From the Dean > Luay Nakhleh

Enthusiasm, creativity, and innovation define the essence of our campus. With the inauguration of Rice President, Reginald DesRoches in fall 2022, a dynamic new leadership team has taken shape, designing a soon-to-be-released ambitious strategic plan. Concurrently, our school has reintroduced its mission around the ethos of “Solving for Greater Good,” aligning seamlessly with the university’s overarching strategic vision.

Addressing global challenges with innovative solutions while prioritizing responsible engineering practices is a hallmark of our school. In that spirit, we are excited to share the new design of Rice Engineering magazine. Our new look is not merely cosmetic. It signifies a profound commitment to excellence in research, education, and service. The refreshed magazine mirrors the enthusiasm, creativity and innovation that drive our collective efforts to create that which has never been for the betterment of our world. 

Throughout this publication, we reaffirm our dedication to pioneering research across five key areas: health and well-being, energy and sustainability, resilient and adaptive communities, advanced materials, and future computing. These research themes align seamlessly with the university’s focal points and interdisciplinary institutes, where our faculty members play prominent roles. Our commitment extends to fundamental, basic research, while fostering and celebrating translational research. The inauguration of the Ralph S. O’Connor Building for Engineering and Science in September 2023 marks the dawn of a new era in innovative research and has empowered us to attract top-tier faculty from around the globe.   

In education, the commendable efforts within our departments are further enhanced by the hands-on learning opportunities provided by the Oshman Engineering Design Kitchen, the Data to Knowledge Lab, the Rice Center for Engineering Leadership, and the ACTIVATE communications program. We prioritize establishing the necessary infrastructure to accommodate these programs, ensuring our students have access to cutting-edge facilities that foster innovation and leadership development.

Our school boasts outstanding research and education, complemented by a vibrant culture of interdisciplinary collaboration and a commitment to excellence and equity. We are actively enhancing our initiatives to significantly elevate the global reach and reputation of our school. 

Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the George R. Brown School of Engineering, celebrating the tremendous progress made over the last five decades, with even greater accomplishments on the horizon. Our focus will be on recruiting and retaining top talent, developing essential infrastructure, and initiating programs to bolster our researchers and educators. With the university’s new leadership and direction, coupled with our commitment to Solving for Greater Good, we are poised to meet our mission and make significant contributions to humanity.

Sincerely,

Luay Nakhleh
William and Stephanie Sick Dean
George R. Brown School of Engineering