Emily Aspey, senior in chemical and biomolecular engineering, has received the 2025 Robert H. Parks Award for Excellence in Engineering Leadership. The award is given to a senior who displays leadership in and outside the classroom and comes with a $5,000 prize.
Aspey’s leadership experience at Rice includes roles with Rice Society of Women Engineerings (SWE), Rice Eclipse, and senior design. With Rice SWE, she served as External Chair and the External Vice President, working to help SWE recover from reduced campus engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aspey lead a collaboration with the Rice Chapters of SHPE and NSBE to host an annual Diversity in Engineering Event, raising $4,000 to sponsor members to attend national conferences. Her tenure also saw development of a new relationship with Motorsports Culture Collective to create an ongoing collaboration with F1 Racing Teams. In addition, SWE hosted various resume reviews, mock interviews, and other professional development events throughout the year with 11 company sponsors, raising over $9,000 for the organization.
“[Aspey’s] dedication, vision, and commitment to the professional development and betterment of her peers make her a deserving recipient of the Parks Prize,” said Shelby Flavin-Rosales, Recruiting Coordinator and Alumni Liaison, Rice University Center for Career Development, in her recommendation letter. “Her impact on the Society of Women Engineers and the Rice engineering community at large has been proud, and she leaves behind a legacy of excellence and opportunity for future Owls.”
Aspey has been active in Rice Eclipse and led the chemicals team as a sophomore. Beyond leading the technical aspects and work of the group, Aspey’s goal was to cultivate a welcoming community in what was previously a high turnover team.
“Everyone who felt like they didn’t fit in the male-dominated, mechanically focused parts of the club found their way to me,” Aspey said. “Even meetings consisting of tedious (but necessary) work, such as sanding our phenolic fuel liners, had full attendance because our team was more than just the work we did. We were a community of friends and colleagues.
“I consider the success of my team members and their ability to lead this organization to new heights as my greatest accomplishment,” Aspey continued. “It outlasts mere one time technical achievements. Based on my experience in Rice Eclipse, I know I can develop strong, dynamic teams to tackle the engineering problems of the future. I aspire to lead propulsion development efforts, helping to bring about the new age of space launch capabilities.”
After graduation, Aspey will be pursuing a masters in aerospace engineering at Purdue University.
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Also honored is Nathan Morriss, senior in mechanical engineering, who received the 2025 RCEL Engineering Leadership Award. The award is given to a senior whose qualities of character, leadership and responsibility have been outstanding during their undergraduate years at Rice.
Morriss’s leadership experience at Rice spans a variety of endeavors, from technical to business. Morriss has been heavily involved in Rice Bikes, a student-run business on campus, working as a mechanic and later as Branding Manager and Shift Leader.
“Nathaniel has worked … for Rice Bikes since Fall 2022,” said Cristy Torres, Assistant Director of Student Run Businesses, in her letter of recommendation. “As a Shift Leader, Nathaniel acts as mentor to other mechanics by ensuring they are gaining the technical competency needed to excel in their role while also fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment. Nathaniel’s role as Branding Manager showcased his initiative, passion, and care by organizing events that elevated the shop’s presence on campus.
“Nathaniels is an exceptional student and a natural leader who uplifts those around him, drives innovation, and leads with integrity,” said Torres. “His achievements at Branding Manager and Shift Leader are a testament to his vision, dedication, and ability to turn ideas into impactful results.”
Morriss has also been active in the Rice Center for Engineering Leadership Student Leadership team, ultimately serving as Student Director as a senior. Morriss has also been active in Rice Cru, a campus ministry organization, serving on the leadership team for three years and as President as a senior. In these roles he continues to mentor students, lead small groups, and help establish and implement the vision.
“[My roles in RCEL and Cru] taught me flexibility in leadership and allowed me to lead several high-performing teams,” said Morriss. “I have also poured time into Rice Cycling and Triathlon (RUCT), where I served as a vice president and led the club’s triathlon revival. All of these experiences allowed unique opportunities and challenges to growth.”