhance student learning. fermion metals. computer generated sounds using with the institute, which is commit- Proposals that build community Si has published more than 70 falling rain as rhythmic models, and ted toadvancing the understanding are of high interest. scientific articles and given more natural wind, including a special ap- of energy and environmental issues The fund was established by Al than 140 invited talks. He also pearance by Hurricane Rita. and encouraging development of Hirshberg '82 and his wife, Suzy serves on the advisory editorial This full-scale performance was related technologies and informed '84, to honor the professor who board of the Journal of Physics: held in December at Diverse Works policymaking in the public and pri- strongly influenced the course of Condensed Matter. He currently ArtSpace with his collaborators, the vate sectors. Hirshberg's life. Paslay, a former is organizing the 2007 International Enso String Quartet and filmmaker Chapman was director of Rice's Center adjunct professor at Rice, also Conference on Strongly Correlated Alfred Guzzetti. The work was made for Chemical Processing was a consultant whose clients Electron Systems, the 16th of a possible through the support of Technology prior to becoming direc- included ExxonMobil.The professor flagship annual conference series DiverseWorks and an individual artist tor of EESI. His research focuses on the properties encouraged Hirshberg topursue an in this area. grant from the Cultural Arts Council and interfacial struc- turesof complex internship at the company, where of Houston and Harris County. fluids,such as those he still works today. His compositions have been used in plastics, paints, coatings,and Stallmann Receives Fromm performed by the New Millennium films. He also studies the properties Commission Ensemble, Speculum Musicae, of systems like natural gas hydrates and asphaltenes, which are of broad Si Bestowed High Honor in Shepherd School of Music composer Mendelssohn String Quartet, and Physics interestto the oil and gas industry. He Kurt Stallmann has been named the Cleveland New Music Associates and is widely recognized in the chemical Qimiao Si has been elected one of 14 national recipients of a have appeared as part of the a fellow engineering and chemical physics of the American $10,000 Fromm commission, one Boston Conservatory Performance Physical Society communities for his contributions (APS).The honor of the most highly sought honors in Series, NuClassix concert series, the is one of the highest in the areas of molecular modeling academic achievements contemporary composition. Composer in Red Sneaker Series,and in physics, and simulation, and he is equally well- The Fromm Music at various festivals in Europe. because no more than one-half of Foundation at known in the industrial community 1 percent Harvard University His current commission, a new of APS members can be announced the for developing the statistical associ- elected fellowship. annual commissions work for electronics and the New to In electing Si, last fall. The ated fluid theory, a widely adopted World Trio, a chamber ensemble in APS cited his "sustained contribu- commissions represent one of the set of equationsthat allow chemists, Hartford, Connecticut, premiered tions to the theory of heavy fermion principal ways the foundation seeks chemical engineers, physicists, and in April. and disordered metals, especially to strengthen composition and to others to make precise predictions their quantum criticality." bring contemporary concert music about the behavior of liquid solutions Si, professor of physics and as- closer to the public. of solvents and polymers. Chapman, Marfin to Lead Institute tronomy, specializes in theoretical Stallmann, the Lynette S. Autrey Marfin, who joined Rice in August condensed matter physics. His ma- Assistant Professor of Composition Rice University has named Walter 2004 as program director of the Shell jor contributions have been in the and Theory and director of Rice Chapman director of the Energy Center for Sustainability, also is an area of strongly correlated electron Electronic Music Labs, specializes and Environmental Systems Institute instructor at the Jesse H. Jones systems,including magnetic heavy in electro—acoustic compositions, (EESI) and Gary Marfin executive Graduate School of Management.

Summer '06 47 [ WHO'S WHO

Naomi Halas Jennifer West B. J. Almond

Prior to joining Rice, Marfin worked is a recognized leader in the local complex transnational matters,such award comes from an endowed in the oil and gas industry for more bioscience community. as mergers,acquisitions, international fund set up by the estate of Beth than 20 years. The two are collaborating on finance, and real estate. Shapiro. It is designed to recognize a Marfin was a founding member other biomedical applications for She served for several months member of the Fondren Library staff and treasurerof the Business Council nanoshells, including a drug deliv- in 2004 as a volunteer in the in- who has developed an innovative for Sustainable Developmentforthe ery system and a handheld device vestment and strategy group of a program to provide library services or Gulf Coast, a broad-based partner- that paramedics may one day use microfinance institution in Quito, who has shown exemplary service ship that included business leaders to perform rapid whole-blood im- Ecuador, helping low-income entre- to the university community. from the United States and Mexico. munoassays in the ambulance or preneurs obtain microfinancing for He is a former board member of on the battlefield. their businesses. Before attending the Houston chapter of the Asia law school, Byrd also worked at Alum Reiland Appointed Head of Society, an active member of the Goldman Sachs and Company on Jones School Alumni Affairs New Director Named to Lead Greater Houston Partnership, and regulatory compliance issues. Pamela L. Reiland '82 returns to the News Office active in the Houston a board member of the Houston Byrd is very Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of community, including at such or- World Affairs Council, which he B. J. Almond has been named the Management as director of alumni ganizations as the Houston Bar chaired in 2001-02. new director of Rice's Office of affairs. Former president of the Association, the Bonita House of News and Media Relations at Rice Jones School Alumni Association, Hope,and the African American Art University, and he tapped science Reiland was on the school's Alumni Hales, West Honored By YWCA Advisory Association at the Museum editor Jade Boyd to succeed him Board from 1982-86. She also has of Fine Arts, Houston. The YWCA of Houston has named as associate director. significant alumni and development Naomi Hales and Jennifer West Almond came to Rice as associate experience through her work on as 2005 Outstanding Women director of the office in 2000 after 18 educational boards and alumni Information Technology's Chee years in progressively more respon- of Achievement in Science and Takes Home Employee Award activities for River Oaks Baptist Technology. sible positions in media relations, School, Rice University, and Duke Halas, the Stanley C. Moore news writing, and publications for Arnold Chee, a support special- University, where she received her Professor in Electrical and Computer Baylor College of Medicine. Boyd ist in the Division of Information bachelor's degree in Spanish and Engineering and professorof chemis- joined Rice in 2002, coming from Technology (IT), recently received was recognized for outstanding try, and West,the Isabel C. Cameron InternetWeekin Manhasset, N.Y. His Rice's Distinguished Employee volunteer service. Professor of Bioengineering and pro- experience includes reporting and Award. As director of alumni affairs, fessor in chemical and biomolecular editing for the Bryan-College Station In eight-and-a-half years at Rice, Reiland will be responsible for de- engineering, were jointly honored Eagle and United Press International Chee has held several positions with signing and implementing alumni by the YWCA for their contributions and public relations work,as well as IT. Most recently, he has been helping programs and activities that ef- to research and development in the two years as a research assistant resolve the problems of computer fectively develop, promote, and field of nanotechnology. at Texas A&M University. users across campus. Though his nurture relationships between the Halas, a world-renowned leader time is not devoted to any one Jones School and its alumni. in the field of nanophotonics, is the department, Chee works closely Reiland has more than 22 years Counsel's inventor of metal nanoshells—en- Byrd Joins Rice General with departments that experience of corporate finance experience, Office gineered nanoparticles that have recurring problems. primarily in the oil service industry. unique optical properties of wide Veta Byrd has joined the Rice Most recently, she was vice presi- interest in optics, biomedicine, University Office of the General dent of finance at Willbros USA Inc. Focke Earns Library Award materials science, and other disci- Counsel as assistant general coun- Prior to joining Willbros, she held plines. (See "Researchers Create sel. She comes to Rice from Vinson Amanda York Focke, assistant senior executive positions in finance, New Nanoparticle" on page 11.1 and Elkins, where her legal practice head of special collections, is the accounting, and administration at West, director of Rice's Institute was primarily in corporate and trans- winner of the Shapiro Library-Staff TransCoastal Marine Services and the of Biosciences and Bioengineering, actional law, representing clients in Innovation Award. This monetary Galveston—Houston Company.

48 Rice Sallyport WHO'S WHO

Veta Byrd Arnold Chee Amanda York Focke Pamela Reiland Laura Hubbard Cecilia Alatriz Tobar

Laura Hubbard Named Director she will be a strong contributor to eral of the strategic planning focus science Aramis Martinez, physics; of Marketing Communications for the strength of the Rice MBA in sessions with different stakeholder Kadim Tasdemir, electrical and Jones Graduate School her new role." groups."Working with Dean William computer engineering; and Ahmad Laura Hubbard has been named Hubbard holds a BA in com- Glick, alumni, and the Jones School Khoshnevis,electrical and computer the new director of marketing com- munications from the University community and its supporters will engineering. munications for the Jones School. of Houston. be a wonderful experience," Tobar GSA Service Award: Cristina Hubbard was selected for the posi- said. "Dean Glick's global approach Hoffman, chemistry; and Angela tion following an extensive search. to adding top student talent and Noel Hvitved, biochemistry and Cecilia Alatriz Tobar Appointed For the past two years, she has exceptional faculty while engaging cell biology. Director of Development for Jones served as director of operations the Houston business community Graduate School and marketing for the Jones School echoes President David Leebron's Women's Executive Education and MBA for Cecilia Alatriz Tobar has been perspective on the growth of the Resource Center Hands overall and Out Awards Executives programs. She has been named the new director of develop- university reaching out to Houston—I'm very excited to be instrumental in the development ment for the Jones School. Prior to The Women's Resource Center has a part of the opportunity!" of new marketing strategies for joining the Jones School, Tobar had announced the recipients of the Tobar is a certified fund raising Executive Education and the MBA been the Rice director of develop- 2006 IMPACT Awards. The awards executive and holds a degree in com- for Executives that have enhanced ment for the East Coast, a position recognize individuals on campus who munications from the the visibility and attendance of both she began in 2000. Her experience Universidad demonstrate service to the campus Technologica (formerly I programs. with Rice as a major gift officer will NACAP)in and community,demonstrate involve- Santiago, Chile. In addition to her Jones School be invaluable for the Jones School. ment and participation in student life experience, Hubbard has more than Tobar has strong relationships with and activities at Rice and beyond, 20 years of senior management Jones School supporters and has work to make a positive impact Faculty, Staff Earn Kudos from GSA experience in marketing and com- raised major funds in the past for by raising awareness of women's munications in major health care various Jones School programs as The Graduate Student Association has issues affecting the community, institutions and advertising agencies. well as many other programs for announced the winners of the 2006 and serve as a role model in the She also owned her own marketing Rice University. She has been very GSA Awards.The awards encourage empowerment of women. and public relations firm. Hubbard successful in matching university and recognize outstanding service to The faculty and staff winners are brings extensive marketing experi- priorities and funding opportunities graduate student life and education Janet Braam, biochemistry and ence as well as a strong sense of with donors' philanthropic invest- at Rice. The winners include: cell biology; Russell Barnes, equal client service to the Jones School ment wishes. Tobar will be focused Faculty Teaching/Mentoring employment/affirmative action; and that will assist in propelling the on Jones School funding priorities Award: Jordan Konisky, vice Glynda Cumby, Hanszen College school's image, brand,and message. for recruiting top talent through provost for research and graduate coordinator. The graduate student She is looking forward to meeting scholarships, endowed professor- studies and professor of biochem- winner is Amber Raley, psychol- with department directors,students, ships, and new programs. istry and cell biology; and Brett ogy. The undergraduate student alumni, faculty, and staff to gather Prior to joining Rice, Tobar had Ashley Leeds,associate professor winners are Amanda Cruess, their opinions and perspectives on more than 12 years of successful of political science. Baker College; Russell Schafer, promoting the Rice MBA. Hubbard experience in development, market- Faculty/Staff Service Award: Baker College; and Althea Tupper, expressed great enthusiasm about ing, and public relations, including Douglas Schuler, associate pro- Hanszen College.• assuming this position "in an envi- two years with the University of fessor of management; and Maria ronment that I enjoy and with people St. Thomas and nine years with Maldonado,custodial services,facili- — Reported by Michele Arnold, Jade Boyd, Dawn Dorsey, Jennifer Evans, I know and respect." Houston Public Television in various ties, engineering, and planning. Lindsey Fielder, Debra Thomas, and Arie Wilson Jones School dean William Glick development roles. Robert Lowry Patten Award: stated "Laura has been an integral Tobar got a fast start in under- Sushant Madhukul Dutta, me- part of our marketing team for the standing the aspirations of the Rice chanical engineering and materials past two years, and we know that MBA community by attending sev-

Summer '06 49 SCOREBOARD

to four Decades at Rice as Student, Coach, and Administrator

By Dana Benson • Photography by Tommy LaVergne

When Ricefacultyand staff who have worked atthe universityfor 25 years retire, they are given a tree on cam- pus in their name. That way, they'll be a part of campus forever. Bobby May will certainly have a tree in his name. But the Rice campus will bear other lasting memorials to May, who retired this summer after 39 years in the athletics department, 18 of them as athletics director. His influence can be seen in Rice's ath- letic teams, which make up a pro- gram that, over the last 12 years, has seen its greatest success and shows promise of a bright future. SCOREBOARD

"He hired some of the best coaches in the country, and they've done an outstanding job both athletically and, just as important to the Board of Trustees, academically." —J.D. Bucky Allshouse

In addition to nearly four decades work- Conference championships. ence USA in 2005. It's a good fit for Rice, upheld the values of Rice University," Le- ing at Rice, May is a Rice graduate. The "That was a watershed year for us," May notes. "The future is bright for ebron commented."He leaves at a high Dallas-area native attended Rice from he recalls. "All of a sudden, we were Rice in Conference USA," he says. "It's point in Rice athletics: spectacular sea- 1961 to 1965,graduating cum laude with able to show that we could win." a well-led conference, the universities sons in many of our sports and the hir- a bachelor's of commerce degree. May Since then, Rice has done a lot of involved are committed to the confer- ing of a new football coach." was a part of Rice's highly competitive winning-35 conference champion- ence, and they are funded at much the With the addition of football coach track and field team during that time, ships from 1994 to 2006. In 2003, the same level so there's no 'giant' that is Todd Graham and many off-season im- winning the NCAA high-hurdle title in Owls won the national championship in going to dominate. And I think there will provements to that program, including 1965 and four Southwest Conference baseball, one of the highlights of May's be some great natural rivalries." upgrades to the stadium, May leaves hurdles titles. career. He counts as another highlight Rice's baseball program is a clear with a lot of optimism about the future "Back then, just as it is today, the the outstanding academic achievement winner in the move to C-USA. The con- of Rice football. Football, May says, is chance to go to Rice was very compel- of Rice's student—athletes, whose per- ference's baseball teams are strong, critically important to the overall athlet- ling," May says. "I had a full scholarship, formance in 2002 merited the USA To- with very capable coaches and out- ics program."If football is down, people so it was a really great opportunity. My day/NCAA Academic Achievement standing facilities. And Rice has a nat- tend to not look beyond that, even if the experience as a student—athlete was a Award for maintaining the top gradu- ural cross-town rival in the University other sports are doing well, which is not wonderful one, but I never expected to ation rate in the nation. of Houston. right, but it's the way it is." return to Rice and spend my entire ca- May has guided Rice athletics through May describes the accomplishments Along with footbal I, men's basketball reer here." difficult times as well. The program suf- of Rice's baseball team as "incredible," is the other program most in need, May After graduating, May worked for fered a devastating blow, May says, and he lauds coach Wayne Graham. "I says. It, too, is moving in the right direc- two years in management programs when the Southwest Conference dis- don't think you can appreciate what tion, with a study under way to evaluate for John Deere and Ford Motor Com- banded in 1996. Rice joined the West- he's done without having been at Rice the feasibility of renovating Autry Court pany. He hadn't thought about pursuing ern Athletic Conference, spending nine to see the challenges that he faced to or perhaps building a new facility, where coaching as a career, but when he was years there and winning 26 champion- build the program to where it is today, women's basketball and volleyball also approached about returning to Rice as ships. But there were drawbacks to the which is one of the very best in the na- would compete. the assistant track coach and business WAC,including increased travel to com- tion. It's not just that there's a good year When he was a student,there was no manager, he jumped at the chance. "It pete against schools on the West Coast every now and then; every year the pro- women's athletics at Rice, May points offered the business side and also en- and in Hawaii and difficulty developing gram excels." out. The creation of women's sports abled me to get back to what I had spent new rivalries. While May puts the accolades on Gra- in the 1970s and its evolution to the my whole life doing—participating in "People in Texas, including myself, ham, others are just as quick to credit strong program it is today is one of the athletics, which obviously was one of grew up with the SWC. All of a sud- May forthe success of baseball and oth- biggest changes May has witnessed my first loves." den to not be in that league and play- er Rice sports. At a press conference to in Rice athletics. Women's teams have May served as assistant track coach ing those teams was a big adjustment announce May's retirement, Rice Board won 16 conference championships, in- for eightyears and then spentfour years for everybody," May explains. "The col- of Trustees member J.D. Bucky Alls- cluding three in 2005 when the basket- as head coach. Along the way, he says, lapse of the Southwest Conference had house, a former Rice student—athlete, ball team won the WAC championship, he was involved in almost every aspect a big affect on recruiting and every as- commented on May's "style and grace the soccer team claimed the C-USA title of athletics operations, from running pect of our athletics. People aren't going and integrity." and earned a bid to the NCAA tourna- the concessions to overseeing football to want to participate in your program "He hired some of the best coaches ment,and the cross county squad earned games at Rice Stadium, which included if they just don't relate and have the fa- in the country," Allshouse added, "and the C-USA title, making its first appear- Friday night high school games, Satur- miliarity with the other schools in the they've done an outstanding job both ance at the NCAA tournament in more day Rice games,and even Oilers games conference." athletically and,just as importantto the than a decade. during May's first year here. Just as Rice began to establish WAC Board of Trustees, academically." The changes he has witnessed have He was named athletics director in rivalries, that conference blew up as Rice president David Leebron ex- made Rice a better place, May says."It's 1988,taking over a program that hadn't well. May describes the last decade as pressed his appreciation and gratitude more visible locally, nationally, and in- won a championship since 1971. But "a tumultuous time after having been in toward May on news of his retirement, ternationally. Rice is a better place to- May led Ricethrough a remarkableturn- the Southwest Conference for 80-some noting May's leadership skills. day because of all the hard work people around starting in 1994, when the foot- odd years." "One of Bobby's many accomplish- have put in." ball team and the women's cross-country So May led the program through yet ments is extraordinary judgment in the team won their respective Southwest another change as Rice joined Confer- hiring of our coaches,coaches who have

Summer '06 51 SCOREBOARD

Even though Rice baseball did not win this year's College World Series, the 2005-06 team had a great season overall. In their first year in Conference USA, the Owls won the conference championship. That's Rice's 11th consecutive conference title, spanning three conferences. The team's final record of 57-13 is the third- highest win total and second-highest winning percentage in Rice history. The Owls were ranked No. 1 in the nation in at least one poll for 11 weeks (not consecutive) and were the consensus No. 1 in all four national polls for five straight weeks. Rice entered the NCAA playoffs with the best record in the country (53-10) and seeded No. 2 in the 64-team field—an enviable position. Chris Del Conte, after serving as senior has raised more than $120 million. But in the first game of the Houston Regional at associate athletics director at the University In 2003, Del Conte was named one of three Reckling Park,the Owls almost stumbled against of Arizona in Tucson,has been appointed Rice senior associate athletics directors, and his du- ties were expanded to include overseeing media Prairie View A&M,the best base-stealing team University's new director of athletics. in the nation. After surviving that near-upset with relations, business operations, and external af- a come-from-behind 6-5 victory, the Owls then "Chris Del Conte is recognized as one of fairs and co-managing the day-to-day operation had to defeat a tough and confident Baylor team the most capable administrators and lead- of the university's 19 sports programs. He be- two times. In the Super Regional, Rice needed ers in college sports," says Rice president came responsible for the supervision of all areas all three games to win the best-of-three series David Leebron. "His dedication to the of external operations, which now generate against Oklahoma, the best fielding team in overall development of the student—ath- $28 million in annual revenue, and he worked the nation. lete and his understanding of the value directly with all coaches, department heads, After recording one of the best seasons in ofintercollegiate athletics in an academic and staff and participated in the hiring of school history, the Owls suddenly went flat in setting are ideal for building upon the no- coaches and other personnel. He also oversaw Omaha,scoring just nine runs in four games.That table success Bobby May achieved during all contracts, including corporate sponsorships, was good enough to win the first two games: his 17 years as athletics director." broadcast rights, sporting events, and website a 6-4 victory over Georgia and a 3-2 nail-biter Del Conte succeeds May, who an- agreements. over Miami, thanks to phenomenal pitching by nounced his retirement in April. May led Bobby Tudor '82, a Rice alum and trustee sophomore Cole St. Clair and senior Bryce Cox. Rice to its status as one of the most re- who chaired the search committee for the new But then the season ended in stunning fashion spected intercollegiate sports programs in athletics director, noted the committee focused with two consecutive shutout losses-5-0 and the nation after becoming athletics direc- on finding someone who could build on the 2-0—to Oregon State. The Beavers' pitching tor in 1989. broad level of academic and athletic excellence was simply masterful, and the Rice hitters "Rice's paramount academic reputation that Rice has achieved and also reach beyond couldn't muster any kind of threat. And while made this job very appealing," says Del Rice to the broader Houston community."We the Rice pitching staff acquitted itself quite Conte, who will be the university's 14th were very impressed with Chris's high level of well, the Owls' normally reliable infield made athletics director. "President Leebron's vi- energy, enthusiasm, and drive and also with his several costly errors. With its elimination, Rice sion for the university and the reputation commitment to the notion of the student—ath- finished the College World Series tied for third of Rice academically and athletically were lete as we see it at Rice," Tudor says. place with Cal State Fullerton. in line with my value system." Del Conte has a master's degree in educa- One of the most interesting Rice players is When Del Conte joined the University tion administration from Washington State senior pitcher Eddie Degerman,whotransferred of Arizona's Department of Intercol- University, where he served as assistant athletics to Rice after his freshman year at the University legiate Athletics in December 1999, he director for external operations before going of California at Irvine in order to get more play- oversaw all aspects of athletic fund de- to Arizona. He has a bachelor of arts degree in ing time. Degerman has turned into a terrific velopment, including raising revenue to sociology from the University of California at pitcher: all-conference, all-America, Academic support the completion of a $13 million Santa Barbara. All-America,and outstanding player of the NCAA athletics pavilion and more than $6.5 mil- Del Conte is married to Robin Ward, an as- Regional at Reckling, where he recorded 14 lion for student—athlete scholarships. In sistant professor at the University of Arizona's strikeouts in a crucial win against Baylor. He 2002, his responsibilities were expanded College of Education. They have two daugh- also was a fourth-round pick in the major league to include overseeing the ticket office, ters, Sienna and Sophia.• draft by the St. Louis Cardinals.. marketing, corporate sales, and trade- marks and licensing. He implemented a —George W. Webb III capital campaign known as "Campaign Arizona for the Student—Athlete," which

52 Rice Sallyport ENGINEERING AND MUSIC Go HAND-IN-HAND

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"My Rice degree enabled me to enjoy a prosperous career and lifestyle Now I want to give back so that future scientists and engineers can understand the wonder of music and enjoy it the rest of their lives."

—Bob Smouse '56

As a young man, Bob Smouse '56 was torn between he established an endowed fund in the Shepherd School two career paths: to pursue singing or to be an engineer ofMusic to support nonmajor music education specifically like his dad. for science and engineering students. The first project to Bob chose the practical route and came to Rice because receive funding is a class exploring musical history and of its great engineering program and no-tuition policy. literature that uses a combination of online technologies, But music continued to play a big role in his life. While at CD—ROMs, videos, concert attendance, personal CDs, Rice, he took private voice lessons and sang in the chorus and seminars. The class, The History of Music Through at First Presbyterian Church, where he later became the Technology, was first offered in spring 2004 and now has baritone soloist. become so popular that there is a waiting list. After graduating from Rice, Bob continued to stimulate Bob created the fund with cash and a three-to-one match- both sides of his brain, working 33 years for ExxonMobil ing giftfrom ExxonMobil.He adds cash and matching gifts in the information technology and marketing research to the fund each year and has named Rice as a beneficiary offices and singing for 27 seasons in the Houston Grand of his IRAs. Bob says this is one of the most rewarding Opera chorus. things he has done."My Rice degree enabled me to enjoy Since music has brought so much joy to his life, Bob a prosperous career and lifestyle. Now I want to give back wanted to ensure that science and engineering students at so that future scientists and engineers can understand the Rice have the chance to appreciate how music is made. So wonder of music and enjoy it the rest of their lives."

For more information about this fund or about making charitable gifts to Rice through your estate, please contact the Office of Gift Planning for gift illustrations and calculations tailored for your situation.

Phone: 713-348-4624 • Email: [email protected] • Website: www.giving.rice.edu/giftplanning Rice University Nonprofit Organization Sallyport SON I A SHANK1 F U.S. Postage Publications Office—MS 95 FONDREN L I BRARY 140,1 PAID P.O. Box 1892 CAMPUS Permit #7549 11S-44 Houston, Texas 77251-1892 Houston, Texas

Photo by Tommy LaVergne

Academic All-American Eddie Degerman led the Owl baseball squad to the Conference USA regular season and tournament championships, NCAA Regional and Super Regional victories, and a College World Series (CWS) appearance, the fifth in 10 years for Rice With a final record of 57-13, the Owls finished the regular season as the consensus No.1 team in all the polls For more on the Owls trip to the CWS, see page 52.