As someone who prefers the English classrooms to the science labs at school, I’m not the biggest fan of biology, chemistry or physics. It’s not that I don’t find them interesting; rather, I just prefer essay writing to chemical equations, and reading to experiments. Nevertheless, it is certainly important to encourage a love of science in those who enjoy the subjects, especially when there are absolutely amazing role models in existence. Scientists Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Bill Nye, both science educators, certainly succeed in making science ‘cool’. Both exceedingly talented and intelligent, and both with a strong love for what they do, they certainly qualify as inspirational individuals, striving to learn more, and to educate others.
Neil deGrasse Tyson, or, to give him his full title, Dr. deGrasse Tyson, is generally accepted as one of the most influential astrophysicists alive today. Credited as an astrophysicist, cosmologist, author and science communicator, he has held the position as director of the Hayden Planetarium in the New York Museum of Natural History since 1996, which he worked at as a staff scientist during the research for his doctorate. Other credits include writing monthly essays for the Natural History magazine, serving on a government commission on the future of the aerospace industry, hosting several television shows (like the American Brian Cox), and a weekly podcast (which is still running!) It doesn’t stop there; with 18 honorary doctorates from universities across America, as well as the Cosmos Award, the NASA distinguished public service medal, and the medal of excellence. All in all, this seems to demonstrate an individual totally committed their field, something that should certainly be admired.
Bill Nye, otherwise known as Bill Nye the Science Guy, has likely been a significant influence on the majority of recent science graduates, specifically in the USA. His Disney channel/PBS children’s show, unsurprisingly titled ‘Bill Nye the Science Guy’, airing form 1993-1998. Although not being as credited as Tyson, Nye having a BA in science, rather than a Doctorate. Nevertheless, each of the 100 episodes throughout his show, Nye gained a wide child, and adult audience. As well as his position as an entertainer, Nye is also an activist for green energy, and repeatedly speaks out of climate change. He also holds several patents for inventions, and answered a Q and A session following the landing of the Mars Rover in 2012. Despite not having a literal doctorate, Nye has been awarded three honorary doctorates from American universities, and Nye also received the 2010 Humanist of the Year Award from the Humanist Association.
Both Tyson and Nye are undoubtedly inspirational figures in their field. Each dedicated to learning more about the world, and teaching those around them. Hopefully, many more generations of young scientists will find them as awe-inspiring as many now-scientists did as children. If you’re interested, most episodes of Bill Nye the Science Guy can be found on Youtube! For those who adore science, they’re certainly worth a look. In the words of Nye himself; “We need young people, entrepreneurs, young inventors, young innovators to change the world.”
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