Grad Ambassadors | Blog

Grad School Tips


By Bohan Zhang. Did you know that there are several other cozy book corners scattered throughout Rice where you can relax with a good book?

By Jae'la Solomon. The Friends of the Texas Historical Commission Preservations Scholars Program has molded my understanding of history, preservation, and the study of the Humanities.

By Chun-Ying Chao. My experience at the COLDEX Leadership Workshop at Brown University.

By Alan Covarrubias. This story kicks off with a blend of art and a spark of inspiration.

Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024

Exploring Houston One Cup At A Time

By Isha Chakraborty. My mission is to study in every great Houston cafe and below are a few of my current favorites!

Monday, Aug. 19, 2024

Make It Personal

By Daziyah Sullivan: Writing a personal statement that matches a non-conforming personality.

By Arthur Steve Tchoneteck. Here’s a glimpse into what life is like for Rice graduate students during the summer months.

By Dinora Rodriguez: This is my journey of how I chose my lab and what it was like having to set it up from scratch.

Friday, Aug. 16, 2024

Enjoying Houston Ballet

By Asahi Obata. One of my favorite things about living in Houston is having opportunities to enjoy ballet performances and take ballet lessons!

By Salpy Kanimian. Are there any more little details I should know about the healthcare plan?

By Natalie Kokroko. A Ghanaian’s Perspective on Life at Rice and in Houston

Friday, Aug. 16, 2024

The Many Cafes of Houston

By Rodolfo Cantu. A condensed guide to notable coffee places found in Houston, near Rice and far.

Friday, Aug. 16, 2024

The Art of Matcha

By Sofia Urbina. My favorite Matcha places in Houston

Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024

Animal Encounters in Houston

By Robyn Alba. Alligators, bats, capybaras and more: affordable activities for animal enthusiasts!

By Andrews Gyane. If you're journeying through the vibrant city of Houston, searching for a slice of Africa to spice up your culinary adventures, or finding a taste of home, you're in luck!

By Alan Covarrubias. In this blog, I will list the top 5 most important benefits I have seen using Notion for my personal and professional needs!

By Carly Graverson. What can I say? I love ice cream!

By Daniela Hikari Yano. Making friends in graduate school through club sports

By Facundo Arredondo. Here are some tips I have learned about moving around in Houston and Rice University.

By Arthur Steve Tchoneteck. Choosing a graduate school like Rice University offers numerous advantages due to its exceptional qualities, diverse programs, student body, city environment, and other opportunities.

By Arthur Steve Tchoneteck. Being a Graduate Student Ambassador at Rice University entails serving as a representative and advocate for the graduate student community.

Tuesday, Jun. 11, 2024

Play the Network Effect

By Juan Segundo Hevia. Networking: The Missing Task in the Arrival Checklist!

By Carly Graverson. Below are 7 pizzerias that Carly believes are on their way to making Houston a “pizza city.”

Saturday, Jun. 8, 2024

A Runner’s Guide to Houston

By Annie Finneran. Routes and tips for the heat and sprawl

By Emily Elia. Having a personal website is crucial for academics to showcase their CV, research, teaching, and projects, as it provides essential information for colleagues and increases awareness of their work and brand.

By Yuya Nakatani. The International Buddy Program (IBP) is a mentorship program designed to support incoming international students who are about to start their graduate life at Rice University.

By Michelle Duran Chaves. The Doerr Institute for New Leaders has shaped my journey through my Ph.D. program.

By Carly Graverson. Starting a business as a non-business Ph.D. student can be a daunting yet rewarding endeavor.

By Fernanda Morales-Calva. The goal of the CTE at Rice University is “[to foster] outstanding teaching through evidence-based practices, strong community building, and research in pedagogical sciences.”

By Manuel Carmona Pichardo. Technology is your friend. Take maximum advantage of it during your graduate studies!

By Bohan Zhang. I live in Rice Graduate Student Housing and here are the reasons why I love it!

Six international Fulbright students share how EPMP nurtures their career aspirations in a culturally rich environment.

By Bohan Zhang. Northwest cuisine encapsulates the rich flavors of the northwestern region of China, encompassing areas such as Xinjiang, Gansu, Shaanxi, Qinghai, and Ningxia, among others.

Beginning Fall Semester 2024, graduate support over 12 months will increase to a minimum of $34,000.

By Fariha Ahmad. Preparing to give a presentation at a conference can be intimidating the first time you do it. Here are some personal experiences from my first conference!

By Manuel Carmona Pichardo. The pedestrian guide to surviving and thriving in Houston without a car of your own.

By Carly Graverson. Carly interviews David Solti, a recent Rice graduate, about his job as a flight controller at NASA.

By Sathvik Ajay Iyengar. As an international Ph.D. student (Indian Citizen), I have navigated the challenging landscape of fellowship applications and successfully secured two prestigious fellowships!

By Sathvik Ajay Iyengar. In this blog, we will delve into the intricate world of PhD fellowships, exploring eligibility criteria, application processes, and shedding light on my journey as an international PhD student.

By: Dinora N. Rodriguez. To be our best selves, we must maintain our mental health, just as we maintain our physical health through exercise and regular checkups.

By: Carly Graverson. Incorporating mindfulness into your daily grad school routine can serve as a powerful antidote to feeling overwhelmed, offering clarity and resilience in the face of challenges.

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023

Houston’s Northern China Cuisine Map

By Bohan Zhang. Houston boasts numerous restaurants where you can savor the flavors of northern China! 

By: Manuel Carmona Pichardo. In this blog, I will discuss the importance of work-life balance in graduate school, including some common barriers and practical tips to help establish this balance.

By Bohan Zhang. This blog will introduce the characteristics of different regional cuisines in Southern China, and I'll recommend restaurants that I find authentic.

Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023

Where to find delicious food in HTX!

By: Esther Jimenez. In this blog, I'll explore fantastic food options around the Rice campus for those without transportation and share my favorite coffee shops and restaurants outside the outer loop worth the drive.

Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023

Exploring Historic Houses in Houston

By Bohan Zhang. With stories hidden behind the elegant facades, these historic houses were living testaments to Houston’s past, offering visitors a captivating journey through time.

By: Alejandra Osejo Varona. This is the story of Diego and Marcela, who belong to one of the families that live near the hippos on the grounds of the former Hacienda Nápoles, a large farm owned by drug trafficker Pablo Escobar.