Richard A. Tapia

Richard Alfred Tapia was born on March 25, 1939 He and his twin brother were the oldest of five siblings, with two younger brothers and sister. Tapia received his BA in mathematics from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1961. He then earned his M.A. in mathematics, also from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1966. In 1967, he received his PhD from University of California, Los Angeles, in mathematics with the dissertation: "A Generalization of Newton's Method with an Application to the Euler–Lagrange Equation" under advisors Magnus Hestenes and Charles Tompkins. Tapia also holds honorary doctorates from Carnegie Mellon University and the Colorado School of Mines. == Career ==

Tapia is currently the University Professor at Rice University. His professional academic career began in 1968 when he accept an assistant professor position at the Mathematics Research Center (MRC) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After two years at the MRC, he moved to Rice University, where he remains to this day. University positions • 1968–1970: Assistant Professor, Army Mathematics Research Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison • 1970–1972: Assistant Professor of Mathematical Sciences, Rice University • 1972–1976: Associate Professor of Mathematical Sciences, Rice University • 1976–present: Professor of Mathematical Sciences, Rice University • 1978–1983: Chair, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Rice University • 1978–1983: Adjunct Professor, T.I.R.R., (then called the Texas Institute for Rehabilitation and Research) Baylor College of Medicine • 1986–1988: Lecturer, Department of Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine • 1989–2000:Director of Education and Outreach Programs, Center for Research on Parallel Computation, Rice University • 1989–present: Associate Director of Graduate Studies, Office of Research and Graduate Studies, Rice University • 1991–2005: Noah Harding Professor of Computational and Applied Mathematics, Rice University • 1999–present: Director, Center for Excellence and Equity in Education, Rice University • 2000–present: Adjunct Professor, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Houston • 2005–present: Maxfield and Oshman Professor of Engineering, Rice University • 2005–present: University Professor, Rice University External positions • 1978–1991: Editor, SIAM Journal on Numerical Analysis • 1981–1996: Editor, Journal of Optimization Theory and Applications • 1989–1992: Member, SIAM Board of Trustees, • 1990–1991: Editor, SIAM Journal on Optimization • 1992–1994: Member, Mathematical Sciences Education Board, National Research Council • 1992: Member, National Academy of Engineering • 1996–2002: Member, National Science Board Publications Tapia has published two books and authored or co-authored over 100 research papers in mathematics. In 2022, Tapia published the book Losing the Precious Few: How America Fails to Educate its Minorities in Science and Engineering. The book examines the lack of representation of domestic minority groups in STEM fields, identifying key causes such as standardized testing, gaps in K-12 education, and racial biases. He emphasizes the importance of improving access to higher education to address this disparity. The book offers insights for educators, students, and parents on fostering a more inclusive academic environment. ; Books • {{cite book|title=Nonparametric Density Estimation|publisher=Johns Hopkins University Press|location=Baltimore, Maryland|date=1978 • {{cite book|title=Nonparametric Function Estimation, Modeling, and Simulation|publisher=Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM)|location=Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|date=1990 == Awards and honors ==

in 2014. In 1992, Tapia became the first Hispanic elected to the National Academy of Engineering. From 2001 to 2004, Tapia chaired the National Research Council's Board of Higher Education and workforce. In 2009, he received Hispanic Heritage Award in Math and Science and he was chosen to have a "Celebration of Diversity in Computing" [conference] named after him (usually held annually or biennially). In 2010, he was awarded the National Medal of Science (Mathematics And Computer Science) for "For his pioneering and fundamental contributions in optimization theory and numerical analysis and for his dedication and sustained efforts in fostering diversity and excellence in mathematics and science education." Also, in 2014, Blackwell-Tapia prize and conference were named for Tapia and David Blackwell. In 2016, Tapia received the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Public Engagement with Science Award. The award recognized Tapia for his “remarkable career blending world-class scholarship, admirable mentoring and profound contributions to science, technology, engineering and mathematics education and public engagement.” In 2026, the Harris County commissioners unnanimously voted to name the newly-constructed Beltway 8 ship channel bridge, the Dr. Richard A. Tapia Bridge. The commissioners noted that the structure was "one of the most prominent pieces of infrastructure in the nation to be named after a Hispanic leader." ==Personal life==

He married Jean Tapia and had 3 children, named Circee, Richard, and Becky. Their daughter, Circee, was killed by a drunk driver in 1982. Jean died in 2023. {{cite news|accessdate=May 2, 2026 |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/education/article/rice-tapia-50-years-honor-19381467.php == See also ==