Celebrating the Legacy of Richard Tapia: Advocating for Minority Representation in STEM fields

Richard Tapia, a University Professor at Rice University and National Medal of Science winner, will be celebrated for his five decades of service to the university on April 3. Throughout his illustrious career, Tapia has been recognized as a national leader in preparing women and underrepresented minorities for advanced degrees in science, engineering, and mathematics.

In addition to his numerous awards, Tapia has achieved significant milestones in his career. He was the first Hispanic elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1992 and was appointed by President Bill Clinton to the National Science Board in 1996. Tapia also served as chairman 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. Through this center, he created the Tapia Camps, a series of residential STEM camps for rising eighth-12th graders at Rice. These camps help students experience life as a Rice student for a week while completing STEM projects and presentations. The Tapia Camps have received numerous awards and have played an instrumental role in guiding students towards futures in STEM fields.

Journalists interested in covering this event can contact Amy McCaig, senior media relations specialist at Rice University, for more information.