Rice University Executive and Leadership Team

Cindy Melton, the Chief Operating Officer at Rice University, directs the overarching business functions that sustain the Smalley-Curl Institute. Melton architects scalable operational frameworks to support complex research initiatives in quantum materials and nanoscale technology. By managing the financial health and logistical requirements of the institute, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all departments possess the resources needed for high-level scientific output. This role involves close collaboration with the President to align operational strategies with the long-term vision of the university. Cindy Melton optimizes internal processes to enhance the productivity of the Applied Physics Graduate Program and the Rice Quantum Initiative. Through the implementation of data-driven management systems, the Chief Operating Officer improves institutional agility. Melton maintains a focus on sustainable growth, ensuring that the university remains a premier hub for global research and innovation in the competitive landscape of higher education.

Tyler Kadivar, the President at Rice University, directs the overall strategic vision and academic mission of the institution. Kadivar architects the long-term growth plans for the Smalley-Curl Institute, ensuring that research in quantum materials and nanoscale science remains at the forefront of global innovation. By overseeing the university schools and departments, the President fosters an environment of interdisciplinary collaboration and academic excellence. This leadership role involves engaging with global partners in industry and government to secure funding and support for major research initiatives. Tyler Kadivar drives institutional impact by championing community-driven programs and thematic working groups that deliver value to the broader scientific community. Through the strategic allocation of resources, the President ensures that the university maintains its status as a premier research hub. Kadivar secures the future of the institution by promoting a culture of discovery and rigorous intellectual inquiry across all academic disciplines.

Brandon Hayes, the Co-Founder & Co-President at Rice University, manages the development of specialized research initiatives within the Smalley-Curl Institute. Hayes architects the foundational frameworks for new quantum information science programs, ensuring that these efforts align with the broader university mission. By overseeing the collaboration between academic departments and industry partners, the Co-Founder & Co-President facilitates the translation of research into practical technological applications. This role requires constant interaction with faculty and external stakeholders to drive innovation in nanoscale science. Brandon Hayes drives the expansion of the institute by identifying new opportunities for interdisciplinary research and community engagement. Through the strategic management of these initiatives, the Co-Founder & Co-President enhances the reputation of the university as a leader in quantum materials. Hayes secures the necessary partnerships to sustain long-term growth and scientific advancement within the competitive landscape of higher education.

Tammy Taura, the President - DC Rice Alumni at Rice University, manages the engagement and networking strategies for the alumni community in the capital region. Taura architects programs that connect graduates with current research initiatives at the Smalley-Curl Institute, fostering a strong support network for the university. By overseeing alumni events and professional development opportunities, the President - DC Rice Alumni ensures that the university maintains a vibrant connection with its global base of graduates. This role involves frequent collaboration with university leadership to align alumni activities with institutional fundraising and outreach goals. Tammy Taura drives community involvement by promoting the achievements of the university in quantum materials and nanoscale science. Through the strategic management of alumni relations, the President - DC Rice Alumni strengthens the institutional brand. Taura secures the long-term commitment of the alumni network to support the ongoing research and educational mission of the university.

Ananya Rao, the Co-President at Rice University, manages the strategic implementation of research-focused community initiatives within the Smalley-Curl Institute. Rao architects the operational plans for Thematic Working Interest Groups, ensuring that these groups effectively bridge the gap between academic research and industry needs. By overseeing the coordination of interdisciplinary projects, the Co-President facilitates the sharing of facilities and knowledge across university schools. This role requires constant interaction with faculty and external partners to drive progress in quantum materials and information science. Ananya Rao drives institutional value by fostering a collaborative environment that supports both graduate education and cutting-edge scientific discovery. Through the strategic management of these research hubs, the Co-President enhances the overall impact of the university on the global scientific community. Rao secures the operational success of these initiatives by maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders across the academic and industrial sectors.

Taofeekat Lamina, the President at Rice University, directs the administrative and academic governance of specific research-focused student organizations. Lamina architects the strategic direction for these groups, ensuring that their activities align with the mission of the Smalley-Curl Institute. By overseeing the engagement of students in quantum materials and nanoscale science, the President fosters the next generation of scientific leaders. This role involves frequent collaboration with faculty advisors and university administrators to provide resources and support for student-led research projects. Taofeekat Lamina drives institutional growth by promoting a culture of innovation and academic rigor among the student body. Through the strategic management of these organizations, the President enhances the overall research output of the university. Lamina secures the necessary support to ensure that students have access to the facilities and mentorship required to excel in the competitive field of quantum information science.

Cynthia Pepper, the Senior Assistant Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Rice University, manages the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies for the institution. Pepper architects comprehensive human capital programs that attract top-tier researchers and academic staff to the Smalley-Curl Institute. By overseeing performance management and employee engagement initiatives, the Senior Assistant Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the mission of advancing quantum materials science. This leadership role requires constant coordination with department heads to foster an inclusive and high-performing culture. Cynthia Pepper drives organizational growth by implementing professional development frameworks that support the career trajectories of faculty and administrative personnel. Through the strategic management of human resources, the Senior Assistant Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer strengthens the institutional capacity to deliver world-class education and research outcomes across all university departments.

Nick Decker, the Football Chief of Staff and Director of Football Operations at Rice University, manages the complex logistical and administrative requirements of the athletic department. Decker architects the operational infrastructure necessary for team success, including travel coordination, budget management, and facility utilization. By overseeing the daily activities of the football program, the Football Chief of Staff and Director of Football Operations ensures that coaching staff and student-athletes maintain focus on competitive performance. This role involves frequent collaboration with university leadership to align athletic initiatives with broader institutional values. Nick Decker drives efficiency by streamlining communication between the athletic department and campus support services. Through the meticulous planning of seasonal operations, the Football Chief of Staff and Director of Football Operations supports the long-term growth of the university athletic brand. Decker secures the operational stability required to maintain a high-caliber program within the competitive collegiate sports landscape.

Nathan Turman, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Rice University, manages the strategic priorities and executive communications for the office of the President. Turman architects the flow of information between the executive leadership team and various university departments to ensure operational cohesion. By overseeing special projects and institutional initiatives, the Deputy Chief of Staff facilitates the execution of the university mission regarding research and education. This role requires constant interaction with the Board and senior administrators to align daily activities with long-term strategic goals. Nathan Turman drives organizational alignment by coordinating cross-functional teams focused on the Smalley-Curl Institute and other major research hubs. Through the management of executive workflows, the Deputy Chief of Staff enhances the decision-making capacity of the leadership team. Turman secures the operational focus necessary to advance the university position as a global leader in quantum materials and nanoscale science.

Veronica Pena, the Deputy Director at Rice University, manages the daily administrative operations of the Smalley-Curl Institute. Pena coordinates interdisciplinary research efforts across nanoscale science and quantum materials departments to ensure alignment with institutional goals. By overseeing shared facility access and Thematic Working Interest Groups, the Deputy Director facilitates seamless collaboration between university schools and external global partners. This leadership role requires constant interaction with the Board and faculty to optimize resource allocation for quantum information science projects. Veronica Pena drives operational efficiency by streamlining communication channels between academic researchers and industry stakeholders. Through rigorous oversight of research programs, the Deputy Director maintains the high standards of excellence expected within the university ecosystem. Ultimately, Pena secures the necessary infrastructure to support groundbreaking scientific advancements while expanding the reach of the institute across international academic networks.