History and Mission

Catalyst, Rice’s first student organization dedicated to fostering the discussion of science and engineering, was formed by a group of dedicated undergraduates who believed in the potential of undergraduate research at Rice. With support from the Wiess School of Natural Sciences and the George R. Brown School of Engineering, the first issue of Catalyst: Rice Undergraduate Science and Engineering Review was published in Spring 2008.

Catalyst is built upon the resolution to showcase student research and views about science, both of which are pivotal to fostering dialogue about science and engineering and to enhancing the research experience at Rice. We provide an avenue for students to share their thoughts and ideas about scientific innovations in the form of articles that are published annually (see our past publications in the sidebar to the left).

Excerpt from Constitution

1. Catalyst: Rice Undergraduate Science and Engineering Review shall

• serve as a platform for research students to express their work in an engaging manner;
• serve as a platform for Rice students to express their views on scientific topics;
• promote interest in and discussion of the basic sciences at Rice University;
• inform the general public of the quality of undergraduate research at Rice University;
• inform students of science summer programs and various internships located internationally and worldwide;
• publish at least one issue at the end of every spring semester to be distributed two weeks before the last week of classes; and
• serve as a way for undergraduates interested in graphic design, journalism, and photography to be able to develop their talents.

2. All members of the Rice community are eligible to become members of this organization. There are 3 classes of membership: staff members, reviewers, and honorary members.

• Only undergraduates may become staff members.
• Faculty, staff, graduate students, and other interested community members may become reviewers.
• All others may become honorary members.

Mailbox

Catalyst
Rice University
Clubs Office- MS- 526
P.O. Box 1892
Houston, TX 77251-1892

Sponsors

Catalyst is made possible with support from the following:

• Dean’s Office
• Wiess School of Natural Sciences
• George R. Brown School of Engineering
• Student Activity Fund
• President’s Programming Fund
• Dan Wagner, Faculty Sponsor and Professor in Biochemistry and Cell Biology