In this edition of Rice Journeys, we meet Katharine Shilcutt, Director of Communications for the Office of Research. Since joining Rice in 2017, she’s built a dynamic career spanning media relations, student engagement, and research communications. From mentoring student journalists to launching Rice’s first magazine dedicated to research, her story is one of curiosity, creativity, and community — and a reminder that growth often begins with the courage to ask questions.
Tell us about your career journey at Rice. How did you get started, and what roles have you held along the way?
I joined Rice in 2017 as a Media Relations Specialist in the Office of Public Affairs, where I largely worked with the School of Humanities faculty to promote their research to external audiences, as well as Housing & Dining staff to promote Rice’s unique residential college culture and its award-winning culinary offerings. One of my biggest victories was getting the Texas Monthly barbecue editor to come and try West Servery’s plant-based “barbecue” offerings. Those experiences taught me how the university operates from an academic, operations and communications perspective.
I later transitioned to the Department of Undergraduates as Director of Student Media, advising the student newspaper, yearbook, and radio station. Working in a student-facing role showed me how Rice serves its undergraduates and helped me understand the university’s inner workings on a whole new level.
Now, as Director of Communications for the Office of Research, I’m discovering yet another side of Rice—how labs function, why research compliance matters, and how our research enterprise supports innovation across campus.
What accomplishments or experiences have shaped your career the most?
One of my proudest accomplishments — aside from launching the biannual Rice Research Review, the university’s first magazine dedicated to spotlighting our research enterprise — is creating a resource for other marketing, communications, and administrative personnel within our research community to teach them how to navigate everything from requesting creative services through Public Affairs to reserving event spaces and accessing audiovisual equipment at Fondren Library’s Digital Media Commons. These campus resources are constantly changing, of course, so I’m in the process of updating that as we speak.
However, not every experience has been a smooth success; some of my greatest learning moments came from overcoming unexpected challenges. When I joined Student Media, one of my biggest challenges was learning to use iO and managing multiple departmental budgets. I’ve never been naturally drawn to accounting or finance, so taking on five budget lines and a new software system felt like climbing Mt. Everest.
I had to humble myself, ask a lot of questions, and embrace not knowing all the answers. Asking for help when I needed it led to incredible growth and new relationships. People at Rice are always happy to help — you just have to ask.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their career at Rice or looking to grow internally?
Find a mentor. Find lots of mentors! There are so many people at Rice excited to share their experiences, advice, and resources with you. As with everything else in life, your successes and general happiness depend largely on the community you cultivate. And when you can, pay it forward and become a mentor to others once you're in a position to do so.
What habits or practices have helped you succeed at Rice?
Being intentional about investing in the Rice community has been essential. Attend talks, seminars, and campus events. Meet people. Set up coffee or lunch with your colleagues and learn about their work. Support and champion others—be the coworker you’d want someone to be for you.
And as I like to remind people: We work in an actual arboretum! Take advantage of the beautiful nature that’s all around us. Go on regular walks during the workday. Get away from your desk. Stretch your legs. Give your mind room to collect itself and breathe.
Finally, what’s your favorite spot on campus?
My “happy place” is ktru, Rice’s own radio station, tucked away on the second floor of the Ley Student Center. It houses a podcasting studio and a collection of more than 200,000 albums—vinyl and CDs—carefully curated since 1967. For me, ktru is emblematic of the rich history, cultural expression, eccentricity and joy that define Rice.
While the station is student-run, anyone can be a DJ , and I always encourage people to apply when applications open each semester. You can catch me on air every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to noon at ktru.org or 96.1 FM.