Student profile
What aspects of the Rice undergraduate experience inspired you to apply? (150 word limit)
Working in Stanford University’s Lipsick and Snyder labs since 11th grade, I’ve grown to love molecular research, especially understanding how the products of my research can apply to people and our health. Because of this, one of the most exciting parts of RICE is the student-to-faculty ratio which will enable me to utilize my professors’ knowledge to find valuable research opportunities. I greatly value RICE’s focus on research to solve ‘real-world challenges’, and hope to work in Kathleen Beckingham’s lab to further my work with Drosophila genetics.
I’m also excited about RICE’s interdisciplinary focus and discussion-based classes. I’ve read and re-read RICE student Katharyn Hernandez’s story of combining chemistry with art conservation. I’ve spent hours exploring RICE university Reddits and watching videos of alumni’s experience. I’m inspired by how many RICE students combine various fields to create a unique education. By utilizing coursework, study abroad programs, and organizations like Enquiry Magazine and 180 consulting, I hope to do the same by combining my love for biology and business.
There is a breadth of intellectual opportunities here at Rice. Further explain your intended major and other areas of academic focus you may explore. (150 word limit)
Hepatitis B, a liver-affecting disease, claims around 900,000 lives annually — despite the commercialization of a vaccine 39 years ago. Part of the reason HepB is so deadly is because of the large accompanying stigma that deters many from getting tested/vaccinated.
From traveling to Beijing for outreach to co-founding a HepB-based outreach organization, I have spent hours raising awareness about HepB. Over the years, I’ve worked with kids who want to learn about the disease their parents carry. I’ve had elderly tell me my outreach can prevent others from losing children to HepB as they have. I’ve also witnessed dozens of people refuse to listen to our outreach because they don’t want to be associated with HepB.
I’ve realized that although it’s important to conduct research for diseases like HepB, if I want to make an impact, it’s just as important to translate that research to the public. To me, utilizing business is the perfect way to do that. Because of this, at RICE, I plan to major in Biochemistry/Cell Biology with a minor in Business.
Rice is lauded for creating a collaborative atmosphere that enhances the quality of life for all members of our campus community. The Residential College System is heavily influenced by the unique life experiences and cultural traditions each student brings. What personal perspectives would you contribute to life at Rice? (500 word limit)
I am a passionate calender-er. If you open the Calendar app on my laptop or phone, you can see hundreds of meticulously slotted events and reminders, color-coded to match the subject and priority-level. However, there’s something unique about my calendar — I have just as many events and reminders for other people as I do for myself. Scattered in lavender throughout the calendar are events like ‘Jackie’s biology final’, ‘Samer’s guitar concert’, ‘mom’s big meeting’, and ‘Clara coming home.’
My friends often make fun of me, claiming I just don’t understand how a calendar works, but to me, this system is a way to remember what’s going on in the lives of the people I care about most.
My calendar stems from a theory I’ve developed over the past four years of high school. I believe that most people, if not everyone, like to talk about themselves. It’s a natural way to express ourselves, connect with others about shared experiences, and process what goes on in our life. The problem is that because we all love to talk, we often forget to listen.
Throughout high school, I’ve always been involved in a wide variety of activities, including DECA, El Estoque, soccer, and Chinese Honor Society. Through these different activities, I am able to expand my social circles considerably, and I enjoy having various groups of friends to learn from and laugh with.
What I’ve also realized, however, is that although I love all my friends, there are a small fraction of people who go above and beyond to know what’s going on with my life, and I appreciate that more than anything. I appreciate the way [name] reminds me to take my iron tablets, [name] asks me about my tests, and [name] randomly Facetimes me form college to check up on me, to name just a few.
I’ve learned that it’s the simple things, the things we often forget, that can make a huge difference. So I make an active effort to do those little things for my friends, whether it's making calendar events about their lives so I can ask how it went, checking in when they’re sick, or simply randomly texting “how are you?”
I want to bring this perspective with me to RICE. I believe the extra effort I put into my relationships will enable me to take advantage of RICE’s residential colleges and create stronger, more meaningful connections with others. Especially since RICE prides itself on its diversity, this unique perspective will enable me to connect with and learn from people with diverse backgrounds and cultures. I realized how important the little things in life are because I am lucky enough to have friends who do those things for me. By carrying this forward, I hope to teach others to do the same and in the process, foster a more tight-knit, supportive community.