About ATHENA
The Greek goddess of wisdom, courage, and strategic warfare, Athena represents intellect, strategy, and diplomacy. Those aligned with Athena possess sharp intellect, analytical thinking, and excel in problem-solving, displaying wisdom beyond their years.
Team Athena embodies wisdom, intellect, and strategic thinking. They establish an atmosphere of intellectual growth and mentorship at Camp Ω-Week. Sidizens look up to them for guidance, seeking their wisdom and expertise in various disciplines. Through their innovative problem-solving and collaboration, they foster a community where knowledge is celebrated and minds are sharpened.
The Team
Read their bios below!
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Meet Imaje Harvey! From Olathe, Kansas but has learned her away around the city in no time. Maje is one of the most genuine, friendly, and easy to talk to people on campus. This sophomore Psychology major is the perfect person to go to for life advice about everything under the sun- friends, partners, parents, hairstyles, food spots- there’s no topic off limits. She has a passion for mental health, especially racial disparities in mental health. (stay tuned for the black mental health coalition club!!!!). She will not hesitate to drive you to any of her favorite Houston spots in her Ford Escape, especially if it’s to the Popeyes on Main Street. If you ever need someone to give you directions to any place on campus, write a persuasive email to a professor, go to concerts, or find you a great Groupon deal, Maje is your girl! BUT CONGRATULATIONS TO WHOEVER READING THIS, YOU HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH THE GREATEST DIVERSITY FACILITATOR YOU COULD ASK FOR! Get ready to have the best week of your life with Maje.
(Jenna Byrd, Sid Richardson ‘26)
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Buckle up and brace yourselves, Sidizens, because Bryce Liu is coming through, gathering the group to find something fun to do! A computer science and religion double major, Bryce will be your co-advisor from Duncan! Hailing from right here in THE Houston, Texas, Bryce will be your local tour guide through your time at Rice, where he’ll harness his perfect blend of charisma and chill to make it memorable. He’ll take you to his favorite museums, finding amazing deals thrifting, or bringing you along on an intense workout at the Rec Center, just to name a few! When he’s not engaging in his favorite hobbies of biking, baking, and making beats, you can catch him curating the chillest playlists or sharpening his skills at Mario Kart (champion of Duncan!).
((Daniel Li, Duncan '25), (Ethan Peck, Duncan '24))
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Where does one even start when it comes to Kush Mangla? Let's start at the beginning. Hailing from Mumbai, Kush was (surprisingly) an athletic kid. In fact, he claims to have been a state champion at ‘lawn’ tennis. Unfortunately, his athletic career halted when his coach made him take one too many rounds of the court. The not-at-all-lazy Kush then set his eyes on Rice. And oh boy is Rice’s Class of 2025 lucky to have him. Although our mascot is Sammy the Owl, I think our mascot should’ve been Kush the Dolphin. Why dolphin? Kush, like a dolphin, is very social. He’s a celebrity walking around campus, it’s quite the sight. Like looking at a dolphin, it’s impossible not to break into a smile when seeing Kush’s perpetually smiling face. I don’t know what dolphins smell like but you’re guaranteed an intoxicating aroma around Kush (hard to believe he’s a computer science major). But seriously, Kush is someone you know has your back, someone you can talk to forever and someone you’re super lucky to have as your O-Week dad.
(Laiba Muhammed Ali, Sid Richardson '26)
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And the Oscar for luckiest new student goes to… YOU, since you have Jared Duran as your Chief Justice! Jared is like an onion; he'll make you shed a tear because of his awe-inspiring beauty, and boy does this hunk have layers. He’s one of the hottest young DJs in the game at KTRU. He’s a certified athletic weapon, setting PRs at the gym on a daily basis like he's Arnold Schwarzenegger. This junior is also a Computer Science major and Philosophy minor, so he can talk to you about C++ while also discussing how you C the world. He has an unrivaled ability to get to know people; strike up a conversation with him, and you might just spend two hours discussing the political implications of gerrymandering or spilling your entire life stories to each other. Jared is truly one of the best people to get to know; he’s an incredible friend, and an even better human being. Just never ask him to cook a steak for you. He might end up lighting the Sid kitchen on fire again.
(Prat Mohapatra, Sid Richardson ‘25)
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Meet Vanuli Arya. Raised in good old Coppell, Texas, this Neuroscience major (PRE-MED :o) is a prime example of someone who can do it all. When fall comes around, get ready for the best-smelling pumpkin muffins you can imagine - a common Vanuli dub. With an uncanny affinity for crafting, join this modern-day Michaelangelo in her classic water coloring, doodling on Trader Joe’s paper bags, or play-doh sculpting. You’re in luck because with Vanuli also comes pictures of the world’s cutest muppet, her dog Lany. If you’re ever wondering what Vanuli is up to, 99% of the time she’s listening to music ranging from Dominic Fike to old Drake to Childish Gambino to Smino (sometimes the same song on repeat for days). If you’re ever feeling tired or caught a case of the “I Hate Mondays”, Vanuli is the perfect person to call because she’ll drop everything to get Dunkin’ coffee with you - she really loves coffee guys. Do you have a green thumb? So does Vanuli, with a plant count in the double digits. She is also one of the smartest people you’ll meet and will help you with any problem you have. The most important thing to note about Vanuli though, is that no matter what, she will always be there for you through anything.
(Pooja Sashital, Brown '24 and Liz Avakov, Brown '24)