iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Rice UniversityProvost Amy Dittmar brought an economist’s & higher ed leader’s perspective to the Vatican for a global discussion on how health systems, labor markets & communities can be designed around human dignity. bit.ly/44mxkYH #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

"I am hopeful that a better understanding of the risks posed by certain technologies will incentivize governments to work collaboratively toward global governance structures"-Conner Joyce ’26, @ricepolisci.bsky.social bit.ly/4vOtpjt #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

In today's edition of AI in the Social Sciences, I-O psychologist Tianjun Sun discusses her award winning research on AI-based psychological assessment: bit.ly/3SZdmAJ #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

Rice University industrial-organizational psychologist Tianjun Sun

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

“Braille is literacy. For many of us who are blind and visually impaired, braille is literacy.”-Robert Englebretson, linguistics bit.ly/4eOw8C7 #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

Quote over an image of a hand touching braille: "Braille is literacy. For many of us who are blind and visually impaired, braille is literacy."- Robert Englebretson, Department of Linguistics

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

“With LLMs, we can take multiple individual, labor intensive studies...and hopefully scale them up to understand important questions about local media and local politics.”- Erik Peterson, @ricepolisci.bsky.social: bit.ly/4eAhks1 #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

Erik Peterson, Rice University political science

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Congratulations to recent Social Sciences alumni Lindsey Frost '26, Neha Kohli '26, and Simran Haribhai '26, who received Fulbright scholarships! Learn more about the impactful work these alumni are engaging in: bit.ly/3Sp6ywd #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

The Brain Health for Economic Resilience Commission, co-chaired by Simon Fischer-Baum, psychological sciences, unites international experts across disciplines to establish a scientific foundation for the emerging brain economy: bit.ly/4gGsqgj #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

The Office of Access and Institutional Excellence hosted a Juneteenth panel of alumni, including 3 Social Sciences alumni, who played a pivotal role during 2015-16 in advocating for changes that helped reshape campus life: bit.ly/4uT6Qsr #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

Juneteenth Panel members standing in front of a curtain. Photo pulled from video by Rice University Public Affairs.

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Read about how Rice University alumni, including Social Sciences alum Chaundra Frank, are supporting the FIFA World Cup 2026: bit.ly/4w885oL #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Our "AI in the Social Sciences" series features Rice University social scientists who are using AI in new & innovative ways to enhance scholarship. Today’s featured faculty are sociologists Elizabeth Roberto & Corey Abramson: bit.ly/3T10ZEb #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

Rice University sociologists Elizabeth Roberto and Corey Abramson

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

“We often think about caregiving as stressful, but our findings suggest that the impact of that stress depends partly on the caregiver’s personality." - Kelly Brice, psychological sciences: bit.ly/4uWvclk #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

caregiver's hands on top of a person's chest, holding hands

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Congratulations to psychologist Eduardo Salas, who was named the Most Influential Author in Team Effectiveness Between 1992 and 2022! bit.ly/4ahMHoJ #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

Eduardo Salas, Rice University Psychological Sciences

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

The Rice University Board of Trustees has welcomed 5 new members. Thank you to social sciences alumni Akilah Mance and Sunit Patel for your service to Rice! bit.ly/44dE9eX #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Rice University students are gaining firsthand experience behind the scenes of the 2026 World Cup, stemming from a long-standing relationship between Rice Sport Management and Houston sports industry leaders: bit.ly/440oDTT #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Rice University economist Vivian Ho is a guest speaker at this year's Aspen Ideas: Health during the session "Consolidation and Competition in the Marketplace." Learn more: bit.ly/4owADWB #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

Flyer - Aspen Ideas: Health session "Consolidation and Competition in the Marketplace."

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

“We were thrilled that so many community leaders participated in the [Green Infrastructure and Polycrisis] workshop...CFAR looks forward to working with those communities to help realize their goals”-Dominic Boyer @riceanthro.bsky.social bit.ly/4fDG9nT #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Thank you to social sciences alumni Alicia Burns-Wright, Andrew Lin, Carlin Cherry, and Chloe Oani for your service to Rice University! bit.ly/4vCr7Ds #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

Pillars and Arches at Rice University's Lovett Hall

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

"Over the past 4 years, more than 200 San Jacinto College students have participated in Take Flight...Originally focused on STEM fields, the program has expanded to include humanities, social sciences and business disciplines" bit.ly/4v4BHTQ #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

“What we found is that there’s really a tradeoff. When players slow down their swings, they do make more contact, but they also sacrifice power.” - Scott Powers, assistant professor of sport analytics and statistics bit.ly/3RZtS3d #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Today on Houston Matters with Craig Cohen, @racheltk.bsky.social, dean of the School of Social Sciences, provided expertise during a segment that addressed how grocery store locations can affect food insecurity for Houston residents: bit.ly/4eaa30G #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

houstonpublicmedia.org

How grocery stores influence neighborhoods (June 8, 2026) | Houston Public Media

On Monday's show: We look at how grocery store locations can affect food insecurity for Houston residents.

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

"In 'Life After Epidemics: Ebola Survivors and the Social Dimensions of Recovery,' Rice sociologist Kevin J.A. Thomas examines the overlooked crisis that begins after patients are declared Ebola-free.": bit.ly/49JmOhd #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

Book cover: Life After Epidemics
Ebola Survivors and the Social Dimensions of Recovery
Kevin J.A. Thomas
Johns Hopkins Press, 2026

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

This spring, in Making an Exoneree, social sciences students investigated potential wrongful conviction cases and produced documentaries, "built websites, launched social media campaigns and developed advocacy materials...to bring attention to each case" bit.ly/4uSheBy #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Congratulations to Meritorious Service awardee, Michael D. Maher ’75 ’79 ’80, and thank you for your dedication and service to Rice University and to the School of Social Sciences!: bit.ly/4g1UYk5 #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

From left: Michael D. Maher, Ed K. Biegert, R. Stanley Williams, President Reginald DesRoches, Mark S. Scheid, Caroline Shaw and David M. Eagleman.

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Rice University doctoral student Agustin Prinetti will spend the fall in Paris studying how people use AI chatbots to fact-check political content and navigate misinformation: bit.ly/4vxGNrL #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

graphic of a person at a computer typing to a chatbot

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

From archaeology to athletic performance, learn about the ways Rice University Social Sciences students are chasing big ideas and providing meaningful solutions for society: bit.ly/4uoakDY #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

blue lightbulb on blue watercolor background

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

Social sciences and engineering alum Glenn Youngkin '90, 74th governor of Virginia, reflected "on ambition, accountability, and the weight of public service" in the most recent issue of Rice Magazine: bit.ly/4wRnY4h #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin gave his final State of the Commonwealth address from the Capitol building in Richmond on Jan. 14, 2026. Photo courtesy of Virginia’s Office of the Governor

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

"5 years after becoming dean of Rice University's School of Social Sciences, @racheltk.bsky.social has been reappointed following a term marked by expanded research investment, new academic programs & increased opportunities for students" bit.ly/4tYd4GY #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

Dean Rachel Kimbro, Rice University's School of Social Sciences

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

In the Making an Exoneree course, students examine potential wrongful conviction cases to determine whether someone may have been unjustly imprisoned. Learn about this hands-on learning experience that is making a real impact: bit.ly/4tXwfkk #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

Marc Howard speaks with students in the Making an Exoneree course during a visit to Rice University. Photo by Kat Cosley Trigg

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

"I set about trying to understand why many survivors live in worse conditions than before the epidemic, and what’s preventing them from returning to their normal lives"-Kevin J.A. Thomas, sociology bit.ly/4tONvrS #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Several social sciences alumni have authored new and interesting books and were featured in the most recent issue of Rice Magazine. Check it out! magazine.rice.edu/spring-2026/... #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

New books by alumni cover motherhood and nature through poetry, the Vietnam War through a family’s prodigious letters, the unseen Erie Canal through an artist’s lens and more. Photo by Amy Kinkead

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

"It has been amazing to work and learn from such amazing faculty who have established themselves in the sport analytics industry...I feel [it’s] prepared me for a future career in the industry."-Saylor Robinson ’28 magazine.rice.edu/spring-2026/... #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

“Sports gambling is exciting for fans and financially attractive for states, but our findings show it can also lead to more crime." - Hua Gong, sport analytics bit.ly/4eVXyYD #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

Screenshot of Rice Magazine article with title: "The Big Number: 62.6%; Research suggests the expansion of sports gambling may carry social consequences"

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Psychology alum Miriam Yoo ’05 is living out her ambition as the owner of Flask & Field, an indie wine shop in downtown Los Angeles: bit.ly/4nFPDB5 #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

Miriam Yoo’s wine shop Flask & Field is an established purveyor of natural wine, spirits and elegant kitchenware located in downtown Los Angeles. Photos by Bethany Nauert

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

“Even after people had access to new foods like beef or milk from cattle, they maintained a diverse diet including wild game and fish...a fully livestock-centered diet occurred much later”-Mary Prendergast @riceanthro.bsky.social bit.ly/4ueaQUY #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

People buried at Gishimangeda Cave near Lake Eyasi (pictured) in Tanzania provided evidence of later herders’ more specialized diets. Photo Credit Mary Prendergast

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Lucca Ferraz won this year's NFL Big Data Bowl top prize in sports analytics. “This competition is one of the biggest hiring pipelines in professional sports. It’s an incredible opportunity to showcase your work at the highest level.”-Lucca Ferraz bit.ly/4nBRI0x #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

Lucca Ferraz won the 2026 NFL Big Data Bowl, earning the top prize in the league’s annual sports analytics competition. Photo courtesy of NFL Football Operations

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

From linguistics to psychological sciences, read about the ways our social scientists are helping answer the big questions Rice University is asking about the brain: bit.ly/4dxzJnH #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

graphic of a silhouette of a human head with a brain inside against a pink background

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Ph.D. candidate in @riceanthro.bsky.social, Alejandra Osejo Varona studies Colombia’s most unlikely/controversial residents - hippopotamuses - and is captivated by "the diversity of beings, animals and plants woven into human life." bit.ly/4ddzXkX #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

Alejandra Osejo Varona recording a soundscape of the Magdalena River. Photo by Manuel Rojas

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Four @ricepolisci.bsky.social students were selected as Sumners Scholars, "joining a group of just 37 students nationwide recognized for academic excellence, leadership and a commitment to strengthening democracy through public service." bit.ly/4nrqWIe #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

"Yes, it’s still hard to imagine leaving...But while there truly is no place like Rice, we can bring a part of Rice wherever we go."-Arjun Surya bit.ly/4dtD8Ur #RiceGrad26 #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

Rice University graduating senior Arjun Surya

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

"...the celebration at Rice Stadium was especially personal for a number of faculty and staff members watching from the stands — and in several cases, standing on stage to hand their own children a diploma." bit.ly/3OXVm8s #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

Mikki Hebl sits with her son, Jackson, as a baby dressed in a Rice sweatsuit and alongside him on graduation day in their commencement regalia as he graduates from Rice.

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

A big congratulations to our doctoral graduates! Your hard work and resilience will take you new heights. "Doctoral degrees demand more than intellectual rigor — they require resilience, creativity and grit"-President DesRoches: news.rice.edu/news/2026/re... #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

Collage of Rice University doctoral students at commencement

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Congratulations to the class of 2026! In the words of commencement speaker John Green, “Good luck, Godspeed, and...Don’t forget to be awesome.” 🎓🦉 bit.ly/4nqi1qG #RiceGrad26 #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

Collage of Rice University students at commencement

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Congratulations to the Rice University advanced degree graduates, including the School of Social Sciences professional master's grads! 🎉🎓🦉 bit.ly/42uVaR3 #RiceGrad26 #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

Collage of Rice University students at graduation

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

"By bringing together experts from the social sciences, humanities and sciences, it seeks to better understand how religion and science interact in shaping different visions of the future”-Elaine Howard Ecklund bit.ly/4uHwfpx #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

Learn about the students - including #RiceSocSci students - who are #ShapingTheFuture with their meaningful Fondren Fellows research projects: bit.ly/4d4AyoQ

3 university students presenting to a crowd. Photo: Brandi Smith

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Congrats to Social Policy Analysis major Saami Baig, who was selected as a Phi Beta Kappa Key into Public Service Scholar for his academic achievement and commitment to careers in government and public policy! news.rice.edu/news/2026/ri... #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture @ricepolisci.bsky.social

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

2nd year PhD Rice sociology student Melissa Hurtado Nuez has been named a 2026 Paul and Daisy Soros Fellow, which supports outstanding immigrants and children of immigrants pursuing graduate studies in the U.S.: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5O_c... #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

youtube.com

Rice sociology Ph.D. student named 2026 Paul and Daisy Soros Fellow

YouTube video by Rice Grad Studies

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Rice Social Sciences @ricesocsci.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

“If people feel judged for the choices they’re making about their health...It can affect whether they seek care, whether they talk openly with providers and how they manage their health”-Erin Standen, psychological sciences bit.ly/4cPp8oW #RiceSocSci #ShapingTheFuture

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