Milestones in Science: Celebrating 50 Years of Discovery at Rice
The Dynamics of Insight
A pioneer in dynamical systems, William Veech revealed surprising patterns in seemingly simple systems, like a billiard ball bouncing on a frictionless polygonal table. His discovery of Veech surfaces and the Veech dichotomy exposed elegant order in chaos, linking geometry, motion and symmetry in profound ways. These insights laid the foundation for Teichmüller dynamics, a vibrant field that continues to shape modern mathematics.
Learn how it happenedCARRYING FORWARD A LEGACY IN MATHEMATICS
Veech’s groundbreaking insights into dynamical systems revealed elegant order within complexity, establishing a foundation that continues to inspire research at Rice. Today, our faculty, students and alumni advance this tradition through training, collaboration and innovation at all career stages. Read on for some of their remarkable stories.
SHAPING MINDS FOR TOMORROW
Historic milestones and today’s innovative research remind us that discovery thrives alongside education, and we proudly celebrate those who have transformed how future scientists learn and lead.
Betul Orcan-Ekmekci Champions Curiosity and Confidence in Mathematics
Whether guiding non-STEM majors through mathematical patterns in art or mentoring small groups in advanced topics, Betul Orcan-Ekmekci meets students where they are and helps them grow. Through creative coursework and the Directed Reading Program, she fosters exploration, persistence and the habits of inquiry, giving students the tools to enter mathematics with curiosity and leave with confidence.
Discover how it came together