About Us

Our Team

Our staff members work to ensure the success of the Tapia Center's programs, promoting equity and excellence in STEM education. Please do not hesitate to contact us at tapiacenter@rice.edu.

Photo of Dr. Tapia receiving the 2011 National Medal of Science
Richard Tapia

Faculty Director

Portrait of Dr. Rudy Guerra
Rudy Guerra

Co-Faculty Director

Portrait of Dr. Paul Hand
Paul Hand

Executive Director

Portrait of Dr. Leticia Velazquez
Leticia Velazquez

Director of Operations

Portrait of Ms. Linda Torres
Linda Torres

Center Administrator

Portrait of Dr. Karen Kassekert
Karen Kassekert

Assistant Director, Tapia Camps

Portrait of Mr. Oliver Jones
Oliver Jones

Assistant Director, Tapia Camps

Portrait of Mr. Ronnie McDonald
Ronnie McDonald

Program Administrator

Portrait of Ms. Christie Vieux
Christie Vieux

Program Administrator

Portrait of Ms. Jena Manning
Jena Manning

Program Administrator

Portrait of Mr. David Almanzan
David Almanzan

Program Assistant