Rice mathematician to receive National Medal of Science

A Rice University mathematician learned earlier today that he will be receiving the National Medal of Science from President Obama.

Rice University announced today that mathematician Richard Tapia will be honored with the National Medal of Science for his work in optimization theory and numerical analysis, as well as his commitment to making the field accessible to women and minorities, according to the press release.

Tapia’s notable achievements include authoring two books and 100 mathematical research papers; earning the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring in 1996; the Distinguished Scientist Award from the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science; and being the first academician to be named Hispanic Engineer of the Year by Hispanic Engineer magazine.

"I never thought that this would happen," said Tapia, who is the son of Mexican immigrants. "I am extremely honored. When I look at the list of the mathematicians, computer scientists and statisticians that have won the National Medal of Science, I'm totally humbled. The names on the list are just phenomenal.”

For more information about the award, click here.