The Rice Office of STEM Engagement (R-STEM) serves as the single point of contact for all science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related outreach and education efforts at Rice University. We promote science awareness by supporting faculty and students at Rice University, as well as K-12 educators, in developing STEM-related educational outreach programs and initiatives. In collaboration with the Office of the Vice Provost for Research at Rice University, we facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations, professional development workshops for K-12 teachers, and collaborations between scientific and educational communities that integrate authentic research and practices.