Directors:

 

Hannah Li, Biosciences and Studio Arts

Hi! My name is Hannah, I’m currently a sophomore, majoring in Cell Biology and Genetics and Studio Arts. I participated in Science Olympiad all throughout high school, specializing in events like Forensics, Disease Detectives, and Chemistry Lab. These cherished memories from hectic Science Olympiad competitions and bonding with my teammates were largely what led me to my current passions for research and STEM outreach. I’m so excited to serve as a co-director for Rice’s first-ever Regionals Competition, and first in-person competition since the pandemic! In my free time, you can find me drawing, running around the Outer Loop, or exploring the food scene in Houston!

 

 

Aishani Gargapati, Biosciences ’24

Hi! My name is Aishani Gargapati. I am interested in contributing to the Rice SOAA as I would like to give back to the Science Olympiad community that has shaped me into the individual I am today. Science Olympiad deepened my passion for STEM from a young age. I participated in Science Olympiad from elementary school and developed a strong interest in STEM and STEM outreach. I enjoyed participating in fascinating events, such as Anatomy and Physiology, Dynamic Planet, and Experimental Design. I look forward to collaborating with the Rice SOAA team this year!

 

Emily Liu, Biosciences and Economics ’25

I did Science Olympiad from 6th grade till I graduated high school, so Scioly holds a special place in my heart. A major reason I chose to apply to Rice was because I attended Rice’s invitational during high school. Because of this, I really hope to pay it forward and provide a similar experience through Rice SOAA to current middle school/high school students in the hopes they continue their passion for STEM!

 

 

 

 

 

Sponsor:

Dr. Richard Gordon, Keck Professor of Geophysics, Earth Science Department

Chem & Lab Managers:

Amy He, Computer Science and Business ’25

I joined SOAA because I was heavily involved with my Science Olympiad club back in high school, and I wanted to give back to the same community that fostered my love for STEM!

 

 

 

 

Victor Caycedo, Chemistry ’25

I participated in Sci Oly throughout high school, and the club not only meant a lot to me for the competition and the friends I made, but it really fostered my interest in science and taught me a lot of great skills for researching topics and studying. I see this club as a great opportunity to give back and try to foster a love of science in others, as well as create an environment of growth for them to learn just like I did.

Study Event Managers:

Cindy Han, Biosciences ’24

I joined Rice SOAA not only to improve my critical thinking and logistics skills when preparing for our events, but to share in and promote the curiosity and sense of community Science Olympiad fosters.

 

 

 

 

 

Suchir Misra, Biosciences ’24

I really enjoyed competing in Science Olympiad in high school and wanted to give back to the community! I also generally find organizing events and logistics interesting, so helping organize tournaments at Rice naturally attracted me to SOAA.

 

 

 

 

 

Build Event Managers:

Mitchell Han

Hi! My name is Mitchell and I have participated in Science Olympiad in middle school and high school. I’ve also coached many teams over the years and thoroughly enjoyed my time in the program. I’m so excited to give back to community through Rice SOAA, allowing other students to pursue their passions in STEM as I did.

 

 

 

 

 

Website Manager:

Sarah Guo, Statistics and Health Sciences ’26

 

I joined SOAA because Science Olympiad was a formative part of my high school experience. I loved competing in tournaments, exploring new topics within STEM, and building memories with all of my teammates. Through SOAA, I hope to give back to this important community by organizing Rice’s Regional Tournament and mentoring other students interested in science and problem-solving!