Obi-Wan Direction
Suhas Narra
Sport Analytics, Statistics, Operations Research 2028
Erie, PA
Wow, I really really wish I was you right now. Because you just hit the jackpot having Suhas Narra as your advisor. With a whistle around his neck and a mustache that just exudes wisdom, Suhas is a coach in every facet of the word. He's an extremely determined football coach, spending sleepless nights coming up with complex route trees for the freshman flag football team and delivering speeches so good that players would run through walls for him (we never ended up scoring a touchdown but I SWEAR that's not his fault). Moreover, he's a life coach, always more than willing to offer advice on everything from relationships to late-night snacks, delivered with the same fiery passion he reserves for halftime speeches. Whether you need a new workout routine or a wake-up call, he's got a sports metaphor and a whistle for it. On a more sincere note, Suhas is one of the most genuine and helpful people I know. No matter what you need, he'll always be extremely supportive and willing to go the extra mile to ensure your success. And if he's not, just diss Lamar Jackson and he'll probably start being nice to you.
Swayam Rath (Will Rice '28)
Navya Nanda
Biosciences 2027
Allen, TX
Do you love Sonic slushies, claw machines, and Korean reality TV? Meet your new favorite person, Navya Nanda! Navya's a junior majoring in Biosciences, and easily your advisor with the most duality. She can go from napping until 2pm to locked in on Fondy first for hours to side questing for pizza at Gypsy Poet, all in a day! Navya proudly hails from Allen (Dallas) (ever heard of Texas' biggest school, with their own stadium and more students than all of Rice?). When she's not searching for Smiski's (authenticated ones only!) you can find her doing her pledge problems at Chaus. She will always be there for all of your yap sessions and hair care recommendations. She truly embodies the warmth and kindness of WRC and you are so lucky to have her as your O-Week mom.
Krishna Chalise (Will Rice '27), Kamisi Adetunji (Will Rice '27), Katherine Yue (Will Rice '27)
Trey Garza
BioSciences 2026
Laredo, Texas
Who's that handsome lad whippin' around the Inner Loop in one of the Rice Emergency Medical Service (REMS) golf carts? Well, if you catch a whiff of Creed Aventus (or adjacent fragrance) as he speeds by, driving for his life to save somebody else's, it's probably your advisor Pedro Garza! While he's not on shift for REMS, there is a 50% chance you find this man around Brockstein either grinding for midterms or watching soccer while bumpin' it to some Don Toliver (don't ever make the mistake of asking for his experience at the concert you'll be there for hours smh). Trey is a huge horror movie junkie and he's watched just about every one there is. Just ask me, I took the horror and religion FWIS with him and he would yap even more than the professor would! Jokes aside, Pedro is an incredibly caring individual who I know will look out for you during O-week and always check in with you to make sure you have everything you need to make Rice feel like home. You're exceptionally lucky to have him as your advisor and I'm sure you'll see that for yourself during O-week.
Maher Tharakan (Will Rice '26)
Diana Rudel
BUSI & DSCI 2026
Sarasota, FL
Hailing from Sarasota, Florida, meet Diana Liu Rudel, shiba inu enthusiast, social butterfly, and business major extraordinaire! If there's ANY kind of event on or around campus, you can bet Diana will be there, making new friends and making the most of free food (she will sniff out and stock her fridge with any food, soda, and boba being given out on campus). This girl can walk a mile faster than most people can run one, but don't worry, she'll never leave you in the dust. Deeply caring and affectionate, she always has your back. Whether it be a show you're performing in, gym training, or last minute cram session before an exam (first floor Fondy preferred), she'll show up for you. Whatever you need, especially if it's a warm hug or a personal cheerleader, Diana is your person!
Dviya Shah (Duncan '26) and Giovanna Veras (Duncan '26)
