Rice Engineering and Computing

Sí se puede. Yes, we can.

That was a favorite saying of Richard Tapia, who built bridges for generations of students, empowering them to pursue STEM careers. Now, Houston’s Ship Channel bridge honors his life and contributions: Harris County officially renamed it the Dr. Richard A. Tapia Bridge during a dedication ceremony held May 26.

Richard, your legacy will live on forever. https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/si-se-puede-ship-channel-bridge-named-late-rice-professor-richard-tapia

What if engineering and computing could change humanity for the better?

That's what the 2026 issue of the Rice Engineering and Computing Magazine is all about. Take a peek inside to read about the people, ideas and discoveries shaping that future as we ask bigger questions, pursue bolder solutions and redefine what’s possible.

Guided by Vision 2030, our school's new strategic plan, we're focusing on the areas where we believe we can make the greatest impact in the years ahead — from designing AI-powered healthcare innovations to disaster-proofing urban infrastructure.
https://engineering.rice.edu/rice-engineering-and-computing-magazine-2026

Richard Tapia's impact will be felt for generations.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Richard Tapia, a distinguished University Professor who, over the past half-century, has truly shaped Rice into the place it is today.

As a mathematician, his accomplishments were many: the National Medal of Science, presented by President Obama in 2011 — the highest honor this country gives a scientist or engineer; the National Science Board's Vannevar Bush Award; the first Mexican-American elected to the National Academy of Engineering.

But his biggest impact was the legacy he has left through his unwavering commitment to empowering underrepresented students to pursue STEM opportunities—from leading the Tapia Center to mentoring graduate students. He opened doors for generations of students from underrepresented communities and instilled within them the truth that STEM is for everyone.

Richard's legacy will live on at Rice University and within countless students whose life he has helped shape over his decades of service to the university. Rest in peace, Richard Tapia. https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/richard-tapia-pioneering-mathematician-and-advocate-diversity-passes-away-88

Can climate variability influence the risk of armed conflict?

New research from Rice sheds light on this long-debated question.

Led by Rice statistics doctoral student Tyler Bagwell, with Rice University Statistics professor Frederi Viens and climate scientist Sylvia Dee, the study uses high-resolution data and empirical modeling to examine how large-scale climate patterns shape the probability of civil conflict and war. The research is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The study originated through a Rice Faculty Initiatives grant designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together expertise from climate science and political science.

Climate patterns may shape where violent conflict risks are amplified, Rice study finds A new Rice study uses high-resolution data and empirical modeling to examine how large-scale climate patterns shape the probability of civil conflict and war.

🦉 🎓 Rice Owls have taken flight! Congratulations to the 2026 Rice Engineering and Computing graduating class.

This morning, we celebrated the class of 2026 with an Order of the Engineer and Pledge of the Computing Professionals induction ceremony, where graduates pledged to contribute to their fields with integrity and ethics. Following the ceremony, families celebrated with faculty and Rice Engineering Alumni at the graduation reception.

We are proud of the class of 2026 and can't wait to see what you accomplish in your careers!