Rice University alumna named Schwarzman Scholar

Rice University alumna Fay Pauly ’15 is among the 140 people chosen for the 2018 class of Schwarzman Scholars. She will receive a fully funded scholarship for postgraduate study at Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University in Beijing.

Fay Pauly

The Schwarzman Scholars program, which began in 2016, is designed to prepare its graduates to build stronger relationships between China and the rapidly changing world and to address the most pressing challenges of the 21st century. The scholars were chosen on the basis of intellectual capacity and leadership potential from more than 3,000 applicants.

Pauly graduated from Rice with a degree in mechanical engineering and has been working as a field engineer in Vernal, Utah, for Anadarko Petroleum. At Schwarzman College she will pursue her master’s degree in global affairs.

“I am interested in addressing climate change through influencing private industry, whether through a consulting, analytical or business role,” Pauly said. “China is playing an enormous role in energy on all fronts, and I am incredibly excited to have this opportunity to study there.”

Pauly said she believes the experiential aspects of the program, such as exposure to Chinese business and mentors, make the program unique.

“I am also looking forward to meeting and learning from the other scholars, who I’m sure will have fascinating stories and experiences to share,” she said.

Schwarzman Scholars spend a year immersed in an international community of thinkers, innovators and senior leaders in business, politics and society.