People, Papers, Presentations

Naomi Halas, Rice University’s Stanley C. Moore Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering and professor of chemistry and biomedical engineering, was one of several experts in light-based technologies’ impact on health care to speak to the U.S. House of Representatives’ Research and Development Caucus in Washington, D.C., Dec. 1. Halas told members about her work to develop drug-free cancer therapies using light-sensitive gold nanoshells. The particles are currently being used in human trials to treat head and neck cancers. Halas is a fellow of the International Society for Optics and Photonics, which sponsored the caucus appearance.

“Africa and the Production of Knowledge: A Roundtable in Honor of E.S. Atieno Odhiambo” was held Nov. 21 in New Orleans. More than 50 people attended the event remembering Odhiambo, a Rice professor of history who died earlier this year. Elias Bongmba, the Harry and Hazel Chavanne Professor in Christian Theology and professor of religious studies, and graduate student Mickie Hudson-Koster, Odhiambo’s last student, were among those gathered to discuss the late professor and his scholarship, influence and legacy.

Entries for ”People, Papers, Presentations” should be submitted to the Office of News and Media Relations by e-mail to ricenews@rice.edu or campus mail to MS 300.