Department Chair & John W. Cox Chair of Bioengineering
Welcome to the Rice University Department of Bioengineering! We are delighted to introduce you to our vibrant community, strategically located across the street from the Texas Medical Center—the largest medical center in the world. This unique proximity to medical and research centers including MD Anderson, Baylor College of Medicine, and Houston Methodist provides an unmatched opportunity for collaboration and innovation, as our faculty, students, and researchers work alongside some of the world's leading medical practitioners.
Located in Houston, Texas—the fourth largest and most diverse city in the United States—our department thrives in a dynamic and inclusive environment. Houston is home to NASA's Johnson Space Center, as well as the Houston Astros, Texans, and Rockets. It also boasts a diverse array of world-class restaurants offering food from nearly every culture and a museum district with 20+ destinations within walking distance from each other, making it one of the largest concentrations of cultural institutions in the country. Additionally, Houston is known for its low cost of living compared to other major metropolitan areas, making it an attractive place to live, work, and grow both personally and professionally.
We are a top-ranked department, with our primary faculty co-located in the Bioscience Research Collaborative, a state-of-the-art building that houses numerous cutting-edge core biotechnology research facilities and teaching spaces. This environment fosters seamless collaboration, promoting a multidisciplinary approach to discovery and innovation. Whether you are interested in basic science or translating groundbreaking technologies to clinical applications, you will find a community dedicated to excellence and impact.
Our department and mission are enriched by a dynamic student body, with members hailing from across the country and around the globe. Our students bring their unique perspectives, creativity, and enthusiasm, making our department a hub for innovative thought. Together, we work to solve some of the world’s most pressing health and engineering challenges.
Our mission extends across the entire bioengineering spectrum. From pioneering basic science research that enhances our understanding of biological systems to developing transformative technologies that improve human health and well-being, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. We are also in an exciting period of growth, actively hiring new faculty who will expand our expertise and further strengthen our commitment to transforming the field of bioengineering research and education. This expansion creates new opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and pioneering research.
Thank you for visiting our department. We look forward to engaging with you, whether you are a prospective student, researcher, collaborator, or supporter. Please feel free to explore our offerings and reach out to learn more about how you can become part of our journey in bioengineering excellence.
Cynthia Reinhart-King, PhD
John W. Cox Chair of Bioengineering
Chair, Department of Bioengineering