Staff Spotlight: Adrian Trömel

Assistant Vice President for Strategy and Investments, Lecturer in Entrepreneurship

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Q: How long have you worked at Rice?

A: I’ve been at Rice full time since July 2023. I’m fortunate that I’ve been able to return “inside the hedges” since earning my master’s degree at the Jones Graduate School of Business in 2018 and am now a lecturer in entrepreneurship since 2021.

Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?

A: The people and the process — I am lucky enough to work alongside and for passionate individuals who are solving some of the world’s most pressing problems. At Rice, we generate new knowledge through research and disseminate that new knowledge through publication, teaching and commercialization. Being part of the process and supporting our students and faculty is what brings me in every day.

Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?

A: Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the U.S — we resettle more refugees than any city in the Americas. With that diversity not only comes a world-class culinary scene, but from diversity of background comes diversity of thought, talent and innovation.

Q: What do you do in your downtime?

A: You’ll find me in my free time spending time with my wife and son, often cooking for them, and if weather and time allow, free diving and practicing yoga.

Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show someone?

A: A walk around the inner loop to show the oak-lined paths has to be capped by a stop at Valhalla.

Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?

A: Around April/May students and faculty are wrapping up projects, and we start to see the forms of new potential startups take shape at events like the Rice Business Plan Competition and Napier Rice Launch Challenge. This goes hand in hand with the run up to graduation as some of those new graduates get ready to become entrepreneurs.

Q: What’s the one thing that makes Rice special to you?

A: The tightness of the community — once an Owl, always an Owl! I have met Rice alumni on both sides of the Atlantic in bars and restaurants, at conferences and cafes and in all situations. The “parliament” supports their own.

Q: If you could be Sammy The Owl for a day, what would you do?

A: Only a day?! If just for a day, I’d go to the international arrivals terminal at IAH and greet those coming in from overseas. Who doesn’t love a giant owl?

Q: How would you describe your experience as a Rice employee?

A: Mission-driven every day. I know why I show up and that permeates what we do in Rice Innovation.

Q: Where do you see Rice in 25 years?

A: Rice will continue to be a leading research and teaching institution, defined by global partnerships and outstanding innovation. Rice-developed technologies will underlie some of the biggest changes to fundamental industries, generating energy, redesigning networks and saving lives amongst others.

Q: Describe Rice in four words or less.

A: Innovative, collaborative, driven.

Q: What else have we not talked about yet that merits discussion?

A: So much! From Rice’s role in Houston to our role in global efforts such as the energy transition, contributions in every layer of the value chain in artificial intelligence to supporting global diversity and equality across social, environmental, health and economic resources … those are just some of the things that come to mind.