Richard Tapia

The National Science Board awarded Richard Tapia the 2014 Vannevar Bush Award which recognizes “exceptional, lifelong leaders in science and technology who have made substantial contributions to the welfare of the nation through public service activities in science, technology and public policy.” Since the late 1970s, Tapia has been highly regarded for his commitment to mentoring and championing women and minorities in the sciences. Using his “Math is Cool” presentation, he has been instrumental in opening the world of mathematics and computer science to inner-city high school students and teachers. Tapia served on IPAM’s Board of Trustees from 2000-2004 and is currently a mathematician at Rice University. The 2014 Blackwell-Tapia Conference, which honors David Blackwell and Richard Tapia, will be held at IPAM November 14-15. For more information see Blackwell-Tapia Conference and Awards Ceremony