Richard Tapia, the pioneering Rice University mathematician whose influence stretched from academia to Houston’s skyline, has died at 88, the university confirmed Saturday.
Rice officials described Tapia as a groundbreaking scholar, mentor and advocate who spent decades shaping both the university and generations of students in mathematics, science and engineering.
“Richard Tapia was a trailblazer in every sense of the word,” Rice President Reginald DesRoches said in the university’s announcement. “He transformed the lives of countless students through his mentorship, scholarship and unwavering belief that excellence in mathematics and diversity in STEM go hand in hand.”…