Dateline Rice for July 28, 2015

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL

Novel method promises cheaper solar cells
New research from Rice could make it easier for engineers to harness the power of light-capturing nanomaterials to boost the efficiency and reduce the costs of photovoltaic solar cells. Graduate student Bob Zheng and postdoctoral research associate Alejandro Manjavacas are quoted. Naomi Halas, the Stanley C. Moore Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and a professor of chemistry, bioengineering, physics and astronomy, and materials science and nanoengineering, and graduate students Hangqi Zhao and Michael McClain are mentioned.
EET India
http://bit.ly/1LTeSKp
Rice University finding could lead to cheap, efficient metal-based solar cells
Solid State Technology (This article also appeared in SMT Magazine, My Informs, Solar Daily, One News Page and NewsR.in.)
http://bit.ly/1I7aqBi
Metal-based solar cells to be cheaper but more efficient – Rice researchers
Crazy Engineers
http://bit.ly/1HYipTx
Cheap, efficient metal-based solar cells may soon be available
MF Monitor
http://bit.ly/1IGcPZk
Soon cheaper, efficient metal-based solar cells maybe available
Business Standard
http://bit.ly/1HYLGNX

Factbox – Studies on fuel price reaction to lifting US export ban
An opposition report from the Consumers and Refiners United for Domestic Energy claimed that a lift on the 40-year-old ban on crude oil exports would raise gasoline prices. The article cites a Rice report.
Reuters (This article also appeared in Philly.com and CNBC Online.)
http://reut.rs/1I76ErK

#forKariann
Joshua Eyler, director of Rice’s Center for Teaching Excellence, discusses his efforts to get insurance coverage for an experimental treatment for his wife, Kariann Fuqua.
Inside Higher Ed
http://bit.ly/1LPODmz

Alberto Gonzales fast facts
Alumnus Alberto Gonzales ’79 is profiled.
CNN (This appeared in 27 other media outlets.)
http://cnn.it/1IqsEl6

HOUSTON/TEXAS

The most interesting affordable housing in Houston
Ryan Holeywell, senior editor at Rice’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research, authored an op-ed about the unique affordable housing near downtown Houston.
Houston Chronicle (This is featured on the front of the Extra section in the online newspaper. It also appeared in the Houston Chronicle’s “Gray Matters” online magazine and the July 24 issue of Dateline. Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/1gSv1CV

Jonathan Franzen, Salman Rushdie, Anthony Doerr part of Inprint’s 2015-6 line-up
The 2015/16 Inprint Margarett Root Brown Reading Series will hold readings at Rice’s Stude Concert Hall.
Houston Chronicle
http://bit.ly/1IoUEBg

Houston Public Library to host an Astrodome Memories Project event
The Houston Public Library’s Astrodome Memories Project is hosting an oral history and scanning event Aug. 8. The Woodson Research Center at Rice’s Fondren Library is mentioned as a partner of the project.
Houston Style Magazine
http://bit.ly/1VLlOMM

BROADCAST

Mayoral candidate King takes stand ‘no need for HERO ordinance’
Mark Jones, the Joseph D. Jamail Chair in Latin American Studies, professor of political science and fellow in political science at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, is quoted about the potential inclusion of the equal rights ordinance on the Houston mayor ballot, State Rep. Charlie Geren’s successful money-raising strategy, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s admittance to breaking a securities law, the health of Venezuela’s democracy and Pope Francisco’s visit to the U.S.
My Fox Houston
http://bit.ly/1DLzuMn
Hundreds of thousands of dollars pour into Texas House District 99 race
Star-Telegram
http://bit.ly/1MwdehJ
Top state positions cemented with campaign cash
Corpus Christi Caller-Times
http://bit.ly/1SKRYDy
Matthew Waller: Top state positions cemented with campaign cash
Abilene Reporter-News (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/1Js08QP
Paxton team is upping its spin game
Dallas Morning News
http://bit.ly/1Js2G1f
Elecciones serán prueba de fuego para el autoritarismo venezolano
El Nuevo Herald
http://hrld.us/1h261ci
El papa Francisco ya es esperado en Estados Unidos para histórica visita
Semana News (An English translation is not available.)
http://bit.ly/1GYNLFy

Crude oil export ban and Biggio in Hall of Fame: Monday’s show (July 27, 2015)
Tony Payan, the Baker Institute’s Françoise and Edward Djerejian Fellow for Mexico Studies and director of the institute’s Mexico Center, discusses Mexico’s disappointing auction of its oil and natural gas reserves.
Houston Public Media’s “Houston Matters”
http://bit.ly/1MwkmL2
First bidding round showed Mexico reform challenges, House panel told
Oil & Gas Journal
http://bit.ly/1GUNjbw

How the HERO referendum changes Houston’s mayoral race
Bob Stein, the Lena Gohlman Fox Professor of Political Science, discusses the potential inclusion of the equal rights ordinance on the Houston mayor ballot and how it will affect this year’s election.
Houston Public Media
http://bit.ly/1fDMcqO

AC says goodbye to Dr. Phillips
Alumnus Larry Phillips ’64 is retiring as Angelina College’s president.
KTRE.com
http://bit.ly/1MTAiEn

SPORTS

Warren tabs Christensen as assistant coach
Rice men’s track and field head coach Jon Warren announced the promotion of Brek Christensen to assistant coach. Former assistant coach Casey Thorn is mentioned.
Conference USA (This article also appeared in RunnerSpace.com.)
http://bit.ly/1OMW3aa

Pam-Am medals for Brampton athletes
Rice athlete Evan Karakolis competed in the men’s javelin throw at York University.
Brampton Guardian
http://bit.ly/1DLPjmk

NEWS RELEASES

Strategic management expert available to comment on Fiat Chrysler record fine, recall
Anastasiya (Annie) Zavyalova, assistant professor of strategic management at Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business, is available to discuss the historic settlement that Fiat Chrysler has reached with U.S. regulators to stave off legal problems arising from about two dozen safety recalls.
http://bit.ly/1IqsaeB

Rice Initiative for the Study of Economics to offer master’s degree in energy economics
This fall the Rice Initiative for the Study of Economics (RISE) at Rice University will begin offering a Master of Energy Economics degree.
http://bit.ly/1gjli8L