Faculty Director

Dr. Richard Tapia is a world famous mathematician and works in the field of optimization. Dr. Tapia is also professor at Rice University in Houston, where he has been teaching for over 50 years. Since arriving at Rice, he has directed or co-directed more underrepresented minority and women doctoral recipients in mathematics than anyone else in the country. Throughout his inspiring career, he has received many honors and awards for his work in STEM and advocacy for diversity in education. In 2011, President Barack Obama awarded Dr. Tapia the National Medal of Science, which is the highest scientific honor given by the United States government. His award honored both his mathematical work in optimization theory and his efforts in fostering diversity in mathematics and science education.

Dr. Tapia was born in Los Angeles to parents who emigrated from Mexico for educational opportunities. He became the first in his family to attend college, and he received his bachelors, masters, and doctorate degrees from UCLA.

One of Dr. Tapia’s most important messages to all students is “Sí, se puede”, which means “Yes, you can.” If you are interested in STEM, he encourages you to follow your passions, take classes, and understand that you too belong in STEM.