Meet Joshua Samba. Samba is a third year Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Applied Physics at Rice University. Samba is from Maryland and is a Rice Graduate Ambassador. Ambassadors are students who represent the university and help prospective students gain knowledge of student life as a graduate student at Rice.
Samba chose Rice as a graduate school because of his desire to teach at the collegiate level. His research focuses on removing toxic chemicals from different water sources, such as drinking water or water used for crops and soil, in an affordable and environmentally-friendly way.
When he is not conducting research, he serves in various leadership roles within the Rice community. He is a part of the Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA) and Salseros on campus.
Samba advises prospective students to be sure of their goals for their future before committing to graduate school.
“Make sure you choose graduate school for a specific reason and not because you think it is something you’re supposed to do,” said Samba.
Samba also advises students to make sure they value their personal life while furthering their academics.
“You are a Ph.D. student for a finite amount of time, but you will always be a person so make sure you’re taking care of yourself,” said Samba.
Outside of academics, Samba enjoys studying in the Fondren Library, and his favorite fast food place is Raising Canes. Samba is also double jointed in both thumbs.
Graduate ambassadors can be contacted via email at gradambassadors@rice.edu. Joshua Samba can be contacted directly by email at js177@rice.edu.