In recognition of his five decades of service to Rice University, Richard Tapia, a National Medal of Science winner and University Professor, will be honored on April 3 at Rice’s Faculty Club. Known nationally as a leader in preparing women and underrepresented minorities for advanced degrees in science, engineering, and mathematics, Tapia has received numerous awards throughout his career. He was presented the Presidential Award for Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring in 1996 by President Bill Clinton and later received the National Medal of Science from President Barack Obama in 2011. In addition to these accolades, Tapia was also awarded the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s Public Engagement with Science Award in 2016.
Tapia’s accomplishments extend beyond awards. In 1992, he became the first Hispanic to be elected to the National Academy of Engineering. He also served on the National Science Board from 1996-2002 and chaired the National Research Council’s Board on Higher Education and the Workforce from 2001-04. At Rice, Tapia has held several key roles including director of the Rice Graduate Education for Minorities and Empowering Leadership Alliance Programs, associate director of graduate studies in the Office of Research and Graduate Studies, and director of the Center for Excellence and Equity in Education.
Through his work at Rice University, Tapia created programs that have had a significant impact on students’ futures in STEM fields. The Center for Excellence and Equity in Education is home to the Tapia Camps – a series of residential STEM camps for rising eighth-12th graders at Rice. These camps provide students with an opportunity to experience life as a Rice student for a week while completing STEM projects and presenting their work. The Tapia Camps have won numerous awards and play an instrumental role in guiding students towards STEM careers.
Media interested in covering this event celebrating Richard Tapia’s contributions to Rice University should contact Amy McCaig, senior media relations specialist at Rice University for more information.