The NSB is the governing body of the National Science Foundation and has 24 members who are appointed by the president with the advice and consent of the Senate.
Members serve six-year rotating terms, and eight members are appointed every two years.
NSB members recommend broad national policies for promoting basic research and education in the sciences and engineering. Clinton announced on August 2. Tapia has also been named the 1996 Hispanic Engineer of the Year by Hispanic Engineer Magazine. He was selected from 225 national nominees and is the first academician to receive this honor. Tapia was recognized for his leadership, career accomplishments, and extensive work to encourage Hispanics in math and science.