Rice University’s Office of Research has appointed Rafael Verduzco, the A.J. Hartsook Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, as the new faculty director of the Rice Center for STEM Engagement (R-STEM), effective April 1, 2026. Verduzco, who also serves as associate department chair in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, will succeed Carolyn Nichol, who is retiring after nearly two decades of leadership that significantly expanded Rice’s STEM education footprint in Houston and beyond.
Since its founding, R-STEM—formerly the Rice Office of STEM Engagement—has built a reputation for high-impact programming that supports K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics teachers, engages students in immersive learning experiences and fosters meaningful community partnerships. Through workshops, summer academies, research experiences and curriculum development, the center connects university research with classroom practice.
Nichol, who has directed R-STEM for 19 years, helped grow the program from a small initiative into a robust network of educators and partners while securing sustained funding from federal, state and private sources. Reflecting on that growth, she says “what began as a small initiative has evolved into a community of practice that connects Rice research with classrooms across Houston and beyond,” adding that she is confident that under Verduzco’s leadership, R-STEM will continue to deepen those connections and expand opportunities for teachers and students alike.
A Rice alumnus and Caltech-trained chemical engineer, Verduzco brings a strong background in research, mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration to the role. His research focuses on advanced polymeric materials with applications ranging from water treatment to bioelectronics, and his lab has long been engaged in outreach and education initiatives in collaboration with R-STEM.
“I've worked with R-STEM for years and have benefited tremendously from their experience in creating innovative educational and outreach programs,” said Verduzco. “My lab regularly mentors community college students and K-12 teachers in summer research experiences, and everyone benefits from these programs. The visiting researchers get to work in my lab and learn about new topics in engineering, graduate students and postdocs get experience mentoring, and the lab benefits from their research contributions and the lesson plans that they develop.”
In his new role, Verduzco will provide strategic academic leadership for R-STEM, working to strengthen connections between Rice faculty, researchers and educators while expanding educational and outreach programming. He said he looks forward to building on R-STEM’s strong foundation and strengthening connections across campus to further grow its impact.
“We are grateful for Carolyn’s transformative work building R-STEM into a hub of innovation in STEM education,” said David Sholl, executive vice president for research. “Rafael’s proven scholarship and commitment to mentorship make him an excellent fit to lead R-STEM into its next chapter.”
Verduzco’s appointment marks a deliberate step in sustaining and scaling R-STEM’s mission to equip teachers and inspire future scientists and engineers.
“I look forward to working with R-STEM as faculty director and hope to strengthen the connection between R-STEM, faculty, and researchers across campus and to grow their educational and outreach programming,” Verduzco said.