IN THEIR OWN WORDS

From advancing global water treatment technologies to championing civic engagement, Rice students like Soobin Cho ’26 and Eli Risinger ’28 are turning personal passion into powerful impact. Their journeys reflect the transformative power of community, research and donor support — and the bold futures they’re building, one breakthrough at a time.

Soobin Cho ’26

As a Ph.D. candidate in civil and environmental engineering from South Korea, Soobin Cho ’26 has found both a welcoming community and groundbreaking opportunities for research at Rice. With support from scholarships, fellowships and departmental awards, she is advancing water treatment technologies that could help solve some of the world’s most pressing resource challenges.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself and what brought you to Rice.
A: When I was considering graduate programs, diversity and support for international students were very important to me. Rice stood out as a welcoming and inclusive community. Another big factor was the Water Institute (formerly NEWT), which offered exciting, interdisciplinary research opportunities in collaboration with other universities. That combination convinced me Rice was the right place.

Q: What are you currently researching?
A: I have been able to focus my research on developing new membrane materials for water treatment. Specifically, I work with ion-exchange membranes, which can recover valuable resources like lithium, phosphate and ammonium from wastewater. These membranes are important because they improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption in water treatment systems.

Q: Can you share a moment at Rice that’s been especially meaningful to you?
A: Passing my qualifying exam was unforgettable. At the time, I wasn’t confident in my English, and I was nervous about whether I belonged in the program. Passing that exam gave me the confidence to say, “I am part of Rice. I belong here.”

Q: How has donor support shaped your experience?
A: Scholarships and departmental awards have meant a lot to me — both financially and personally. They’ve shown me that my hard work is being recognized and valued, which motivates me to keep going. That recognition has been one of the strongest sources of encouragement in my Ph.D. journey, and I am so grateful to have the support of the donor community behind me.

Q: What are your plans after completing your Ph.D.?
A: I’d like to continue in academia, either as a faculty member or researcher at a national lab. I’ve been inspired by the women researchers around me — my Principal Investigator and faculty members in my department — who are all brilliant scientists and wonderful role models. My hope is that my work will have practical benefits for people’s daily lives.

Eli Risinger ’28

Sophomore Eli Risinger ’28 never imagined himself thriving — or leading — at a place like Rice. But with the help of Rice’s generous financial aid program, he has been able to pursue three majors, serve his residential college as senator and begin shaping a future dedicated to strengthening democracy and civic trust.

Q: What brought you to Rice?
A: Honestly, I stumbled onto Rice by coincidence. My cousin had a football game at Rice Stadium, so I walked around campus and was immediately struck by how beautiful and welcoming it felt. At first, I thought Rice was just a STEM school, but after researching, I realized it was strong across the humanities and social sciences too. The residential college system sealed the deal — you’re automatically placed in a community that wants you to succeed. I knew right away that this was where I belonged.

Q: What has been one of your most memorable moments at Rice?
A: Finding out I had been elected senator for Wiess. I’m passionate about helping people and being a leader, and that role gave me the chance to create real change. Coming from a low-income, under-resourced area, I wasn’t sure if I was capable of thriving at a place like Rice, much less leading others. That moment felt like everything had come full circle.

Q: How has donor support impacted your Rice journey?
A: Rice is an incredible school, but it comes with a significant price tag. At first, I was nervous about how I’d afford it. When I was admitted, I received full tuition support, which changed everything. It lifted a huge burden and let me focus on studying and making a difference here, rather than worrying about how to pay for school. Rice really has one of the best financial aid programs in the country. It allows students like me to thrive.

Q: What are your goals after graduation?
A: My plan is to pursue a J.D./MBA, ideally at Harvard Law, and eventually earn a Ph.D. focused on how gerrymandering and demographics influence voting behavior. I’ve already worked with about 15 politicians, and I want to continue in that field — but my focus is on making people feel enfranchised and excited to vote, not manipulated or divided. My ultimate goal is to restore trust in the government and make sure everyone feels represented.