The 2025 issue of Rice Engineering and Computing Magazine is here!
In our 50th anniversary issue, we celebrate the deep and growing connection between engineering and computing. From our early breakthroughs in high-performance computing to today’s advances in AI and data science, Rice has long been at the forefront of computing innovation. This edition highlights some of the people, ideas, and investments shaping what’s next.
Hands-on Learning: Summer Engineering Experience
Prepares Students for the Future
The Rice Engineering Alumni (REA) launched its Summer Engineering Experience (SEE) to provide students with their first professional engineering experience. Many students, particularly those in their freshmen or sophomore years, lack exposure to real-world engineering and may become discouraged. The program targets these students, as well as juniors without prior engineering experience, to ensure they can build their careers in the field.
To identify promising candidates, the REA SEE Program collaborates with the Rice Emerging Scholars Program (RESP), which supports high-potential, under-resourced students. The program has seen continued growth and expansion since its launch in 2020, with the placement of two interns in 2021, and an anticipated 15 interns being placed at nine companies in 2025.
Liam Waite, a senior pursuing a B.S. degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, shared, "The SEE experience was invaluable in bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world practice. It not only gave me hands-on engineering experience but also opened my eyes to the importance of networking and building relationships in the field." Reflecting on his internship with Affiliated Engineers Inc. in the summer of 2024, Waite said, "Connections are key. The job market is complex, and it's hard to keep up with the people already in it without help. I had an opportunity to meet with CEOs, project managers, doctors, and REA mentors.”
Megan Enriquez, a mechanical engineering student, was paired with Prana Surgical, a medtech startup developing a minimally invasive tissue excision tool for early intervention in conditions like lung cancer. Her summer experience helped her gain valuable hands-on engineering skills that boosted her confidence and played a pivotal role in securing an internship at Boston Scientific.
“The SEE program connected me with Dr. Tracy Volz, director of the Activate Engineering Communication Program, who helped me with interview preparation, introduced me to a mentor over the summer, and supported half of my salary,” said Enriquez. “I’m extremely grateful for all the support REA has given me and look forward to giving back when I graduate.”
