The first week of the NEWT REU program was very informative and gave me the opportunity to learn about my colleagues. We began with a two-day orientation, led by Dr. Loyo and Dr. Owens, which provided us with an overview of the program and the available resources for us to read research articles. Their enthusiasm during the orientation made me feel that they truly want us to have a good experience and to succeed and in the program, which I appreciate.
The campus is beautiful and the trees really make you forget you are in the middle of the city. I purchased a scooter and the ride around campus is amazing; every morning I am excited to make my brief commute to the lab. As everyone mentioned, these city squirrels are very friendly and will scavenge any food left unattended.
The images I have posted, I feel, summarize our orientation and introduction to the campus.
- My official name tag
- Dr. Owens and Dr. Loyo showing us around campus
- 1996 Nobel Prize in Chemistry achieved by Rice University’s Dr. Richard Smalley and Dr. Robert Curl for their discovery of buckminsterfullerene (C60) #nanotech
- Rooftop view of Houston courtesy of Dr. Nichol, the Director of the Rice Office of STEM Engagement (R-STEM) and Education Director for the NSF Nano-Enabled Water Treatment (NEWT) Engineering Research Center
- The view between the Fondren Library and Lovett Hall, where the William Marsh Rice Statue is located.
- A view of a walkway by Herzstein Hall