Students in the George R. Brown School of Engineering at Rice University have a variety of scholarships, awards and opportunities available to them. These awards recognize academic success, research, service and development. Engineering Scholarships are awarded through the Office of Student and Financial Aid and are not included in this list. Browse the opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and apply today!
2024-25 Student Award Recipients
Victoria Albanese
B.S. Bioengineering 2025
Louis & Peaches Owens Fellowship for Professional Masters
"This award will ease the financial stress of graduate school and allow me to fully concentrate on my coursework in the Global Medical Innovation program. I can focus on building the skills I need to be well-positioned to make tangible contributions in the medical device industry."
Emily Aspey
B.S. Chemical Engineering 2025
School of Engineering and Computing Outstanding Student Award
"I'm very honored to have been nominated by the chemical engineering department. This award will help to fund my pursuit of a master's degree in aerospace engineering."
Liana Awe
B.S. Civil Engineering 2026
Chevron Scholarship
" This award will enable me to focus more deeply on my academic pursuits and research."
Aaeisha Baharun
B.A. Statistics 2025
Rice Engineering Alumni (REA) Project Grant
"I plan to use this award to go to graduate school to study STEM Education."
Lavinia Barker
B.S. Mechanical Engineering 2026
School of Engineering and Computing Outstanding Student Award,
Buckley Sartwelle Scholarship
"This award will help me pursue my dream career in the aerospace industry, where I hope to be part of the generation of engineers getting humanity to Mars. The award will help me support students in Rice Eclipse get their first exposure to rocketry with our certificates program, as well as help fund a couple rocket launch watching trips!"
Soobin Cho
Ph.D. Environmental Engineering 2026
Hershel M. Rich Invention Award
“This recognition reinforces my confidence in my research path and career choice as a doctoral student. Moving forward, this award will serve as a continual reminder to strive toward inventing innovative technologies and advancing scientific knowledge within the engineering community.”
Matthew Cihlar
B.S. Operations Research 2026
School of Engineering and Computing Outstanding Student Award
“This award would certainly help in allowing me to continue pursuing a rigorous curriculum and capitalizing on the wide variety of resources that the School of Engineering has. It would also help in strengthening the bond between myself and my professors, and everybody in the department, as they have gone above and beyond in assuring that myself and every student achieves all of their academic and professional goals and then some.”
Prasi Desai
B.S. Chemical Engineering 2027
Rodd Selman Scholarship,
Rice Engineering Alumni Research Excellence Award
“As someone who plans to pursue graduate school and a career in research, having the ability to focus on hands-on learning experiences--rather than an unrelated work-study job means I can dedicate more time to my extracurricular involvement and research projects. These experiences are essential to my development as a future scientist, and the Rodd Selman Scholarship plays a meaningful role in making them possible. I'm deeply grateful for this support as I continue working toward my long-term goals.”
Katelanny Diaz
B.S. Computer Science 2026
School of Engineering and Computing Outstanding Student Award
“The Warner S. Strang '66 Memorial Award will help me to continue to explore my academic goals and career path. The award will let me be able to attend conferences to explore different career opportunities and continue to grow my network. It will also allow me to attend workshops to grow my skills academically and professionally.”
Sara Elliott
B.S. Materials Science and NanoEngineering 2025
School of Engineering and Computing Outstanding Student Award
“The funds will support my transition into a career in the aerospace industry. Relocating back to Southern California is expensive, and this award will help with those costs and allow me to focus on hitting the ground running in my new role. The recognition from my department also inspires me to keep pushing myself to grow as an engineer and make a meaningful impact in the field, focusing on novel materials and processes to advance the sustainability of space exploration.”
Megan Enriquez
B.S. Mechanical Engineering 2026
Rice Engineering Alumni (REA) Project Grant
“Thanks to the REA support, we were able to send 20 fully funded Rice University students to the Society of Women Engineers Conference. Attending this conference has significantly increased our educational and career goals by providing numerous networking opportunities with industry leaders, experts, and peers who share our passion for engineering.”
Yingying Fan
Ph.D. Electrical and Computer Engineering 2024
Ralph Budd Ph.D. Engineering Thesis Award
“Receiving this award is a great honor. I will begin my career as an assistant professor at Washington University in St. Louis this summer. This recognition highlights the significance of my research and strengthens my confidence as I continue to explore the field of neural interfaces, advancing toward the next phase of minimally invasive, scalable, and intelligent systems. It also supports my long-term goal of translating engineering innovations into impactful translational applications.”
Saba Feleke
B.A. Mechanical Engineering 2025
Phil Layton Award of Excellence in the Arts
“This will help me get a studio and support my interdisciplinary life style while job searching for engineering design work.”
Gwenyth FitzSimmons
B.S. Chemical Engineering 2026
Chevon Scholarship
“This scholarship will help me achieve my goal to work in the energy industry and develop solutions for the future of energy and our planet. I'm passionate about the environment and plan to start doing research in CO and CO2 conversion. This scholarship will support my education and allow me to research and learn more about low carbon solutions within the energy industry.”
Lucy Han
B.A. Computer Science 2026
Rice Engineering Alumni (REA) Leadership Excellence Award
“I'm BEYOND thankful to receive this scholarship and it means the world, motivates me to work even harder, and is proof that the efforts I put into my leadership roles are valuable and very worth it. This award will be used to further my professional endeavors beyond Rice while helping cover costs for opportunities I've lead throughout the past two years!”
Nikki Hart
Ph.D. Computer Science 2029
School of Engineering and Computing Graduate Fellowship
“This award will support me in my studies and research, through which I will find new ways robots can make decisions and interact with the world. I am excited to join the growing community of roboticists at Rice and to learn from renowned faculty in Computer Science. The opportunities I have here will help shape me into a leader in robotics for spaceflight applications.”
Kevin Hernandez
B.A. Computer Science 2025
Rice Engineering Alumni (REA) Research Excellence Award
“Receiving this award affirms my dedication to impactful, interdisciplinary research and will support my continued exploration at the intersection of computing and social good. This recognition strengthens my path toward pursuing a PhD in Computing and Society.”
Zaid Khan
B.S. Chemical Engineering 2025
Rodd Selman Scholarship
"This award will help me to further explore my interests in research within the field of Chemical Engineering."
Dasom Kim
Ph.D. 2025
Rice Engineering Alumni (REA) Travel Grant
“The grant will contribute to my professional and academic growth by enabling me to present my recent findings in cavity quantum electrodynamics in condensed matters at the American Physical Society Global Physics Summit. By interacting with global leaders and peers at the summit, I will not only expand my scientific network but also enhance my visibility within the physics community, thereby advancing my career toward my long-term goal of becoming an academic researcher and educator.”
Junho Kim
B.S. Computer Science 2026
Rice Engineering Alumni (REA) Research Excellence Award
“This opportunity enables me to pursue my research without the burden of financial concerns. As an international student committed to advancing knowledge, this award holds deep significance and it brings me one step closer to continuing my research beyond graduation. I aim to build on this work by developing unconventional imaging technologies that allow us to see beyond the limits of natural human vision.”
Jaywon Koo
Ph.D. Computer Science 2028
Rice Engineering Alumni (REA) Travel Grant
“The REA graduate student travel award will help me to participate in the EMNLP conference in Miami, Florida. At the conference, I will have the opportunity to present my first-authored paper "PropTest: Automatic Property Testing for Improved Visual Programming." The chance to share my work with the research community, gather insights from experts, and establish new research connections will be invaluable for my academic journey.”
Samuel Hoching Kwan
B.A. Computational and Applied Mathematics 2025
School of Engineering and Computing Outstanding Student Award
“I am very grateful for this award and it reflects the passion I have for both operations research and applied mathematics during my past 4 years at Rice.”
Lily Lee
B.S. Civil Engineering 2025
Rice Engineering Alumni (REA) Project Grant
“With the REA project grant, our team aims to develop a prototyped retractor model for a mechanically optimized ACDF surgical procedure. Iterative parametric testing and prototyping would facilitate production of an initial model that reduces tissue trauma, decreases collateral tissue damage, and ultimately improves patient recovery time and post-surgical outcomes.”
Jacob Lei
B.S. Bioengineering 2026
Rice Engineering Alumni (REA) Project Grant
“This award will help my team's efforts to develop novel medical devices for asthma patients, allowing us to develop and test our prototype.”
Elaine Liu
B.S. Statistics 2025
School of Engineering and Computing Most Distinguished Senior Awardee
“This award inspires me to keep paying forward the guidance I've received - through research, mentorship, and service - while continuing to grow as a scholar and contribute meaningfully to the community as I begin my PhD in Statistics at Rice.”
Sophianne Loh
B.S. Bioengineering 2025
School of Engineering and Computing Outstanding Student Award,
Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) Most Outstanding Senior Award
"This generous award has granted me the financial aid to continue pursuing opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. With this award, I will have access to resources that allow me to pursue my goal of starting a career in the medical device industry."
Joao Pedro Rodrigues Mattos
Ph.D. Computer Science 2027
Rice Engineering Alumni (REA) Travel Grant
"The REA Travel Grant will enable me to attend the KDD 2025 conference. By attending, I aim to gain exposure to cutting-edge research and real-world applications presented by leading experts in the field. This exposure will enhance my knowledge of emerging trends in applied machine learning and data science through tutorials, workshops, and keynote presentations.”
Natalia Mendiola
B.S. Electrical and Computer Engineering 2025
School of Engineering and Computing Outstanding Student Award
“I'm honored to have been nominated by the electrical engineering department. This recognition motivates me to continue working hard and aiming high in my professional pursuits.”
RIcky Miller
B.S. Mechanical Engineering 2025
Nazim S. Nathoo Award for Engineering Excellence
“I'm honored to receive this award, which will support my professional and educational goals in mechanical engineering. With this support, I plan to pursue a master’s degree at Rice next year as I prepare for a future career in aerospace.”
Andrew Ondara
B.S. Computer Science & NanoEngineering 2025
Rice Engineering Alumni (REA) Leadership Excellence Award,
James S. Waters Creativity Award,
Phil Layton Award of Excellence in the Arts
“As a senior majoring in engineering with a strong interest in robotics and real-world applications that address climate change and accessibility, this award would provide the financial flexibility to invest in tools, materials, and travel opportunities related to my senior design project and graduate school preparation. It would also affirm my commitment to leadership, innovation, and service, values that I aim to carry into a career developing human-centered technologies that create lasting social impact.”
Meghan Paral
B.S. Statistics 2026
School of Engineering Outstanding Student Award
“This award will be incredibly helpful in continuing to pursue opportunities that may be un or underfunded but offer significant growth to my career aspirations at the intersection of computation and global health.”
Chloe Park
B.S. Computer Science 2027
Chevron Scholarship
“I am truly honored to receive this scholarship as it plays a vital role in supporting my education and growth as a leader. This award motivates me to further my knowledge in technology and push the boundaries of innovation. I am committed to expanding my curiosity and embracing challenges with the hope of making meaningful contributions to this field.”
Anika Patel
B.S. Computer Science 2025
School of Engineering and Computing Outstanding Student Award
“ In addition to providing financial support to continue my education, this award would offer more freedom to explore graduate school opportunities and potentially relocate to a new academic environment.”
Mina Schepmann
B.S. Mechanical Engineering 2026
Buckley Sartwelle Scholarship
“I feel blessed and am honored to have been awarded this scholarship. This scholarship will be beyond helpful for my family financially as well as for the future of my career. It is a representation of the work I have put into my studies, but more importantly, a reflection of all the faculty, staff, classmates, and family who have helped me along the way. I could not have been in this position without them, and am beyond thankful.”
Gretchen Schulke
B.S. Mechanical Engineering 2025
Thomas Michael Panos Family Superior Engineering Student Award
“I am incredibly honored to have been awarded the Thomas Michael Panos Family Superior Engineering Student Award. I would like to thank the Mechanical Engineering department for the incredible education, support, and mentorship I have received throughout my time at Rice. Receiving this very generous award will assist me in funding my relocation and transition out of undergrad as well as funding my pursuit of further engineering education.”
Sanjay Soni
B.S. Bioengineering 2026
Chevron sponsored Undergraduate Research Poster Symposium
“The award brings with it recognition of the work that I have accomplished as an undergraduate researcher. This will advance my career goals by helping to highlight how my work can impact, in its own way, the future of cancer research. It may open opportunities to network with others and avenues to present my work further.”
Daziyah H. Sullivan
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering 2025
Rice Engineering Alumni (REA) Travel Grant
“Attending the World Haptics Conference will provide me with opportunities to network, expand my knowledge within the field, and present my research to a wider audience. I am nearing the end of my doctorate degree and am interested in pursuing a post-doctoral position to start in early 2026.”
Yilin (Sunny) Sun
B.S. Computer Science 2026
School of Engineering and Computing Outstanding Student Award
"Receiving the award is an immense honor and a significant milestone in my academic journey at Rice University. This merit-based award, for which I was nominated by my department, not only recognizes my dedication and achievements in the field of Computer Science but also provides substantial support towards my educational expenses."
Yiran Sun
Ph.D. Electrical and Computer Engineering 2026
Rice Engineering Alumni (REA) Travel Grant
“By participating in technical sessions, keynote lectures, and interactive discussions, I will deepen my understanding of emerging technologies and current challenges in the field. Presenting my research and receiving feedback from experts will enhance my ability to communicate complex ideas effectively to both technical and interdisciplinary audiences.”
Komal Talloo
B.S. Bioengineering 2026
School of Engineering and Computing Most Distinguished Junior Awardee
“Being recognized for my work is a great feeling and makes me even more excited to keep working in the bioengineering and med-technology spaces that excite me. I truly appreciate the support I have been”
Marco Tan
B.S. Chemical Engineering 2027
Rodd Selman Scholarship
Minghao Tian
B.S. Computer Science Degree 2027
Chevron Scholarship
“Receiving the Chevron Scholarship reinforces my commitment to applying computer science and machine learning to challenges in the energy industry. This recognition motivates me to further explore how advanced computing can drive innovation in sustainable energy solutions. It also strengthens my connection to the industry, encouraging me to seek opportunities where I can contribute my technical skills to energy-related research and development.”
Gerald Topalli
Ph.D. Electrical and Computer Engineering 2026
Hershel M. Rich Invention Award
“This award sparks my passion to push the boundaries of innovation and turn novel ideas into practical solutions. It also paves the way for me to present my work at conferences around the world, where valuable feedback will help refine and optimize our invention.”
Sara Wan
B.S. Computer Science 2027
Chevron Scholarship
“I'm extremely grateful for this scholarship, as it inspires me to continue exploring opportunities in technology and growing as a leader. This support fuels my passion for innovation and motivates me to keep making meaningful impact both within my field and in the broader community.”
Samantha Wibawa
B.S. Civil Engineering 2026
Chevron Scholarship
"This will help me pursue extracurricular activities beyond my Rice curriculum to enhance my passion for a sustainable built environment."
Favour Williams
B.S. Mechanical Engineering 2025
Rice Engineering Alumni (REA) Leadership Excellence Award
"I am truly grateful for this recognition. It is a powerful reminder and motivation to keep striving for more."
Yifan Xu
B.S. Computer Science 2027
Chevron Sponsored Undergraduate Research Poster Symposium
"This award will motivate me to work harder and do more awesome research in the future!"
Alexander George Zalles
B.S. Operations Research 2025
James S. Waters Creativity Award
“This award is extremely helpful for my future, not only in providing funding assistance for a time with immense change, but to provide assurance and encouragement in my future. This award will go towards helping me uproot my life in Texas which I have built over the last 22 years and to put down roots somewhere else, a prospect which is both inherently scary and it is inherently costly. And in the larger future, this award will propel me and support me through my future studies, being confirmation that I have the potential and capabilities to complete the tasks ahead of me.”
Ethan Zhang
M.S. Mechanical Engineering 2026
Chevron Scholarship
"This award will help me better focus on doing meaningful research for renewable power generation solutions."
Hannah Zhang
B.S. Computer Science 2026
Rice Engineering Alumni (REA) Leadership Excellence Award
“This award will help me finish my degree in Computer Science & encourage me to continue serving as a leader on campus for CS clubs and beyond.”
Rice Robotics Club
Rice Engineering Alumni (REA) Project Grant
"This award will help the Rice Robotics Club purchase motors, sensors, and other robot components to help us build a jumping quadruped robot. This project would not be possible without the support of the REA."