Matthew Andrade Cheney MA ’10, PhD ’14

Founder, Owner, Consultant, Cheney Forensic Consulting LLC
BS 2005, University of Texas, El Paso
MS 2007, University of Texas, El Paso
MA 2010, Rice University
PhD 2014, Rice University

ARA Board Term ends: 2022

Get to Know Matthew

What part of serving on the ARA Board are you most excited about?

Serving on the ARA Board is a wonderful opportunity to engage with Rice students, alumni, volunteers, staff, faculty, and leadership. In doing so, I hope to foster omni-directional communication between all groups to represent graduate students and affinity groups, bringing to the Board my experience as both a graduate student and chair of the Society of Latino Alumni of Rice (SOLAR). I will also consider myself lucky to mentor any students along the way, knowing full well that I would not be where I am today without the amazing mentors in my life.

What is your favorite “Only at Rice” memory or story?

In 2010, I was asked to co-chair graduate student recruitment activities for the Department of Chemistry. Co-chairing with fellow chemists and friends was fun and a privilege, not only because we were able to showcase our wonderful department and school, but also the aspects of Houston that make the city one of the best cities in the nation.

If you could give one piece of advice to Rice students, what would it be?

I reflect on my time as a student and smile at my experience, both professionally and personally but mostly professionally. I ventured into the professional world feeling prepared. All the meanwhile, feeling connected to the world around me but unknowing of the world beyond. My one piece of advice is seize any opportunity to venture to another city, state, country, or continent. Get to know other cultures, world views, cuisines. Study abroad, take a field trip, try yoga, volunteer in and around Houston. Dedicate yourself to mastering your education and profession but know that life outside of work and school is equally important. Finding a proper work-life balance takes time and is constantly evolving. Start today. Namaste.