Associates
Associates are valued members of the Rice faculty, staff, and community who offer resources and support for Wiessmen. Some associates are Rice alumni, some are current or retired Rice professors, and some are community members who want to get involved! While each associate may engage in different ways or bring different gifts to the table, they are all united to support current Wiessmen.
For Associates
There is no one “right” way to be an associate. Some examples of how associates have been involved at Wiess include joining students at lunch in commons, promoting career networking events, organizing game nights, leading cooking tutorials in our second-floor kitchen, cheering on the students at intramural games, attending Associate's nights, and on and on. Just show up!! Do you want to host an O-Week group? If so, you can be an extra resource for a small group of new students throughout the school year. If you would like any additional information, you can reach out to our college coordinator, Jenny Toups, at jt87@rice.edu, or our EVP, Caitlin, at wiesscollegeevp@gmail.com.
How to Join
If you are interested in becoming a Wiess associate or would like to learn more about the program, please email our college coordinator, Jenny Toups, at jt87@rice.edu. She is happy to answer any questions you might have! If you have any initial questions, feel free to look over the Wiess Associates Guide.
For Students
All of our associates have been selected by our Associates Committee with the sole purpose of mentoring and supporting our students. If you see what looks like a Wiess community member chatting at an associate's barbecue or hosting a study break in Wiess Commons, you are encouraged to introduce yourself! All of our associates would love to get to know you. If you are a Wiessman who is interested in speaking to one of the associates listed below, feel free to use their listed emails to reach out. If you are a current Wiess student who wants to serve on our Associates Committee, reach out to Caitlin to get connected.
Our Associates
Community Associates
J. Frank & Michelle Arnold
VP of Administration, Houston Dynamo; Professional Home Organizer
michelleannearnold@yahoo.comjfarnold08@gmail.comJ. Frank & Michelle Arnold
Frank and Michelle Arnold met at Wiess during sophomore year and have been inseparable since. Michelle majored in Biological Sciences and was active in the college as a Social VP and Diversity Coordinator for O-Week. She currently owns her own professional organizing business in Houston, Good Clean Function, and is an active crossfitter and gardener. Frank majored in Sports Management and enjoyed playing lacrosse, being the External VP, and a fellow for O-Week. He has served in multiple roles for the Houston Dynamo since 2007 and is currently their VP of Administration. Frank enjoys biking, playing D&D, and camping. They have two dogs, Doug and Lily, and two chinchillas, Flipper and Dipper. They both enjoy hiking at Texas State Parks and finding new Houston restaurants to enjoy.
Carol Germano
Eric Lee
Assistant Professor, Baylor College of Medicine
etlee@bcm.eduEric & Cristine Lee
Eric (BA Biochemistry/Psychology, Jones ’00) from Port Lavaca, TX, went to medical school at UTSW in Dallas, followed by family medicine residency in Houston. He has worked for the Baylor College of Medicine since. He is involved in medical student education (director/adviser in the learning communities program, facilitator for the MS1 doctoring course, admissions committee work, mentor for students interested in family medicine, etc.).
Brandon Mack
Associate Director of Admission
brandon.d.mack@gmail.comBrandon Mack
Brandon Mack is an Associate Director of Admission & Coordinator of Transfer Admission at Rice University. Mack is also a community activist and sociologist dedicated to issues related to the intersections of race, gender, and sexual orientation. He has conducted research on effemiphobia, the negativity related to effeminate gay men. His work has been featured in a GLAAD Media Award winning article and he has presented his work at national conferences such as the National LGBTQ Task Force: Creating Change and NBJC's Out on the Hill. He is a lead organizer with Black Lives Matter: Houston. Co-Chapter Director of New Leaders Council - Houston. Screening Committee and Education and Advocacy Chair of the Houston GLBT Political Caucus.
Jeff Myers
General Manager, Raven Aerospace Technology
jtmyers@ravenaerospace.comJeff Myers
Jeff is an aerospace engineer and co-owner of a small consulting firm. He is happy to talk with people about career paths and options.
Marsal Sanches
Chris Sneller
Director of Innovation; Bridges International
csneller@bridgesinternational.comChris Sneller
I've been an Associate at Wiess for 14 years but I had a 3-year pause while I did a PhD in London. My area of research is historical theology (my dissertation focused on Christianity in 20th century China). I have six kids, ranging from 20 to 8 years old. In my free time I enjoy doing CrossFit, watching Arsenal Football Club, and mountain biking. At Rice I like hanging out at Wiess and teaching an English class in the Office of International Students and Scholars.
Lenin Terrazas
School of Engineering & Consultant
Lenin Terrazas
Lenin has a background in engineering and change management. Wiess was his first family home. He was an Wiess RA from 2011 to 2018 and lived on the 3rd floor. The closets are still mainly goldenrod! TFW!
Faculty Associates
Sayuri Guthrie Shimizu
Dunlevie Family Professor of History
sg45@rice.eduSayuri Guthrie Shimizu
I am a dual citizen of the US and Japan but in truth I consider myself a "citizen of the world," (having grown up in five different countries)." I teach and research on the history of US-East Asian relations, the Asia-Pacific World and global history of sports. I am a former recipient of Fulbright (2), MacArthur, Mellon Foundation, SSRC, and Woodrow Wilson Center fellowships. I am a licensed (in Japan) chef and love to cook for my family, friends and, most importantly, my students at Rice. I welcome dinner guests from Wiess!
John & Paula Hutchinson
Professor of Chemistry; Adjunct Professor; Former Wiess Magisters
pkhutch@gmail.com; jshutch@rice.edu
John & Paula Hutchinson
As magisters of Wiess for 7 years, we know what a unique and special environment the college provides, and how important faculty associates are in being a resource to the students. Everyone knows John as a chemistry professor and former Dean of Undergraduates, and Paula is a former journalist, attorney and teacher. We are avid cyclists and hikers, and if we're not around Rice, we're up at our cabin in Colorado. We look forward to having a great relationship with our O-Week students and being a resource to all!
Risa Myers
Assistant Teaching Professor, Rice University
rbm2@rice.eduRisa Myers
Risa is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Computer Science department where she teaches students about databases and data science. She also is a Data Scientist with the Children's Environmental Health Initiative at the University of Notre Dame. She completed a "late" life PhD (at Rice) after a career in software engineering and project management.
Mallesh Pai
Department of Economics, Rice University
mallesh.pai@rice.eduMallesh Pai
I'm an Associate Prof and also the incoming Director of Undergrad Studies in the econ department. My primary research interests are in microeconomic theory (specifically game theory/ mechanism design). In particular, I'm interested in stuff at the intersection of computer science and economic theory: both understanding the modern web/ social media/ sharing economy via the prism of game theory, and more recently, contributing to the theory of machine learning (which has some overlap with game theory)! Feel free to reach out if you'd like to chat about economics@rice, my research, or more broadly e.g. opportunities in econ, and in tech for econ-y types. I'm generally down for coffee... Also glad to chat over lunch in Wiess (whenever they let us back in!).. I look like the pic except I currently have a beard and (significantly) less hair than when this was taken.
Renata Ramos
Associate Teaching Professor of Bioengineering and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Renata Ramos
Renata is the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for the School of Engineering and an Associate Teaching Professor in Bioengineering. She began her career at Rice in 2008. She was a Wiess RA from 2011 to 2018 and lived on the 3rd floor. The closets are still mainly goldenrod! TFW!
Hélade Santos
Director of Language Instruction and Portuguese Lecturer at the Center for Languages and Intercultural Communication
helade.santos@rice.eduHélade Santos
My aria-label is Hélade. I teach Portuguese at Rice and I am also the Director of the Center for Languages and Intercultural Communication. I am from Brazil and I came to the US to do my PhD in Spanish and Portuguese Linguistics. I absolutely love teaching at Rice, mainly because of the students I have had and the relationships I have developed with each and everyone of them. Teaching languages and thinking about different opportunities for Rice students to experience other languages and cultures, including study abroad, make me truly excited about my work. When I am not working I love to do simple things: to be home with my family, watch good movies, go for long walks, practice yoga and work on my garden.
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Dan Wagner
Associate Professor in BioSciences
dswagner@rice.eduDan Wagner
In my day job I'm a developmental biologist. I study the genetic regulation of development in zebrafish and snails. I'm a strong supporter of undergrad research and other avenues of engagement with science. I've been the faculty sponsor of Catalyst (http://ricecatalyst.org/) since it's creation. If you are interested in any of these things drop me a line.
Han Xiao
Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Biosciences, and Bioengineering
han.xiao@rice.eduHan Xiao
I am currently an Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Biosciences, and Bioengineering at Rice University. I obtained my undergraduate degree from the University of Science and Technology of China and a PhD degree in chemical biology at the Scripps Research Institute. My research focuses on the development of various chemical tools that allow us to precisely probe and manipulate biological systems. My program has a strong translational focus, seeking to initiate new clinical opportunities, and contribute to advances in chemical biology, glycobiology, and cancer immunology.
Honorary Associates
Neal Lane
Dale Spence
University Associates
Danika Brown
Director, Center for Civic Leadership
danika@rice.eduDanika Brown
Originally from Nevada, Danika did her undergraduate degree in English and Philosophy at University of Nevada, Reno, her MA in English at Arizona State, and her PhD in Rhetoric and the Teaching of English at the University of Arizona. She was an associate professor of English and founding Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Service Learning at the University of Texas, Pan American (now RGV) before coming to Rice to serve as a Director in the Center for Civic Leadership where she oversees the Certificate in Civic Leadership programming and fellowship advising. She is an avid dog lover, puzzler, and bird watcher. She is especially happy to support students seeking civic and community engaged opportunities. As a first-generation low income college student, she is also a resource for navigating the resources and challenges for students with similar backgrounds. She hopes to be a strong ally for all students at Rice.
Carlyn Foshee Chatfield
Retired Staff (Enrollment, OIT, Computer Science Departments)
carlyn@rice.eduCarlyn Foshee Chatfield
Carlyn became a Wiess College Associate around 2004, when one of Carlyn's Rice OIT colleagues invited her to apply. She hosts an O-Week group each year and developed a customized board game - "The Game" - to help new students learn their way around Rice. Like Sorry, players attempt to cross the campus while evading opponents. Like Clue, there are secret passages; ours are called Art & Archi Detours. Carlyn also hosts cooking classes and other study breaks at Wiess.
Maria Corcuera
International Advisor at OISS, Rice University
mec3@rice.eduMaria Corcuera
Maria Corcuera is an International Adviser for Exchange Scholars at OISS. She oversees the immigration paperwork process for Exchange Scholars with Jenny Brydon. Maria was born and raised in Mexico City, and has a Law degree from UNAM. She loves ballet, music, theater and gardening. Maria moved to Houston in 1999 with her husband Manolo and their two daughters, Ana and Sofia. She lives in Sugar Land and is proud of being a Wiess Associate.
Andrea Escamilla-Galindo
Post Award Administrator, ECE Department
andrea.galindo@rice.eduAndrea Escamilla-Galindo
Administrator by day, mariachi by night! Well, and mom all the time ;) I have a B.S and M.S. in biology, but my passion is in the performing arts. I have been singing with the Mariachi Luna Llena since it foundation, in 2013. I have been a Wiess Associate for about 6 years, and won Associate of the Year twice in a row. I like to engage physically and intellectually, so I enjoy physical activities, sports, crafting, and puzzles. I love traveling, cooking, yoga, gardening and more.
Doward Hudlow Jr.
Director of Development Research and Analysis, Development and Alumni Relations
Doward Hudlow Jr.
Doward is a Wiessmen from the class of 2001. Doward grew up in Houston near campus. As a Wiessman I enjoyed, well, everything . . . Tabletop, Cabinet, Court, Powderpuff, intramural sports, Acabowl, Backabowl . . . you aria-label it. I was lucky enough to be an RA at Wiess from 2002 to 2008, which was an amazing experience. Now I live near campus with my wife and our two sons, Riley (13) and Chase (11). We enjoy having an O-Week group to our house every year. Doward would be happy to meet anyone interested or even just curious about what Development and Alumni Relations are about (fundraising and alumni engagement). Doward’s an avid cyclist who’s always happy to discuss riding or, even better, go for ride. My boys are fun gamer/sports enthusiasts so hopefully you’ll get a chance to meet them too!
Maria Martinez
Program and Events Coordinator, Department of Visual and Dramatic Arts
maria.martinez@rice.eduMaria Martinez
Maria Martinez received her B.A. in Advertising and Public Relations from City University New York, graduating cum laude. After moving back to Houston, Texas in 2008, she became an entrepreneur opening a retail business and later creating an organic beauty line consisting of lip colors, balms, and perfumes. She has worked for internationally recognizable brands such as Converse in their Public Relations department, and local Houston festivals Day for Night as the Media Buyer, Free Press Summer Festival as the Market Vendor Manager, and with ongoing Houston Vintage as a co-organizer and producer. Maria enjoys organizing and promoting events, engaging and bringing communities together, and reviving the art of socializing. In her spare time she works with friends on music related projects and takes pleasure in books, films, theatre productions, traveling, playing drums, DIY projects, and all things vintage.
Anne K. T. Santos
HR Administrator/EA to the Dean - Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies
aksantos@rice.eduAnne K. T. Santos
Hi TFW! I love being a Wiess Associate and look forward to many more years getting to know students! I work in the Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies supporting the Dean and the School with administrative functions. Fun fact: some Wiess alums have worked for us over the summer summer months and beyond! I'm a Jill-of-all-trades with a background in Hospitality, International Commerce, and FinTech. I graduated from Boston University (Go Terriers!) and found my happy niche in higher education at Rice University (Go Owls!). During my free time, I enjoy traveling for standup paddleboard races, building LEGOs, floating (OneWheel) Hermann Park, and teaching my pup (Louie) new tricks.
Efe Ustundag
Head Men’s Tennis Coach
efe@rice.eduEfe Ustundag
Hi There Wiess- I am the Head Men’s Tennis Coach and a Rice Alum (Class of ‘99). After graduating from Rice, I returned to my home country Turkey and played on the professional tennis tour for about 2.5 years. I was lucky to return to Rice as an assistant coach in 2004 and was even more fortunate to become the head coach in 2012. I have been an associate at Wiess since 2005. I am married to a rock star associate professor of neurology at UT medical school and we have an 8 year old daughter. TFW!!!
