C., a professor in Rice’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and a poet. Mr. Blackburn’s faith is grounded in a specific place: for over 30 years, he has been personally and professionally dedicated to protecting the rich and varied natural habitat that exists in Houston and along the Gulf Coast. Mr. Blackburn received a B.A. in History and a J.D. at the University of Texas at Austin, and a M.S. in Environmental Science at Rice University.