Rice University Honors National Medal of Science Winner Richard Tapia for 5 Decades of Service and Impact on Diversity in STEM

Richard Tapia, a University Professor at Rice University and National Medal of Science winner, will be honored for five decades of service to the university on April 3 at Rice’s Faculty Club. Tapia is widely recognized as a national leader in preparing women and underrepresented minorities for advanced degrees in science, engineering, and mathematics.

Throughout his career, Tapia has achieved significant milestones, including becoming the first Hispanic elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1992 and being appointed to the National Science Board by President Bill Clinton in 1996. He also served as chair of 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.

In addition to his leadership roles at Rice, Tapia has created numerous programs that have had a positive impact on students’ education and future careers. One such program is the Tapia Camps, which are residential STEM camps for rising eighth-12th graders at Rice. These camps help students experience life as a Rice student for a week, complete STEM projects, and presentations. The Tapia Camps have won awards and are instrumental in guiding students towards futures in STEM fields.

Media interested in covering this event celebrating Richard Tapia’s contributions to Rice University can contact Amy McCaig, senior media relations specialist at Rice, for more information.