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Dear Alumni and Friends of the School of Social Sciences,
Once again, we find ourselves wrapping up another academic year filled with many inspiring accomplishments. Although we have had to navigate some new complexities in higher education, our faculty, students, and staff continue to move the School’s mission forward by producing innovative research, delivering superior teaching, and taking the time to support one another.
It cannot be overstated that the research coming out of our School is truly groundbreaking, and we are committed to sharing it within our local community, nationally, and globally. Our research centers are an excellent example of this. We held two Research Relays this semester, one that featured three of our new centers and another that featured the
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Center for African and African American Studies (CAAAS). This series continues to showcase the important scholarship generated by academics from the School of Social Sciences and collaboratively with other disciplines. Speaking of CAAAS, I encourage you to read a Rice Magazine Q&A with director Sherwin Bryant where he discusses his ongoing work to expand the center. The Center for Coastal Futures and Adaptive Resilience (CFAR) also continues to make meaningful research and community impacts. Additionally, the new Center for Advancing Linguistic Science and the Texas Linguistics Consortium were recently launched, an endeavor that undoubtedly will produce rich conversations, new courses, and research.
In other exciting news, our students have numerous opportunities to take what they learn beyond the classroom, such as partnering with the United Way for a hands-on policy evaluation experience, visiting historic Civil Rights movement sites in Alabama, serving a finance and banking externship in New York City, participating in mock international negotiations in Paris, and deepening anthropological research in Thailand. It is safe to say that Social Sciences undergraduate and graduate students are having incredibly rich and formative experiences!
The final sprint to the end of the academic year can often be a blur. I invite you to take a moment to pause and view a touching video about our graduating Owls. You may also read about the human-centered social sciences research and news featured in this newsletter. These stories are a wonderful reminder of why we engage in work for the betterment of society and what we value most here at the School of Social Sciences – people.
With best wishes for a rejuvenating summer,
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Rachel Kimbro, Dean, School of Social Sciences
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Institute of Health Resilience and Innovation (IHRI) launches
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The new IHRI is led by Christopher Fagundes, psychological sciences, Tony Brown, sociology, and Kristi English, psychological sciences. IHRI aims to understand lifetime impacts of health stressors and develop targeted interventions to improve well-being across diverse populations.
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Center for Computational Insights on Inequality and Society (CIISR) launches
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The new CIISR is led by Fred Oswald, psychological sciences, and Elizabeth Roberto, sociology. Using insights of the social sciences and the power of computational methods, CIISR brings stakeholders together to identify, understand, and address complex issues related to inequality and society.
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Center for Advancing Linguistic Science (CALS) and Texas Linguistics Consortium (TLC) launch
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In April, guests attended a launch event for the new CALS, led by John Baugh, linguistics, and the induction of the first TLC cohort. “This is a historic moment. We’re building a statewide network of top scholars who will serve as a kind of linguistic brain trust for Texas.” - John Baugh
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Students visit Civil Rights sites as part of Journey Towards Justice class
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“This wasn’t just a five-day field trip. Students were enrolled in a full course. They spent weeks preparing — reading, analyzing, discussing — so by the time we got to Alabama, they were ready to engage emotionally, intellectually and historically.” - Elizabeth Hordge-Freeman, sociology and CAAAS
Photo: Zane Manning
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Ho moderates healthcare reform discussion with Cuban and Arnold
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Vivian Ho, economics, promoted healthcare reform with Mark Cuban and John Arnold on stage during the Texas Business Hall of Fame Creators 2025 event, helping to shine a light on strategies for remedying issues surrounding the country's rising healthcare costs.
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Remembering trailblazing economist Peter Mieszkowski
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“Peter was a brilliant and prolific scholar with incredible insights into issues in public economics and many other topics. He was an outstanding co-author and an even better friend and colleague — it was a privilege and a pleasure to work with him over these many years. We will all miss him dearly.” - George Zodrow, economics
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Awards, Accolades, and Accomplishments
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Dominic Boyer, anthropology, was awarded a 2025 Guggenheim Fellowship by the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation and a Bellagio Center Fellowship and Residence from the Rockefeller Foundation.
Tony Brown, sociology, received the 2025 Ally Award from the Center for Healing Racism.
Hülya Eraslan, economics, was appointed associate editor of Econometrica.
Amarilys Estrella, anthropology, received a Career Enhancement Fellowship from the Institute for Citizens & Scholars.
Elizabeth Hordge-Freeman, sociology, received the 2024 Best Documentary Award at the Florida Juneteenth Film Festival for "Journey Towards Justice."
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Cymene Howe, anthropology, was awarded a Bellagio Center Fellowship and Residence from the Rockefeller Foundation.
Mikki Hebl, psychological sciences, received the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) Inaugural LGBTQIA+ Trailblazer Award.
Danielle King, psychological sciences, received the SIOP William A. Owens Scholarly Achievement Award.
Ruth López Turley, sociology, was recognized as one of Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women by Houston Woman Magazine.
Rice University End of Year Awards and Honors
- Bob Stein, Political Science - Y. Ping Sun Award for Outstanding Community Engagement
- Todd Ferguson, Sociology - Sarah A. Burnett Teaching Prize in the Social Sciences
- Mark Maynard, Psychological Sciences - Sarah A. Burnett Teaching Prize in the Social Sciences
- Mary Prendergast, Anthropology - Social Sciences Dean’s Distinguished Research Award
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Randolph Stevenson, Political Science - Social Sciences Dean’s Distinguished Research Award
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Robert Englebretson, Linguistics - George R. Brown Award for Superior Teaching
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Anna Rhodes, Sociology - George R. Brown Award for Superior Teaching
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Carissa Zimmerman, Center for Teaching Excellence - George R. Brown Award for Superior Teaching
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Vivian Ho, Economics - Rice University Faculty Award for Excellence in Professional Service and Leadership
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Ashley Leeds, Political Science - Rice University Faculty Award for Excellence in University Service and Leadership
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Flávio Cunha, Economics - Rice University Faculty Award for Excellence in Research, Teaching and Service
- Erik Peterson, Political Science - Provost’s Award for Outstanding Early Career Achievement
- Libby Vann, Social Policy Analysis - Student Association Faculty/Staff Mentor Award
- Olga Litvinova, Psychological Sciences - Social Sciences RICE MILE Award
- Liz Powell, Economics - Staff Service Retirement Award, 29 years
- Ann Mikus, Political Science - Staff Service Award, 25 years
- Lisa Birenbaum, Dean’s Office - Staff Service Award, 20 years
- Angel Forward, Psychological Sciences - Staff Service Award, 15 years
- Corina Gonzalez, Dean’s Office - Staff Service Award, 10 years
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Alana Holmes, Building Research on Inequality and Diversity to Grow Equity - Staff Service Award, 10 years
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Jing Li, Sociology - Staff Service Award, 10 years
- Elaine Palinkas Sanches, Economics - Staff Service Award, 5 years
- Charlotte Wilkinson, Psychological Sciences - Staff Service Award, 5 years
Read more about faculty, staff, and students honored for excellence in teaching, mentoring, and service and faculty recognized with the George R. Brown Award for Superior Teaching.
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Beier heads Rice-led NASEM study on future of military education and training
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“The stakes for military learning are high. So much of what they do depends on how well they are trained. We hope these recommendations can make sure the military is prepared for whatever the future holds.” - Margaret Beier, psychological sciences
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Mothers who have incarcerated children face emotional and financial strains
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“This research sheds light on the invisible work and sacrifices that mothers make for their children, even well into adulthood. The costs — both financial and emotional — are profound and often go unnoticed in public and academic conversations about incarceration.” - Brielle Bryan, sociology
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Public trust in local news wanes in the midst of political attacks
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“Local news has always been a trusted lifeline for communities, but that trust is surprisingly fragile. We found it’s endured in part because these sources have not received as much criticism as the national media but that the public’s confidence in local news can be shaken when politicians go on the attack.” - Erik Peterson, political science
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Doctors more likely to use negative verbiage about Black and Hispanic patients
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“Understanding that providers’ language may indicate bias points to an opportunity to interrupt it. If we can perfect algorithms to detect such bias, we can raise awareness in the moment of the patient-provider conversation. That awareness may be enough to encourage more equitable health care.” - Eden King, psychological sciences
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Master of Global Affairs students gain experiential learning in Paris
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Second-year MGA students experienced the trip of a lifetime this past January, bringing what they have learned in the MGA program to the Rice Global Paris Center campus. “The MGA program is designed to prepare our students for the realities of international policymaking, and this inaugural masterclass in Paris exemplifies that mission.” - Rachel Kimbro, dean of the School of Social Sciences
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Sport management student races toward a promising entrepreneurial career
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Graduating senior Tyler Strothman built the performance running shoe brand Veloci. He recounts his experiences and lessons learned in a senior spotlight video. “Sport management was great because it gives you all these opportunities to get out there and actually get the work experience, go out and meet people. And that was something that I really valued.” - Tyler Strothman
Photo: Brandon Martin
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Political science student receives competitive Watson Fellowship
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Graduating senior and Watson Fellow Roselyn Ovalle will visit six countries, exploring how survivors of gender-based violence navigate healing across different systems. "Too often, survivors are labeled without being listened to. I want to amplify voices often left out of policy conversations, especially the advocates on the frontlines and the survivors whose stories go unheard.” - Roselyn Ovalle
Photo: Brandon Martin
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Economics student receives State Dept. award to study Arabic in Oman
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Economics student Charlotte Heeley will be spending the summer in Oman studying Arabic, an endeavor supported by a scholarship from the U.S. Dept. of State. With her eyes on a career in economic development, one path Heeley is considering, she said, "is working for the U.S. Foreign Service...I would request the Middle East as a location and would be interested in further developing my Arabic skills.”
Photo: Charlotte Heeley
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Sport analytics student earns national recognition in NFL competition
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Sport analytics student Lucca Ferraz was a finalist in the 2025 Big Data Bowl, the NFL’s premier sports analytics competition. Out of 400 submissions, Ferraz and his team were one of five finalists. Jonah Lubin, sport management/sport analytics, made it to the semifinals. “Just being able to be recognized for our work is really nice, and honestly, about all I can ask for.” - Lucca Ferraz
Photo: NFL
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MEECON students earn recognition at Port of the Future Conference
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Master of Energy Economics (MEECON) students Natalia Castaño Morales and Muhannad Ashy were recognized for their poster at the Port of the Future Conference. “Natalia and Ashy put together an ambitious, yet practical, framework and demonstrated to international stakeholders the impact of implementing shore power from an economic and social perspective." - Ted Loch-Temzelides, economics
Photo: Natalia Castaño Morales
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Hill '02, '04 is unearthing forgotten stories from slave houses
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Preservation architect Jobie Hill ’02, ’04 leads the Slave House Exploration and Evidence Tracing Field School and uses various techniques to help uncover stories of slave houses that have long been hidden. "I knew, this is what I’m going to spend my life doing. Seeing the structure in person is so much different than reading about it or seeing a picture or a drawing of it. And as I kept learning, I realized that these buildings were incredibly misunderstood." - Jobie Hill, anthropology alum
Photo: Zach Phillips
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Andy Karsner '89 tackles the challenge of building a sustainable energy future
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Andy Karsner has had a dynamic career in the energy sector, currently serving as a senior strategist at Alphabet's Moonshot Factory and an Exxon Mobil board member. Karsner's career reflects a commitment to building a sustainable energy future and addressing global climate challenges. "Our endeavor to bend what is possible and to realize something greater for our species, for our fellow men and women on this planet, is an important and relentless aspiration." - Andy Karsner, political science alum
Photo: Nico Ovid
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Pitman '58 celebrated for decades of generosity and dedication to Rice
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Rice hosted a ceremony in honor of Russ Pitman '58, economics alum, as he visited the new Academic Quadrangle. Pitman is one of the university’s most generous supporters, having established more than 75 endowed funds and given to multiple areas of the university, including the School of Social Sciences. “We came together today to celebrate Mr. Russ Pitman, who is just as much of an institution as the institution is.” - Portia Hopkins, university historian
Image/Video: Brandi Smith
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Levy '97 nabs all-time rodeo wine competition record
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“This honor is a testament to the dedication and passion of our entire team. Our mission has always been to create wines that bring people together while honoring sustainable practices. Winning this award in our hometown makes it even more special.” - Ryan Levy, political science alum
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Adrogué '99 becomes new Texas Business Court judge
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“My goal has been to ‘walk the talk,’ from my commitment to the highest standards of the legal profession through hard work to connecting with all people for the greater good of our community.” - Sofia Adrogué, legal studies alum
Photo: Jeff Fitlow
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A Women's History Month Q&A with Jan West '73
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Jan West ’73 has worked at Rice for 35 years and reflected on her life through the lens of Women's History Month. "Women can support each other by serving as mentors and by supporting each other’s ideas or at least making sure that their voices are heard in work settings." - Jan West, psychology alum
Photo: Jeff Fitlow
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