OISS is happy to organize events and activities during the summer and winter breaks. All international students and scholars, as well as their family members, are welcome to attend any and all of our activities. For more information, please see our Event Calendar.
The full schedule for our 2025 Winter Events is coming soon!
Winter 2025 Events
- Inaugural International Research Symposium
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The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) is pleased to welcome you to the Inaugural OISS Research Symposium, to be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025. This event will highlight the diverse and innovative research conducted by international scholars at Rice University.
Meet The Researchers
- Fatma Zürnacı Yetiş
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Fatma Zurnaci Yetis is a Research Assistant in the Department of Mathematics Engineering at Istanbul Technical University, Turkiye. She received her Ph.D. in 2022. She is currently a Visiting Scholar in the Department of Computer Science at Rice University. She is conducting her postdoctoral research project titled Quantum Splines under the supervision of Prof. Ron Goldman. This project is supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkiye (TUBITAK). Her research interests include Computer Aided Geometric Design (CAGD), approximation theory, and special functions.
- Christian Sandoval Pauker
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Christian received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from The University of Texas at El Paso in 2024, where he focused on computational investigations of transition metal photoredox catalysts. He earned his M.S. in Environment, Quality, and Prevention Management Systems from Universidad Internacional de la Rioja (2018) and his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Escuela Politécnica Nacional (2016). He joined Rice University as a J. Evans Attwell Welch Postdoctoral Fellow in August 2024, supported by the Smalley-Curl Institute. His research in Prof. Thomas P. Senftle's group employs electronic structure methods to advance the development of photo- and electrocatalysts for removing perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water.
His research poster title is: Self-regenerating iron cycle enables efficient electrochemical oxidation and defluorination of PFAS using iron oxide electrodes
- Jieze 'Jesse' Zhang
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His research poster title is: Molecular Basis on the Role of Matrix Proteins in the Replication Cycle of Deltainfluenzavirus
- Maryam R. Faghihi
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Her research poster title is: Resource-mediated Patterns of Sexual Size Dimorphism, Adult Emergence, and Sex Ration in Synergus Wasps (Hymenoptera Cynipidae.
- Ali Raza Sial
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His research poster title is: Testing the Test: A Comparative Look at Catalyst Evaluation Techniques
- Marlene Fuhr
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Her research poster title is: Multi-patient biophysical brain connectivity modeling with gray–white matter differentiation from stimulation-evoked potentials
- NASA Johnson Space Center
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Join the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) for an exciting trip to the NASA Johnson Space Center, home to America’s astronaut training and mission control! Participants will have the opportunity to explore exhibits, learn about space exploration, and experience one of Houston’s most iconic destinations.
🚌 Transportation will be provided.
🎟️ Seats are limited—reserve your spot early!
- SAVE THE DATE: Houston Rockets Game
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Join the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) for an exciting Winter Program outing to see the Houston Rockets in action! Experience the energy of an NBA game, cheer with fellow Rice students, and enjoy one of Houston’s favorite pastimes.
For Summer Events in previous years, please click here.
For Winter Events in previous years, please click here.