As 2025 comes to a close, Rice University’s graduate students and postdoctoral scholars can reflect on a year marked by research excellence, meaningful connection and global engagement.
As we close out 2025, I want to thank you for everything you have contributed to Rice University this year; to your research groups and classrooms, to your labs and studios and to the broader Rice community. Your work advances discovery, strengthens our campus culture and extends Rice’s impact well beyond Houston.
I’m also grateful for the many ways you showed up for one another. Whether you were welcoming new Owls during orientation, mentoring junior colleagues, celebrating milestones with friends and labmates, presenting at symposiums and showcases, or taking a well-deserved break between deadlines, you helped make Rice a place where people can do ambitious work and also feel like they’re part of a community.
Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies is grateful for the opportunity to support you through the full arc of the year, from professional development workshops and campus events to thesis and degree milestones. We’re excited to continue building on this momentum in 2026, including new opportunities to connect across disciplines and maximize the use of available resources.
As you look ahead, I encourage you to take time to rest, reflect and recharge. Thank you again for your dedication, resilience and the excellence you bring to Rice every day.
Warm wishes,
Seiichi Matsuda
Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
P.S. Stay connected with upcoming opportunities and events at graduate.rice.edu and on Instagram and LinkedIn.