Rice University's Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

🔧💡 Chihtong “Lily” Lee never set out to reinvent surgical tools — but her curiosity and precision led her to do just that.

The 2025 Rice graduate earned second place at the national ASME SB3C Summer Bioengineering Conference for her innovative research improving outcomes in spinal surgery. By using computational modeling to redesign surgical retractors, Lily’s work could help reduce complications like difficulty swallowing after common spinal procedures.

Now she’s staying at Rice for her Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, continuing her research at the intersection of medicine and mechanics. 🧠🩺🔬



https://news.rice.edu/news/2025/rice-engineering-student-honored-research-reduce-surgical-complications

Happy Independence Day from the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies!

Whether you’re enjoying the sunshine, fireworks, or a well-earned break—have a safe and joyful holiday!

🎶 Can music change what we remember? Graduate student Kayla Clark (Rice University School of Social Sciences) found that emotional reactions to music, not the music itself, can shape memory recall. Read more on how her research could lead to personalized, music-based memory therapies.🧠

🔗 https://news.rice.edu/news/2025/music-memory-and-power-emotion-rice-study-reveals-how-music-influences-what-we-remember

The Grad Bubble is open every Monday at 4 PM for grad students to connect, create, and enjoy summer together!

🎉 Today we’re making friendship bracelets! Come join us for a laid-back hangout—whether you’re crafting or just chilling, you’re welcome.

Join us in the Grad Bubble every Monday at 4 pm in June and July for cool treats
and crafting led by a different staff member of GPS.

Thanks to everyone who’s joined us so far—you’re making this a summer to remember.

Ever seen a robot controlled by light? ✨ Meet the future of soft robotics, thanks to the incredible work of Rice University doctoral alumna, Elizabeth Blackert ‘24 (Ph.D.).
As a key member of the research team in Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Blackert helped develop this amazing robotic arm that moves without any tethers, powered only by laser beams. This isn't science fiction – it's the next wave of innovation with the potential to revolutionize everything from medicine to manufacturing.
We're so proud of our like Dr. Blackert who are leading the charge in creating a smarter, more advanced future. https://news.rice.edu/news/2025/rethinking-how-robots-move-light-and-ai-drive-precise-motion-soft-robotic-arm-developed
✍🏻 Silvia Cernea Clark
📸 Jeff Fitlow

What better place to perfect the art, craft and language of opera than Italy! The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University’s master's students spent three weeks in Florence studying Italian, performing for international audiences and exploring cultural landmarks. https://news.rice.edu/news/2025/language-legacy-and-la-dolce-vita-shepherd-school-students-explore-roots-opera-italy

🏳️‍🌈 Get ready to show your Rice Pride!
📣 Start the celebration early at the QGSA Pride Picnic — open to all students — happening the day before the Houston Pride Parade:
🗓️ 5–9 PM at the Grad Commons (by Valhalla)
🎉 Food, music, community & joy — don’t miss it!
Then, join Rice University's walking group as we show our Rice Pride at the 47th annual Houston Pride Parade! All Rice students, alumni, employees, family and friends are welcome.
✅ Register with Rice PRIDE to march in the Houston Pride Parade on Saturday at 7 P.M.
🔗 rice.edu/pride