In a recent episode of "Quad Talk," graduate students Nathaniel Uy and Alan Covarrubias shared insights into their academic journeys, research and the vibrant community at Rice University. The conversation, held in the central quad near Brochstein Pavilion, highlighted the diverse opportunities available to graduate students and the supportive environment that fosters both personal and academic growth.
Nathaniel Uy, a second-year Master of Global Affairs candidate from the Philippines, discussed his focus on diplomacy and government relations. Currently interning at the Baker Institute for Public Policy under Steven Lewis, the C.V. Starr Transnational China Fellow of the China Studies Program, Uy researches Chinese soft power and its impact on Southeast Asian states. He emphasized the value of being mentored by Baker Institute fellows and the importance of data-driven research in policy-making.
Alan Covarrubias, a third-year Ph.D. student in Applied Physics from Mexico, provided a glimpse into the world of light-matter interaction. Working in the Junichiro Kono Lab, Covarrubias utilizes unique experimental setups involving high magnetic fields and low temperatures to study materials like mercury telluride, a topological insulator. His research explores the fundamental physics of terahertz radiation, with potential applications in high-speed communications.
Both students are active in the Rice community, serving as Graduate Student Ambassadors. Uy founded a Filipino graduate student organization to share Filipino culture and history with the broader campus. "It’s open to everyone," Uy said, noting that the organization provides a space for cultural exchange and support.
Covarrubias has been involved with the Latin American Graduate Student Association (LAGSA), participating in events like Fiesta Latina and Noche de las Velitas. He spoke about the beauty of meeting people from all over the world at Rice and the "fertile soil" the university provides for cultural exchange.
Reflecting on their application experiences, Uy and Covarrubias offered advice to prospective students:
- Be Proactive: Covarrubias encouraged undergraduates to engage in research and seek out mentors who can provide detailed letters of recommendation.
- Utilize Resources: Both students highlighted the value of Rice’s free services, such as the fellowship coaching offered by the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS).
- Find Your Balance: Finding a personal study pace and balancing social life with academic rigor is key to success in graduate school.
As they look toward graduation—Uy in May 2024 and Covarrubias in 2028—both expressed gratitude for the opportunities Rice has afforded them. "Rice set up the standards... of a US university for me," Uy said, "I'm very thankful".