The main objective of the Rice ECE Affiliates Program is to support the mutual needs of business, industry, and academia in electrical and computer engineering research, development, and education. This is accomplished by providing appropriate mechanisms for technical exchange, collaboration, and employment of students. The program offers many benefits to business and industry. There is the opportunity to influence research and education, and to participate in long-range technical assessments of problems and directions in the field. Special seminars and short courses can be arranged.
Faculty members are available for informal technical discussions and more formal presentations.
The ECE department would also help make arrangements for consulting agreements between faculty members and industrial affiliate companies. The advantages to the University are also substantial. We can learn about current problems in industry. Students become acquainted with industrial needs. Summer internships in local and national industry provide students with a complementary element to their education.