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The next generation of engineers will face incredible challenges that will require them to have more than a deep understanding of engineering fundamentals undefined they also must have the ability to work in diverse teams during all phases of the design and technology development process.

To equip our students with the skills they need to succeed, we must go beyond textbooks, classrooms and online learning platforms to provide our students with the hands-on experiences they need to flourish. Such experiences, when tied to real-world design challenges, can build new excitement and keep our students engaged throughout their academic careers. 

Our goal is to give every engineering student a significant team design experience before graduation. To do this, we are embedding hands-on design into coursework; stimulating collaborations among the different engineering departments and academic schools at Rice; and expanding our design program to include partnerships with individuals and local industry.

The following is a list of a few ways you can get involved:

Promote

Help spread the word about the wonderful things happening in the OEDK. Tell your friends and colleagues about our program and invite them to come visit! Encourage them to participate in our many events and competitions.

Sign up for our Mailing List to be updated on OEDK successes and events.

Mentor

Support the design activity in the OEDK by offering up your expertise to mentor an engineering design team. We encourage our engineering students to from design teams to tackle real-world challenges. To help them succeed, teams will be advised by engineering mentors from industry and by faculty and will work on topics that are focused on core areas, such as energy and sustainability, robotics, infrastructure and health.

Contact Maria Oden if you are interested in mentoring a team.

Engage

Participate in our dinner presentations or judge one of our competitions. Throughout the school year, the OEDK sponsors many events such as dinners, receptions and competitions. We highly encourage our OEDK friends, sponsors and partners to participate in these events.

You can find out more information on our Events Page.

Partner

Support all aspects of the OEDK by becoming a Corporate Partner. Annual partnerships afford your company unparalleled opportunities to meet and recruit the best and brightest engineering students at Rice University. Corporate partnership benefits include enhanced corporate recognition and familiarity among Rice engineering students at all levels, the opportunity to educate students and faculty in the technology specific to your business and the benefit of our students providing sponsors with fresh insights into their technology challenges. Visibility includes prominent signage in OEDK, recognition on OEDK website, and included on all print materials such as newsletters, event team posters, and signage at sponsored event.

Click HERE for more information about OEDK Corporate Partner opportunities.

Sponsor

Help offset the costs of a design team by becoming a recognized sponsor. Annual partnerships support undergraduate engineering education to allow our students to have unparalleled experiences solving real-world engineering design challenge. Visibility includes prominent signage in OEDK, recognition on OEDK website, and included on all print materials such as newsletters, event team posters, and signage at sponsored event.


Click HERE for more information about OEDK Individual Sponsor opportunities.

Designate

Support the OEDK expansion by naming a various work spaces such as a lab space, a prototyping area or faculty office. The OEDK has been more successful than anticipated. The demand to use the space has grown significantly with engineering and has increased student and faculty interest in engineering interdisciplinary real‐world projects. We are expanding to meet these growing needs! Naming opportunities range from 50K to 1M and provide us with the capital to continue to thrive in the OEDK.

Click HERE for more information about our expansion plans and naming opportunities.


How to Get Involved

For all inquiries about supporting the OEDK, you may contact:
Dr. Maria Oden, Director - 713.348.4156 or moden@rice.edu 
Amy Kavalewitz, Executive Director - 713.348.8065 or amy.k@rice.edu

For specific information about individual support or naming opportunities, contact:
Sara Lillehaugen, Director of Development at 713.348.3189 or sdl@rice.edu

For specific information about corporate support, contact:
Leah Aschmann, Assistant Director of Corporate Relations at 713.348.4361 or leah.aschmann@rice.edu 

Contact us

Oshman Engineering Design Kitchen
Rice University

6100 Main Street MS 390 | Houston, Texas | 77005

Phone: 713.348.OEDK

Email: oedk@rice.edu

Lead Industry Partners