Q: How long have you worked at Rice?
A: Almost 6 years.
Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?
A: I love working in a truly collaborative environment where I interact daily with students, faculty and staff. Rice has the best people.
Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?
A: The food is phenomenal. Where else can you grab BBQ brisket, Tex-Mex and Cajun seafood all at the same place?
Q: What do you do in your downtime?
A: I really enjoy reading, watching nerdy TV shows (“Game of Thrones,” “Supernatural,” etc.) and spending time with my kids.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show someone?
A: The newly redesigned academic quad and the Sallyport provide a great spot to discuss the beauty of Rice and its interesting history.
Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?
A: There’s something magical about the start of the fall semester — so much postsummer energy and new faces on campus.
Q: What’s the one thing that makes Rice special to you?
A: I’ve made so many personal connections here at Rice — colleagues that will become lifelong friends.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: I’m doing something new every day. One day I’ll be leading a writing group for graduate students and another day I might be planning a holiday event with Fondren Library staff.
Q: What advice would you give to new employees?
A: Make connections. So many amazing programming initiatives and professional development opportunities open up by attending social events, grabbing coffee or even simply striking up conversation with someone new at the bus stop.
Q: Would you share a bit about your background and career journey?
A: I have a Ph.D. in English from the University of Kansas with a specialization in 14th/15th century literature. During my time as a graduate student, I worked at the KU writing center first as a graduate consultant, administrative intern and finally the workshop coordinator. I decided that I loved working in writing centers and decided to apply to work at the CAPC in 2019.
Q: What’s your favorite lunch spot or snack?
A: There’s a small family run business near my house simply called “Classic Donuts.” It has the best kolaches and breakfast tacos bar none.
Q: What’s your secret talent?
A: I’m double-jointed.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
A: Be brave. Don’t be afraid to be uniquely you.
Q: If you could be Sammy The Owl for a day, what would you do?
A: Take selfies with staff members at the Staff Council Ice Cream Social!
Q: Describe Rice in four words or less.
A: Inclusive, resilient and innovative.
Q: What else have we not talked about yet that merits discussion?
A: Let’s talk about how Jones is the best college. JIBA!