The Magazine of Rice University
Spring 2013
Contents
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FEATURES
D EPARTMENTS
Path of Knowledge To study medieval pilgrimage, Rice students and their professors became pilgrims along the Way of St. James.
Sallyport
By Nicole Zaza
Wise Ideas Rice scholars tell us how their research is engineering the future. Scraps of Time Student scrapbooks in the Woodson Research Center serve up a slice of early campus life. By Lynn Gosnell
Campus news, building plans, student events, President Leebron’s walkabout and more.
Abstract
11
Carbon nanotube thread that conducts electricity, tiny creatures’ genomes, gender and career choice, icy steam and more in research briefs.
Voices
16
Entertainment attorney and mixtape enthusiast Annie Lin ’02 and paper airplane champion Drew Berger ’11; also, campus visitors, noted and quoted.
Scene
20
Rice swimmer Casey Clark ’15
Arts & LEtters
40
Photographer Matthew Jensen ’02 talks about his exhibition, “The 49 States”; the Rice Gallery, branded; Noctua Quintet scores.
Scoreboard
On the cover A signpost keeps pilgrims on the right path along the Way of St. James (Chemin de St. Jacques) in France. A stylized scallop shell, the traditional emblem of St. James, decorates the sign. Left Rice professor Linda Neagley forges ahead despite wind and rain on the trail.
5
45
The inspiration of O.J. Brigance ’92; swimming champs; the voice of the Rice Owls, revealed.
Parting Words Lecturer and science writer Scott Solomon pays attention to nature’s small dramas all across campus.
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