Standardized tests have historically played a key role in graduate business school admissions. Originally, these tests — the GMAT and the GRE — were created to assess whether students were academically prepared for advanced study. The GMAT was developed in 1953 by business schools to measure skills deemed necessary for business success, including verbal, mathematical and analytical abilities.

The GRE, a more general graduate school exam, was traditionally used for non-business programs but has become increasingly accepted by MBA programs over the years.

At Rice Business, we use scores on these tests as part of a holistic review process. A strong score on either test can reinforce an applicant’s academic readiness — especially for the rigorous quantitative coursework in an MBA program. Conversely, if an applicant’s GPA is lower, a solid test score can help strengthen their case for admission.

Below are some of the key differences between the GMAT and the GRE, along with insights from Joe Soto, our director of recruiting and admissions, on the role these tests play in being admitted to a Rice MBA program.

What’s the difference between the GMAT and the GRE?

The GMAT was specifically designed for business school admissions. The newest version, called the GMAT Focus Edition, launched in 2023 and became the sole version of the exam in 2024. This version places even more emphasis on relevant business skills, with three sections:

• Quantitative reasoning (problem-solving)
• Verbal reasoning (critical reasoning and reading comprehension)
• Data insights (data literacy)

The GRE was established in 1936 by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Since 1948, the GRE has been part of the Educational Testing Service. The earliest versions of the GRE tested only for verbal and quantitative abilities and since, the GRE general test has evolved to include a verbal section, a quantitative reasoning section and an analytical writing section. 

Does Rice Business prefer the GMAT over the GRE?

Rice Business accepts scores from both tests.

“Since the GMAT was designed specifically for business schools,” Soto explains, “it aligns more closely with the skills necessary for success in an MBA program. That said, we encourage applicants to choose the test they are most comfortable with.”

Do GMAT and GRE test scores accurately predict MBA success or reflect a person’s potential in business?

Not necessarily. 

“I’ve observed applicants with average test scores excel because they were highly motivated and engaged in their program,” Soto says.  “And I’ve observed applicants with high test scores and undergraduate GPAs struggle in an MBA program because they weren’t dedicated to the program’s rigorous demands.” Ultimately, success in an MBA program depends on a combination of factors, including academic readiness, work ethic, time management and the ability to collaborate with peers.

While test scores can provide insight into an applicant’s analytical and problem-solving abilities, tests do not capture qualities like leadership, adaptability and interpersonal skills — traits that are equally critical for success in business school and beyond. 

Our admissions committee considers test scores alongside academic history, work experience, essays and interviews to get a more complete picture of an applicant’s potential. When it comes to excelling in an MBA program, strong communication skills, resilience and the ability to navigate complex business challenges often prove just as important as quantitative savvy.

Can applicants get a test waiver?

We technically require standardized test scores for all MBA programs, but waivers are available in certain cases. The Professional, Executive, Online and Hybrid MBA programs are more likely to grant waivers since applicants typically have extensive work experience. For the Full-Time MBA, waivers are available but not guaranteed.

Even if an applicant qualifies for a waiver, taking the GMAT or GRE can be beneficial — especially for those seeking merit-based scholarships.

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Are test scores helpful beyond the admissions process?

Yes. According to Soto, some employers, especially in consulting and investment banking, are going back to wanting to see GMAT or GRE scores as part of their hiring process. “A strong score can serve as another data point that signals analytical ability and problem-solving skills. Having a solid test score can give candidates an extra edge in a competitive job market.”

Additionally, many business schools, including Rice, award scholarships based on merit. A strong GMAT or GRE score can improve an applicant’s chances of securing financial aid.

How should applicants prepare for the GMAT or GRE?

Studying for a standardized test is more than just a step in the application process — it can also help applicants transition back into an academic mindset.

“Studying for these tests puts you back in the mindset of being a student,” Soto says. “It forces you to manage your time, work through complex problems and engage with material in a structured way. Many students tell us that once they start the MBA program, they’re grateful they took the test because it helped them transition back into academic life and feel more prepared for the rigorous coursework ahead.”

Here are some study tips for test-takers:

• Start early. Give yourself at least two to three months to prepare.
• Take practice tests. Simulate test conditions to build endurance.
• Focus on weak areas. If quant is a struggle, spend extra time strengthening math skills.
• Consider prep courses. A structured study plan can improve performance.

Final thoughts

Standardized tests are just one part of the MBA admissions process, but they provide valuable insight into an applicant’s readiness for business school. While Rice Business prefers the GMAT, applicants should take the test that best reflects their skills and strengths.

Beyond admissions, a strong test score can improve scholarship opportunities and even provide a long-term advantage in competitive industries. Whether applicants choose the GMAT or GRE, preparing for the test can help ease the transition back into academic life and set the stage for success in an MBA program.

Remember that the effort you put in now can pay off later.
 

Explore the Rice MBA

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Together, We Will
At Rice Business, we talk a lot about community — the relationships between faculty and students, the bonds among cohorts, and the ways we engage with both the broader Rice campus and the city of Houston. Very little here is done alone. Every program we’ve built — from multiple MBA formats to our undergraduate program to the online MBA — is a product of collaboration.

I was reminded of this collaboration recently when I attended our annual scholarship luncheon in March — a chance for us to recognize the donors who make student journeys through Rice Business possible and the students who earn these scholarships. It’s also a chance to recognize this important aspect of our tight-knit community. When talented and aspiring business students who want and deserve a Rice Business education reach out for financial support, our alumni and the broader Rice Business community steps in to bring that talent forward and make those aspirations a reality. 

That same spirit has shaped two major milestones this year. Our new building, recently “topped out”, was designed from the ground up with community in mind. And the naming of the undergraduate program — the Virani Undergraduate School of Business — reflects a generous gift from Farid and Dr. Asha Virani, Houston business and community leaders who share our belief in preparing the next generation. Their support will fund not only the undergraduate curriculum, but also new cocurricular opportunities, career readiness resources and a dedicated associate dean. 

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In January, we launched a new brand campaign to reflect the core value of community. The “Together, We Will” campaign, which complements our longtime tagline, “You Belong Here,” feels to me like the perfect expression of our culture. I’ve loved seeing it out in the world — billboards around Houston, airport security trays at IAH, and across our social and digital platforms. 

It’s important that prospective and current students alike understand that earning a Rice Business degree means joining a supportive network — expert faculty and staff at the school itself, and a powerful alumni community, bound together by shared experiences and a commitment to helping one another succeed. 

To me, “Together, We Will” is more than a campaign. It’s a rallying cry — one that was shared in partnership with alumni, faculty, staff and students — and a reflection of how we work, dream and build. It also honors everything we’ve accomplished in our first 50 years, together. 

I can’t think of a better way to begin our next chapter. Together, We Will.

—Peter

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Here are 10 things you’ll learn in this issue: 

1. Five common career roadblocks women may face — and strategies to move past them.
2. Why did we all rush to buy toilet paper in 2020? One professor breaks down a surprising cause of “panic buying.”
3. Each year, around 80,000 auto loan applications are denied to minority borrowers in the U.S. due to racial bias — even though Black and Hispanic applicants are less likely to default.
4. Banking apps aren’t just convenient — they can help you save real money.
5. Inheriting your family’s genes can be a gift — and sometimes a warning.
6. Add a kid to a photo shoot, and you get more than a picture — you get joy, surprise and a whole lot of personality.
7. AI doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, it’s helping us make better businesses, better football teams and more efficient doctor’s visits.
8. Legacy isn’t about what you leave behind — it’s about what you build every day.
9. We never know who might change our lives — or how long they’ll stay.
10. Sometimes peace shows up in unexpected places. For one veteran, it arrived in the form of honeybees.

Have a story idea to share? Write to me at maureen.harmon@rice.edu. Happy reading! 

—Maureen

Contributors

We asked, “What's in Your Podcast Queue?”

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Ty Burke

Currently in my podcast queue: “The Power Broker,” by “99% Invisible.” Its episodes run nearly three hours each, but the enthusiasm and humor of its hosts, Elliott Kalan and Roman Mars, are contagious and bring the sometimes arcane subject matter alive.

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Cameron Karsten

I backpacked around the globe, carrying little besides a pen, a notebook and a Nikon. A love of travel developed into a love of storytelling with words and pictures. I built a career as a photographer and director. I listen to “Radiolab” and “This American Life,” both currently queued.

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Helen Huneycutt

I am currently obsessed with Tom Holland, Dominic Sandbrook and their “The Rest Is History” podcast. I’m listening to episode 428, “Titanic: Kings of the World,” and I highly recommend the live recordings on Mozart and Beethoven.

The sun lay low on the horizon as the hive opened and a cloud of honeybees filled the air around him. Steve Jimenez took a slow step forward, peering anxiously through the veil of his full-body suit. He didn’t know much about beekeeping, but he had agreed to the adventure when his friend, a fellow veteran, invited him along. The steady hum of the bees offered an unexpected sense of calm, and the cladding of the suit began to feel familiar. As each hive was opened, his unease faded — after all, this wasn’t his first venture into the unknown.

Just over a decade earlier, Jimenez was a junior at Texas A&M University studying engineering. But after learning this path would require an extra year in school, he switched to sociology. A few weeks after graduating, the 22-year-old enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, driven by the events of 9/11, encouragement from his high school pals and a natural inclination to lead others. 

Jimenez made his way through rigorous training — including 10 weeks of Officer Candidates School, six months of The Basic School and six months in Basic Communications Officer School — and then on to Miramar, San Diego, where he was stationed. Over the next eight months, his deployment took him across 17 countries, where he engaged in kinetic operations, humanitarian aid and piracy operations. 

When his service ended in 2011, he returned to civilian life, only to find it lacked the structure, purpose and camaraderie he had grown accustomed to during his time in the Marine Corps. Though he began a successful career in manufacturing operations as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, he continued to search for something more fulfilling. 

At that first beekeeping event in 2018, Jimenez admired the little insects and their dedication to order, teamwork and the greater good — values he had lived by as a U.S. Marine but had struggled to rediscover since his return from service. For so many veterans, the transition to civilian life is clouded by addiction, depression and self-harm. His own transition was not easy. But from his first interaction with the honeybees, Jimenez felt a strong sense of purpose and stability. “When I focused on the beehive, all of my external concerns dissolved,” he says. Referring to this feeling as “chaos to calmness,” Jimenez shares that the adrenaline rush of working with bees offered a profound sense of peace — one that he hadn’t felt in years. 

That first experience was the start of a mutual relationship with bees that would grow to benefit thousands. Eager to share the same sense of solace in nature, Jimenez founded Hives for Heroes. Since 2018, the nonprofit has supported more than 150,000 hives across the United States and built a nationwide network of participants — including active-duty members, veterans, first responders and civilians from all walks of life. Once new members apply online, the “NewBEEs” receive instant access to education, community and resources designed for their success. If available geographically, they are paired with a nearby mentor to guide them in the art and science of caring for beehives year-round. 

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Mentors of both military and civilian backgrounds are welcome, Jimenez emphasizes, and should show three years of successful beekeeping experience through all seasons. NewBEEs and mentors meet regularly to ensure that the bees are working, the colony is thriving and the queen is safe. Yet the priority continues to be connection, community and encouragement. After harvesting the honey, Hives for Heroes volunteers can choose to sell their own goods — ranging from local honey to beeswax candles — as their own business or pay it forward by giving back to the “hive.” 

Best of all, Hives for Heroes is accessible to Heroes in every state, with designated leaders across the country. Fostering relationships is central to the organization’s mission, which is grounded in four core values: connection, purpose, relationships and service. Regardless which branch of the military they served in, all veterans made the same commitment and sacrifice, says Jimenez, which is why Hives for Heroes prioritizes opening doors, offering resources and giving back. 

“What helped me adjust to civilian life was allowing amazing people, who had experienced this before, to share their successes with me through mentorship,” Jimenez says. “Now, that is our goal for Hives for Heroes.” The investment of time, talent, knowledge and resources can be life changing. 

For Jimenez, beekeeping became both a personal refuge and a way to continue serving others. “There is a lot of healing in bees, but there’s also a lot of healing in connecting with others,” he says. Hives for Heroes strives to share that remedy with as many Heroes as possible, and all are welcomed. Jimenez also reflects fondly on his opportunity to study sociology in college, which deepened his understanding of relationships and helped him lead thousands of volunteers within the organization. 

In its mission to unite veterans with nature through mentorship, Hives for Heroes isn’t just saving bees — it’s saving lives. “This is an opportunity to connect again,” says Jimenez. “If we can serve one person in a capacity that changes their life, then Hives for Heroes has accomplished its mission.” 

To learn more about Hives for Heroes, sponsor their mission or get involved in your region, visit hivesforheroes.org. 

Want more on Jimenez’s mission and Hives for Heroes? Hear his full story on the podcast: business.rice.edu/jimenez.

Check out our fall issue to hear from students in the Full-Time, Executive and Professional MBA programs.
 

What does artificial intelligence look like in the real world? For some, it’s synonymous with tools like ChatGPT and Gemini. For others, it’s the stuff of robots, algorithms and futuristic technologies that feel distant from everyday life.

For Rice Business alumni, AI isn’t confined to Silicon Valley or the buzz surrounding large language models (LLMs). Instead, it’s a hands-on way to solve pressing challenges and enhance human capabilities in industries that touch our everyday lives. Rice Business grads are transforming how doctors interact with patients, how tradespeople run diagnostics and how classrooms operate — proving that AI is already transforming life and work in meaningful ways.

Here, we spotlight a few of these innovators. Their work isn’t about innovation for its own sake — it’s about creating solutions that are accessible, equitable and impactful.

Smarter Tools, Stronger Trades 

Allison Knight ’10 envisions a future where AI doesn’t just revolutionize industries — it empowers the people working within them.

An entrepreneur turned AI innovator, Knight sold her first company to Honeywell in 2019 and was profiled in Forbes the following year. Now, she is uniquely positioned to drive innovation in the blue-collar trades with Alaris. Her company, which launched in beta this January, offers tools designed to help junior technicians become veteran performers. A simple AI sidekick uses SMS to provide the exact info they need, based on the serviced facility’s data — no new apps, no extra training, just answers when they need them.

Why bring AI to the trades? For Knight, artificial intelligence is about more than improving workflows — it’s about leveling the playing field for industries often left behind by advancements in tech. “We need AI to work for everyone,” she says. It’s her mission to make these technologies accessible and practical, equipping workers with smarter tools to enhance, rather than replace, their expertise.

“Imagine a plumber diagnosing a complex system issue in minutes instead of hours,” Knight explains. “With AI-powered tools, they can pinpoint the exact problem, find the best solution and even access step-by-step guidance instantly. It’s about giving tradespeople the resources they need to work more efficiently and confidently, while opening up time for more jobs or a better work-life balance.”

Knight sees a clear connection between innovation and equity. “Making AI accessible isn’t just about the technology,” she says. “When you bring these tools to traditionally overlooked industries, you’re not just improving processes — you’re creating pathways for more people to thrive in their work. These are skilled professionals who deserve the same level of support that’s transformed other sectors.”

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Metrics in Motion 

Imagine this: a high school quarterback practicing on an empty field under the glow of stadium lights. With every throw, every step, his movements are captured by a simple mobile app, analyzed instantly and transformed into personalized coaching insights. Down the road, a weekend golfer at the driving range uses the same technology to refine her swing, tweaking angles and posture in real time.

These moments aren’t just science fiction — they’re snapshots of a future that’s already here. At the forefront of this transformation are Scott Deans ’22 and Jason Bell ’22, co-founders of BeONE Sports (along with former Rice student-athlete James McNaney ’20). BeONE Sports is pioneering the world’s first AI recognition model designed specifically for sports movements, combining advanced analytics with a bold mission: to make elite-level performance insights accessible to athletes everywhere, no matter their skill level or resources.

“Every position, every movement has critical moments,” Deans explains. “Take a quarterback, for instance — understanding their throwing mechanics and footwork can be the difference between a touchdown and an interception.” Using computer vision AI, BeONE Sports pinpoints key aspects of athletic performance, offering personalized insights into how athletes move, train and improve.

BeONE Sports’ mission is clear: democratize access to advanced sports analytics. Deans envisions a world where every athlete, from high school volleyball players to weekend ultimate Frisbee champions, can benefit from data-driven training traditionally reserved for elite teams. “You don’t need a million-dollar training facility anymore,” Deans says. “All you need is a mobile app and a desire to get better.” BeONE Sports’ platform is 100% mobile and entirely visual, empowering users to analyze their movements in real time, whether on the field, in the gym or at home.

BeONE Sports is also addressing a broader issue in sports tech: its siloed nature. “There’s an irony in sports tech — everyone’s playing their own game, but no one’s collaborating,” Deans says. BeONE Sports aims to create systems that integrate with other technologies, fostering a more cohesive ecosystem for athletes and coaches alike. They’ve established partnerships with Rice Athletics, the 2025 Hula Bowl and the United States Air Force.

For Deans and his team, it’s about more than building better athletes. It’s about collaboration, accessibility and showing the versatility of AI in human movement.

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The Future of Learning 

Education has always been about shaping the future — but what if the future could help shape education? For Corey Layne Crouch ’13, this isn’t just a rhetorical question. It’s a call to action.

As the founding chief program officer at AI for Education, Crouch is defining how schools integrate artificial intelligence. Her work is grounded in a belief that AI should enhance education, not overwhelm it. By empowering school leaders, teachers and students to engage with AI in meaningful, ethical and effective ways, she’s ensuring the technology becomes a tool for progress, not just a passing trend.

“AI can’t be a one-size-fits-all solution,” she explains. “Our goal is to provide the knowledge and tools that meet educators where they are, so they can confidently use AI to improve outcomes for their students.”

AI for Education focuses on three core pillars: AI safety, ethics and effectiveness. Through workshops, professional development and tailored consulting, her team equips educators to navigate the complexities of AI while fostering innovation in their classrooms.

For Crouch, accessibility is key. “We’re not just training technologists; we’re building AI literacy for everyone in the education ecosystem,” she says. This includes helping school districts develop AI policies, pilot tools responsibly and implement strategies that align with their unique needs. Her work has already reached hundreds of thousands of educators, sparking meaningful change in classrooms across the country. From teaching educators how to experiment safely with AI tools to equipping students with the critical thinking skills they’ll need in an AI-driven world, Crouch’s mission is deeply human-centered. “Education is about preparing young people for the world they’ll inherit,” she notes. “If we want them to thrive, we have to meet them at the intersection of technology and possibility.”

Crouch isn’t interested in hype or empty promises. Instead, she’s focused on creating practical pathways for educators and students to thrive. For her, AI isn’t just about what’s possible tomorrow — it’s about making a difference in classrooms today.

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Power Shift 

As founder and CEO of AI Driller, Marat Zaripov ’16 is making data more accessible to those on the front lines of oil and gas. His company uses video AI tech to automate reporting, analyze complex datasets, enhance performance and bolster safety in the industry. Since launching in 2017, AI Driller has captured an impressive 20%-30% of the global market, assisting major E&P companies and smaller independents streamline processes and boost efficiency.

Imagine a drilling operation in the Permian Basin of southwest Texas where, traditionally, a team of engineers would need to be on-site, manually monitoring equipment and compiling data into reports. With AI Driller’s platform, all operational data is automatically collected, processed and visualized in real time. If an anomaly occurs during drilling or completions process, the system immediately flags the issue, sends an alert to the engineering team working remotely in office, and provides actionable recommendations based on historical data patterns.

“Our goal is to simplify complex information so it’s actionable for everyone on the site,” Zaripov says, speaking over video chat from nine time zones away, in Saudia Arabia. “Drilling and completions generate an enormous amount of data every second. The challenge isn’t just collecting it — it’s knowing how to use it in real time.”

By automating reports and creating user-friendly interfaces, AI Driller empowers operators and engineers to make quicker, data-driven decisions without being bogged down by technical hurdles. This approach not only improves efficiency but also fosters a culture of innovation across teams and enhances communication, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and can respond swiftly to any issues that arise.

Zaripov knows technology alone isn’t enough — his company’s DNA is all about education and collaboration. “Eighty percent of our time with customers is spent on training them on AI, not selling it. If we want tech to transform the industry, we need to make sure people understand it and feel confident using it,” he explains.

True transformation comes when technology empowers people — and Zaripov believes that confident, informed users are the key to unlocking the future of energy.

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A Doctor’s New Assistant 

In the busy world of health care, every minute counts. For Alissa Milliner ’23, those minutes are better spent with patients than paperwork. As a clinical impact specialist at Ambience Healthcare, Milliner is helping redefine provider-patient interactions with ambient AI, a listening technology that transforms conversations into fully formed visit notes in seconds. By lightening the documentation burden, Milliner’s work allows health care providers, such as doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, to focus on what matters most: patient care.

“One of the biggest challenges in health care is how much of providers’ time is consumed by note-taking and real-time documentation,” Milliner explains. “Our technology changes that. It frees providers to concentrate more on their patients during visits, improving both the care they provide and the overall interaction.”

As a former nurse practitioner, Milliner knows firsthand the strains of excessive documentation processes. “Providers spend hours after shifts completing notes,” she says. “It’s not sustainable, and it takes away from what drew many of us to the profession: helping people.” She recalls a recent case where Ambience’s AI made an immediate impact. “The lead physician was skeptical at first,” she says. “But after just a week, she called it a game-changer. She could finally leave work on time without taking charts home, freeing up hours for her patients and personal life.”

Milliner’s transition to the tech world was fueled by her time at Rice Business. “The MBA gave me the confidence to pivot into a completely different space,” she says. “It wasn’t just about learning business skills — it was about understanding how to translate my health care experience into meaningful innovation.”

Ambience Healthcare specializes in tailored AI solutions for providers across specialties, from oncology to pediatrics. Their platform adapts to unique needs, seamlessly integrating into workflows. Cardiologists, surgeons, family doctors — they all need different kinds of documentation support. “Our technology ensures it serves the specific needs of every user,” Milliner says. To ensure trust, Ambience’s systems are fully HIPAA-compliant. “Data security is nonnegotiable,” Milliner emphasizes. “We meet and exceed industry standards to protect sensitive patient information.”

The work is also about more than provider efficiency — it’s about demystifying AI in the medical field and enhancing human potential. “AI doesn’t have to be scary,” she says. “When used correctly, it makes care more efficient and improves outcomes for everyone involved.” Her work is a testament to how technology, at its best, supports the people who need it most, creating a smarter, more compassionate future.

Can AI Help Make Decisions Without Protected Attributes?

As AI takes on a bigger role in business and policy, one question looms large: Can it predict consumer behavior while being agnostic to consumers’ protected attributes (e.g., race and gender)?

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Professor Piyush Anand’s research suggests the answer is yes. His work explores adversarial AI, a technique that trains models to focus on meaningful factors while ignoring information pertinent to protected attributes like race. The result? Smarter decision-making while safeguarding protected attributes.

Tested in both simulations and real-world data, Anand’s approach outperforms traditional methods, offering businesses and policymakers a way to make data-driven choices in the presence of protected attributes — whether in marketing, education or consumer health care.

As AI continues shaping industries, research like this shows that technology can be both powerful and neutral to protected attributes — if designed with intention.

Owl Have You Know

Season 5, Episode 5

In this special live episode of Owl Have You Know, James Weston, the senior associate dean for degree programs and Harmon Whittington Professor of Finance, reflects on his 25 years at Rice University.

Join James and host Maya Pomroy ’22 as they explore his journey from the Federal Reserve to Rice Business, the evolution of the school over the past two and a half decades, and his vision for the school's future. They also dive deep into his groundbreaking research on racial disparities in auto loan pricing — a study that uncovered significant biases against minority borrowers.

Plus, get the inside scoop on his experience running a bar in Rice Village.

Watch

Listen

Check out James' Rice Business Wisdom article to learn more about his research on racial disparities in auto lending.

Subscribe to Owl Have You Know on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube or wherever you find your favorite podcasts.

It was supposed to be a celebration. Buoyed by his quick recovery from heart surgery at age 45, Mark Barvin felt well enough to enjoy a dinner at his favorite restaurant with his young sons, Daniel and Josh. Their meal began smoothly — but as they ate, Mark became nauseated and physically ill. The brothers feared postsurgical complications, but the argument with their father afterward was what really stunned them. In a baffling turn, their dad became fixated on the food — and refused to leave until his sons had packed up every last bit to bring home.

At the time, Daniel Barvin was just a middle schooler. And the dad he knew was a towering figure — 6-foot-6-inches, about 250 pounds — and a gregarious, outgoing man who lit up any conversation. His behavior at the restaurant was uncharacteristic for their father and confusing and scary for the boys. 

That night marked the beginning of a profound transformation — the start of what would be a 15-year decline. Although Mark’s heart had been repaired, his mind was beginning to fail. Over the years that followed, Barvin watched as his dad’s mental faculties diminished — along with his social awareness, inhibition and the ability to plan and process. And eventually, he came to understand these changes offered a glimpse of his own possible future.

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Given Barvin’s family history — losing his father, grandfather, an aunt and an uncle to neurodegenerative diseases — he decided to confront the unknown. Seeking answers, he signed up for a longitudinal research study in Boston in 2018. The deaths in his family pointed to a likely culprit: the C9orf72 gene expansion, a genetic variant that puts carriers at high risk of developing frontotemporal dementia (FTD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or possibly both. If Barvin carried that mutation, he certainly wanted to know, and he wanted to ensure his father’s fate wouldn’t repeat as his own. His goal was to use scientific breakthroughs in genetic testing to take power over his future. 

On his third visit to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, his wife, Kaori Matsui (Rice B.Mus. ’14, M.Mus.’16, Shepherd School of Music) came along to get the results. “The genetic counselor said, ‘I’m so sorry to tell you this, but you are a genetic carrier,’” recalls Barvin. He was 29 at the time. His family members had started to show symptoms of decline in their mid-40s. 

Matsui was devastated. They had gotten married just six months prior — and there had already been talk of children. A genetic diagnosis meant that her husband’s future might be cut short, like his father’s. It also meant he had a 50% chance of passing the mutation on to their future children. 

Barvin, on the other hand, seemed to take the news a little easier. “I’d watched my father’s generation be decimated by these diseases, and I felt powerless,” says Barvin. Now, though, he had some answers and with answers came empowerment. 

Then came the big question: What now? With no path for an asymptomatic carrier, caught in a limbo between health and an inevitable decline, Barvin found himself adrift. When he tried to receive clinical care, he was turned away. “They said, ‘You don’t have ALS. Come back when you do.’” 

Worse, his proactive search for medical guidance had unintended consequences. A later attempt to secure private health insurance was denied — his genetic status was now a red flag in the system. 

Although the Ice Bucket Challenge had generated buzz about ALS just four years earlier, the genetic ALS and FTD communities had few to no resources. “No one was speaking out,” says Barvin. But he soon learned he was far from alone. “We’ve learned that there are hundreds of thousands of people who either carry or are at risk of carrying one of these mutations.” 

For years, he had lived under the shadow of his family's illness, dreading an uncertain fate. But now, he saw an opportunity: He could stop the mutation’s journey through his family line. And he could ensure that others didn’t have to navigate this journey alone. 

“I had felt alone for so long,” he says. “But finally, I didn’t have to be afraid of the unknown. I could be empowered by the path before me.”

Dr. Stanley Appel, a neurologist at Houston Methodist, has spent a career in medicine working to discover insights to treat several neurodegenerative disorders by focusing on Tregs, or regulatory T-cells, cells responsible for immune responses in the body. What he saw in his studies holds great promise for those suffering from neurodegenerative, autoimmune and metabolic diseases.

As Appel was researching and refining his theory around Treg modalities, Barvin was rethinking his career. He had spent years in the oil and gas industry, then moved to wealth management. He’d found success, but not fulfillment. His family’s battle with neurodegenerative disease, his Rice MBA and his genetic diagnosis all led him toward a new mission. He founded Genetic ALS & FTD: End the Legacy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to education, research participation and patient advocacy. Together with other patient advocates, he connected families to studies, pushed for systemic change and amplified the voices of those carrying a genetic fate they didn’t choose. 

But advocacy didn’t pay the bills. And now, with a growing family — conceived through IVF to ensure Barvin and Matsui’s children wouldn’t inherit C9orf72 — he needed a career that aligned with his purpose. 

That’s when the call came. 

Howard Berman, who had attended Rice Business and earned his Ph.D. from Cornell, had been watching Barvin’s work. He had just licensed Appel’s Treg therapy and needed someone to help bring it to market. “He said, ‘Daniel, will you help me commercialize Dr. Appel’s Treg therapy for ALS?’” 

The answer was easy. 

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In 2021, Coya Therapeutics was born, and the race to bring progress to patients and families had begun. Barvin was Coya’s first employee. His title: vice president of operations and patient advocacy. 

At its core, neurodegenerative disease is a wildfire of inflammation. In a healthy body, inflammation is a natural response — a defense mechanism against injury or illness. But in diseases like ALS and Alzheimer’s, the fire never stops. It rages through motor neurons unchecked, destroying everything in its path. 

For decades, treatments focused on slowing neuron death. Appel, however, had a different goal: to restore balance. Coya’s therapy combines two approaches — one to boost Treg function and another to reduce inflammation — rekindling the body’s ability to regulate itself.

The science is promising. The stakes are enormous. 

Coya Therapeutics continues to make strides in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases. The company plans to advance its investigational ALS therapeutic in 2025, with a phase two study set to begin this year and topline results expected in 2026. Coya is also anticipating data for its FTD program and exploring partnership opportunities for its Alzheimer’s disease program. 

“Neurodegenerative diseases are unique from other devastating cases,” says Coya CEO Arun Swaminathan. 

“It’s not just the emotional toll of a diagnosis; families face very real sacrifices, like sacrificing jobs or personal interests to provide care."

"You watch the patient change — they don’t recognize you, and you hardly recognize them. I’ve worked on oncology, cardiovascular and rheumatoid arthritis products, but neuroscience attracted me because there are so few options available. It’s an area in which, as an industry, we’ve hardly made a dent.” 

While many view a cure as the ultimate hope, Swaminathan understands that progress lies in stabilizing disease progression and enhancing patient well-being. “A cure remains an aspirational goal,” he explains, “but our current efforts are about chipping away at the barriers these conditions impose — making them manageable and ensuring people can live empowered, meaningful lives. There’s still much work to be done, and every improvement is a victory.” 

Indeed, for Barvin, every advancement is personal. He has undergone seven spinal taps to contribute data to the Dominant Inherited ALS Study (DIALS), which tracks gene carriers like him to identify early biomarkers of disease. Each procedure inches researchers closer to a breakthrough. In the meantime, Barvin’s nonprofit, End the Legacy, has opened the first clinical care center dedicated to asymptomatic patients at risk for — or patients already suffering from — FTD and ALS, in partnership with ALS Hope Foundation and Temple University’s neurology department. 

Barvin doesn’t know how much time he has before symptoms appear. But he does know this: The future is not yet written. And he refuses to let fear dictate his story. In fact, he’s sharing his story everywhere he can so that others know there’s hope. Barvin and his family recently filmed a documentary, “Come Back When You’re Sick,” which will be out this year. 

“Every step we take brings us closer to a brighter future for people with neurodegenerative diseases,” he says. “I may not be able to change my genetics. But I can shape what happens next.” 

Get to Know Daniel Barvin

Barvin opens up about his personal and professional journeys on the Owl Have You Know podcast. You can watch the video recording of his podcast episode below or listen to the podcast episode wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. 

Business, engineering and computing schools ranked in top 30; English program surges 15 spots

Rice University continues to stand out for its academic excellence with several graduate programs earning high marks in the latest edition of U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Graduate Schools” rankings.

The George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing maintains its strong position at No. 26 in the nation with several engineering disciplines ranked in the top 30. Among them, two programs are ranked in the top 10: biomedical/bioengineering (No. 10), environmental engineering (No. 10), computer engineering (No. 21), civil engineering (No. 23), chemical engineering (No. 25), computer science (No. 25, climbing two spots from last year, while its specialty in programming languages ranked No. 21), electrical engineering (No. 27), materials engineering (No. 21, a rise of five spots from last year) and mechanical engineering (No. 30).

The Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business also earned recognition, ranked No. 29 nationally. Its entrepreneurship program is ranked No. 9, and the professional MBA program, ranked in the part-time MBA category, has risen two spots to No. 13.

Other Rice programs in the social sciences and humanities also saw impressive rankings, including English (No. 26, a rise of 15 spots), sociology (No. 28, up six spots), political science (No. 33), history (No. 34), economics (No. 46) and psychology (No. 62). U.S. News did not review any natural sciences disciplines this year.

The U.S. News & World Report rankings are one of the most closely watched annual surveys of graduate and professional programs, compiling data from expert opinion surveys about program excellence and statistical indicators that measure the quality of faculty, research, students and their postgraduate outcomes. This year’s rankings reflect data from surveys conducted in fall 2024 and early 2025.

“We are proud to see Rice’s graduate programs consistently recognized among the best in the nation,” Rice President Reginald DesRoches said. “These rankings reflect the dedication and talent of our faculty, staff and graduate students who are committed to advancing knowledge and solving real-world challenges. I’m excited to watch our programs continue to innovate and inspire as they build on their exceptional momentum.”

Amy Dittmar, the Howard R. Hughes Provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, credits the hard work and collaboration of Rice’s faculty, deans and academic leaders, including Seiichi Matsuda and his team in the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

“Rice provides a personalized and collaborative learning environment for graduate students, where academic excellence thrives,” Dittmar said. “We nurture individual success and champion interdisciplinary research, and these latest rankings serve as a testament to the impactful work happening here every day.”

Matsuda, dean of graduate and postdoctoral studies, noted, “Our graduate programs excel because of the caliber of our students and their capacity to engage in pathbreaking research and scholarship. As we continue to grow and enhance our offerings, we remain dedicated to providing new opportunities for students to make a global impact and drive positive change.”

Learn more about the U.S. News rankings here.