Meet Emily Elia. Elia is a fifth year Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Political Science at Rice University. Elia is from Massachusetts and is a Rice Graduate Student Ambassador. Ambassadors are students who represent the university and help prospective students gain knowledge of student life as a graduate student at Rice.
Elia chose Rice as a graduate school because of the warm community Rice offered and her research and career goals of teaching on the collegiate level. Her research focuses on political corruption and electoral accountability.
When she is not conducting research, she serves in various leadership roles within the Rice community. They cofounded the Political Science Graduate Student Association (PS-GSA) and work with the Women in Legislature network.
Elia tells prospective students to dive deeper into their graduate school search process.
“Research interests are very important, but so is the location,” said Elia. “Don’t undervalue location and the city you are wanting to be in.”
Elia also advises prospective students to ensure the graduate program of their choice is a great fit for them.
“Take your time to know what programs offer,” said Elia. “Put in the effort for research and personal fit.”
Outside of academics, Elia enjoys horseback riding and visiting coffee shops in the Montrose area. Elia was on their undergraduate university’s equestrian team.
Graduate ambassadors can be contacted via email at gradambassadors@rice.edu. Emily Elia can be contacted directly by email at ete2@rice.edu.