Milestones in Science: March 2025

As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we look back at the milestone achievements that shaped scientific exploration at Rice. We recognize great educators, and we highlight ongoing work that continues to push boundaries and honor the legacy of those who paved the way. 

Milestones in Science: Celebrating 50 Years of Discovery at Rice

Raj Dasgupta

Unearthing Earth's History

Using tiny specks of dust, Rajdeep Dasgupta’s research at Rice reveals insights on an extraordinary scale. By recreating the extreme conditions of the Earth’s interior, his lab explores how essential elements, like carbon, cycle through the mantle and core. His groundbreaking work on the deep carbon cycle has reshaped our understanding of Earth’s evolution and provided clues about the habitability of other planets. By pioneering new directions in geoscience and fostering a collaborative, curiosity-driven lab, he has cemented his place in Natural Sciences history as both a trailblazer and a mentor.

Learn how it happened
EXPANDING INSIGHTS IN PLANETARY SCIENCE

A new perspective on deep carbon cycling reshaped our understanding of planetary processes. Today, Rice researchers and alumni are investigating planet formation, probing the chemistry of other worlds and uncovering the conditions that support life. 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.

Anne Papakonstantinou at an outreach event

Anne Papakonstantinou: Leading the Way in Math Education

Anne Papakonstantinou ’69 ’71 (pictured on the right) has spent her career transforming math education. As director of the Rice University School Mathematics Project, she leads efforts to train teachers, enrich student learning, and advance research, shaping K-12 mathematics locally and nationally.

Discover how it came together

Acknowledgement

This work was made possible with support from the Fondren Fellows program.