Robust research, renowned faculty, industry partnerships and a supportive community — a diverse group of incoming and returning Fulbright recipients cited these and other reasons for choosing to continue their studies at Rice University.
About 30 new and returning Fulbright students attended a lunch hosted by Jennifer Hunter, assistant dean of graduate and postdoctoral studies and convener of Fulbright@Rice, at the start of the academic year in the Grad Bubble.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program participants are distinguished by their academic excellence and leadership. The Fulbright program is a binational exchange in which graduate students work toward their degrees in the U.S. before returning to their home countries.
Dean Seiichi Matsuda welcomed the students, who also met Rick Mello, associate vice president for campus services and sustainability, and Beth Leaver, senior executive director for housing and dining and chief hospitality officer, who expressed their desire to provide varied and inclusive food options to help the international students feel more at home.
Adria Baker, a champion of the Fulbright program at Rice and the university’s retired associate vice provost for international education and executive director of the Office of International Students and Scholars, also greeted students.
A few of the students explained why they chose Rice and their experience at the university in their own words, lightly edited for brevity and clarity.
Eugenio Álvarez Pasquel
Mexico City, Mexico
First-year Ph.D. student in chemistry
I chose Rice because of its international research in chemistry and for its connection with medical institutions. My research is on the application of chemical compounds for medical and biomedical purposes. I like the sense of community Rice has and the encouragement to learn about other people’s cultures and backgrounds.
Natalia Castaño
Pereira, Colombia
First-year master’s student in energy economics
[Energy economics] is a relevant topic now. If you don’t have energy, you don’t have development, so I think that is important for our countries. I was really motivated by all the opportunities and benefits at Rice. Rice has really close relationships with industry, which isn’t normal. Students are encouraged to attend employment fairs. Since I arrived, it’s been a really close community.
Thembi Chaza
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
First-year Ph.D. student in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences
I heard about Rice from our local embassy. I looked it up online and was very impressed by the research and well-known faculty studying polluted waters and developing sustainable solutions for dealing with that. Everyone has been so kind.
Jigo Mismanos
Rizal, Philippines
Second-year master’s student in energy geoscience
When I read about the program, it seemed like a good fit for me. Rice is a beautiful campus with a very strong student support system. The Center for Career Development and the Doerr Institute for New Leaders help you grow academically, personally and professionally, offering a lot of easy-to-access support.
Ana María Rosas
Bogotá, Colombia
First-year Ph.D. student in philosophy
It was very interesting how Rice takes care of the students and their quality of life. They are not only concerned with your studies. I realized that Rice is a very welcoming community with a lot of resources. It’s an amazing place. It’s a beautiful campus. I feel so welcome with every lunch and ice cream social. All the emails I write, the offices answer me immediately.