About Us

History of Rice University SHPE Chapter

The Rice University student chapter of The Mexican American Engineers and Scientists (MAES) was founded in 1989.  Former Rice student John Rodriguez with Dr. Richard Tapia founded the chapter that would be one of the best in the nation for many years.  For six years, the small chapter averaged about five members per year.  It was not until the summer of 1994 that dedicated students Griselda Mani, Mike Fuentes and Marco Leal took the initiative to revive the organization.  The following school year, 1994-1995, membership doubled.  Under the leadership of Griselda Mani (who served from 94-96), Joaquin Salas (96-98), Ariel Flores (97-99), Martin Virgen (99-00), Jesse Gracia/Paco Maldonado (00-01), Charles Vega (01-02),  Jesse Cruz (02-03), Paul Rodriguez (03-04), Jason Sedano (04-05), Mike Ramon (05-06), Maria Martinez (06-07), and Daniela Rimer (07-08) the Rice MAES Chapter has grown.  The MAES national organization (est. California 1974) serves as the chapter’s parent organization.

In 1997, the organization decided to join The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE).  The students realized that inclusion in both MAES and SHPE would bring more opportunities for the members.  At that time the organization was known as MAES/SHPE. The organization was renamed two years later to The Association of Latin American Engineers and Scientists (ALAES) in order to be more inclusive for engineering and science students from the Rice community. In 2006, the chapter decided to change its name from ALAES to SHPE to increase campus recognition and increase it’s participation in SHPE activities.

Presidential Leadership

The SHPE Rice Chapter has continued to grow under the presidential leadership of

      • Noe Martinez – 2023
      • Vanessa Mendoza – 2022
      • Andrés Mazas – 2021
      • Michael Angino – 2020
      • Em Echeverria – 2019
      • Tiffany Bauman – 2018
      • Ricardo Tapia – 2017
      • Alejandro Akerlundh – 2016
      • Javier Aguirre – 2015

Bylaws

SHPE Rice’s Purpose per the Bylaws are:

      • Increase the number of Hispanic science and engineering students at Rice University.
      • Promote awareness of the need for Hispanic scientists and engineers in the scientific and professional community
      • Develop and participate in programs with industry and the university, which benefit students seeking technical degrees
      • Improve the retention rate of Hispanic students enrolled in engineering or science
      • Provide a forum for the exchange of information pertinent to Hispanic engineering or science students enrolled at Rice University
      • Promote academic achievement by providing year-round mentoring and advice
      • Provide educational as well as social activities for the members and the community
      • Provide a line of communication between student members and the professional community
      • Network with other student Chapters

Achievements

The following achievements represent our participation in SHPE and MAES throughout the history of our chapter:

      • National Outstanding Chapter of the Year – 2021
      • Region V Outstanding Small Chapter of the Year – 2017-2018, 2018-2019
      • National Outstanding Small Chapter of the Year – 1998-1999, 2002-2003, 2014-2015, 2016-2017
      • Region V 1st place Academic Olympiad Team – 2000, 2003, 2005, 2013
      • Best National Chapter in Leadership Development – 2002
      • SHPE Academic Olympiad National Champions – 1998
      • Blue Chip Award – 2014
      • Region V Lobos Drive 1st place – 2013
      • Hosted the Sub Regional Outing (SRO) South – 2007,2019
      • Hosted PSAC, “LeaderSHPE in the New Millenium” – 2001
      • 2nd place Academic Olympiad Team – 2001, 2004, 2013
      • Hosted SHPE Regional Conference – 1998
      • MAES Padrino Award recipients – 1997, 1998
      • Hosted MAES Regional Conference – 1996