The 2026 issue of Rice Engineering and Computing Magazine is here!
This issue explores the ideas, people and partnerships shaping what comes next. Inspired by the momentum behind Vision 2030 — our school’s new strategic plan — this year’s stories highlight how our community is taking on big challenges in health and well-being, sustainability and resilience, and computing and AI. Inside, you’ll find a closer look at the research, collaborations and bold thinking driving Rice Engineering and Computing forward.
The Question
What is the engineering challenge you wish could
be solved in your lifetime and why?
Agustin Zakalik
Master in Computer Science ’26
“As I pursue my MCS in systems and security, I hope to see the development of truly robust, foolproof security frameworks for artificial intelligence. AI is rapidly integrating into every facet of our infrastructure, and the potential for systemic vulnerabilities is growing just as fast. Solving these security challenges in my lifetime is essential to ensuring that AI remains a safe and trusted tool for society.”
Katie Young
Bioengineering Postdoctoral Researcher
“I would love to be a part of engineering a solution to metastatic cancer care. Roughly one in three people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and a majority of cancer deaths are due to metastasis. I have lost loved ones to metastatic cancer and would love to see fewer people undergo the same experience in the future.”
Ryan Mattana
Mechanical Engineering ’27
“In my lifetime, I hope to see progress in extending lifespan. Not just treating disease, but addressing aging itself. Medicine has increased life expectancy, but the real frontier is preserving vitality, not just delaying decline.”
Federico Shih
Master in Electrical and Computer Engineering ’26
“I believe the defining engineering challenge of our era is the pursuit of universal energy sufficiency…This is an inherently multidisciplinary problem. It demands a synergy of materials science, electrical engineering, and logistics to move beyond singular solutions toward a robust, multifaceted energy ecosystem.”
Ana Gonzalez
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering ’18
“Plastic is a significant pollutant in our oceans, waterways, and landfills, and simply lacks good end-of-life management. I’d love to live in a world where we can enjoy the convenience of plastic in our everyday lives without worrying about its disposal or lasting environmental impact. That could mean effectively recycling it at scale or substituting it with bioplastic alternatives that achieve a comparable quality.”