A Rice University alumnus, Hunter Capoccioni is a higher education professional currently serving as Director of Operations for the Rice Brain Institute. In this role, Dr. Capoccioni supports nearly fifty faculty members from across the sciences and humanities who are working to better understand brain function and to build cross-departmental collaborations to improve brain health.
Prior to this, Dr. Capoccioni served as an administrator for the Rice Neuroengineering Initiative. Since 2021, he has leveraged his experience starting new initiatives to create InterfaceRice, one of the few conferences in the country devoted to neuroengineering. The conference has attracted close to 200 participants in each of the past two years. It is now partnering with the Georgia Institute of Technology as a co-presenter to expand this annual event's scope and reach. In addition, Capoccioni has led NEI's first in-person seminar series, Engineering Minds, and partnered with the ION in Houston for an annual event, EntrepreNeuro, that focuses on neurotech startups, venture capital investors, and business leaders shaping the future of neurotechnology.
Before working for the Neuroengineering Initiative, Capoccioni spent seven years as the Chamber Music Manager at the Shepherd School of Music. A graduate of the SSM himself, Capoccioni worked with the program's director to create and implement an innovative program recognized nationally for its successful approach to music instruction.
Dr. Capoccioni has spent fifteen years prioritizing undergraduate and graduate student education. He spent seven years on faculty at the University of Northern Iowa, teaching undergraduate courses and graduate seminars. Since returning to Rice in 2014, Capoccioni has served as a Resident Associate at Brown College, helped restart the Shepherd School Student Council, and formed a graduate student advisory council at the Neuroengineering Initiative that meets each month to discuss issues and plan events to build a cohesive culture within the NEI.
Outside of his time at Rice, Hunter is a double bassist who enjoys performing around Houston. He has regular engagements with ensembles, including the Houston Grand Opera, Houston Ballet, and others around the state. He enjoys good coffee, playing Pokémon cards, and spending time with his family.