Linda Clarke, Ph.D

Rice University, Jones Graduate School of Business

“A driven problem-solver with expertise in healthcare; passionate about leadership, innovation and impactful solutions.”

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Fun Fact About Yourself: I was born in Cameroon, have spent most of my life in the U.S., and am now married to a Nigerian — enjoying the blend of three vibrant cultures.

Undergraduate School and Major: Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry, Master of Science in Biology from Texas Southern University; Ph.D in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Avance Biosciences Inc., GMP Quality Lead

What has been your favorite part of Houston so far? Why? I’ve lived in Houston for almost two decades, so there’s a lot I like about this city. Aside from its rich and unique attractions and institutions, one of its most standout features is its cultural diversity. As someone with a diverse background myself, I feel right at home here in Houston. Houston’s diversity is reflected in the food scene, where you can satisfy any craving on any day, from authentic Tex-Mex and barbecue to international cuisines like Cameroonian, Vietnamese, Nigerian, and French. I also enjoy spending time in the River Oaks area because of its proximity to so many businesses, restaurants, shopping centers, and social/nightlife scenes — despite the crazy traffic!

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the one key part of the Rice Jones MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? For me, a key part of choosing the Rice MBA program was its degree specialization opportunities. This component of the curriculum was particularly important to me because it will bridge the gap between my technical background (Biomedical Engineering) and my growing business acumen (Managerial, Leadership). I believe this specialization will allow me to meet and collaborate with people from similar and different backgrounds alike to solve tangible business challenges and give me opportunities to apply my analytical and leadership skills in a meaningful, real-world context. Rice Business being in Houston, Texas — the city with the largest medical complex in the world — made it an even easier choice.

Since my long-term professional goal is to transition into executive management, the MBA specialization will enhance my understanding of the interconnected sectors of healthcare and prepare me for roles in the constantly growing industry. It will also equip me with the ability to deliver impactful, data-driven solutions under time constraints in the healthcare industry. This customized aspect of the Full-Time MBA is what made Rice Business the ideal choice for me.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Rice Jones? A course I’ve thoroughly enjoyed was the ILE Leadership course — it was so much fun. The course was very interactive and brought out the competitive side of everyone…in a good way! Though it was just a simulation course, we all had the opportunity to act as interim CEO of a manufacturing company and got to experience “days in the life” of being at the head and all that it entails, including challenges on how to keep a company profitable or even out of bankruptcy. I also enjoy Partio on Thursdays, especially after a very stressful week. It’s a great chance to catch up with my friends while enjoying a glass of wine (and good food).

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: It can be quite intimidating to make the decision to quit your job and return to school for a full-time program, where you’ll be temporarily incapable of earning a living— even to someone who has completed a doctorate. However, I am proud I took a leap of faith and went for the Full-Time MBA.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? My biggest accomplishment has been my ability to stay the course and survive the trials and challenges of the program’s first semester. The fact that I’ve made it this far is a victory to me.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? My best memory so far is from the MBA Launch – a two-week introduction to the program that was filled with mixed emotions (hope, doubt, fear, excitement) and the opportunity to meet many amazing new people with whom I’ll spend most of my time for the next two years and beyond.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE RICE JONES MBA CLASS OF 2026

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