Jan. 28, 2013
Alexander Nedd
[email protected]
Science majors and astronomy lovers may be anticipating one campus event more so than any other this April.
As a result of the combined efforts of the Office of Student Activities, Student Life and Leadership and Residential Life and Housing, world-renowned astrophysicist Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson will speak at Gallogly Events Center on April 17 at 7 p.m. Ticket availability is pending.
“He is the modern-day Carl Sagan,” said Dr. Sam Milazzo, senior physics instructor. “I’m sure he is on the cutting edge of more research, so it would be beneficial for everybody to go.”
Originally from New York City, Tyson was educated in the public schools before his graduation from Bronx High School of Dance.
From there, he went on to earn a B.A. in physics from Harvard University and his doctorate in astrophysics from Columbia University.
Tyson’s work has focused on evolution, and he is most known for his views on stellar formation based on the focus of astronomy.
President George W. Bush selected Tyson in 2001 to be on a 12-member board studying the future of United States Aerospace Industries.
The group published its findings in 2002, which contained information on the future of space transportation, exploration and national security.
In 2004, Bush appointed Tyson again to work with nine members and oversee the implementation of the United States Space Exploration.
The group was able to navigate a new vision for space exploration, and in 2006, Tyson was given the honor of serving on the advisory council for NASA to help proceed with the plan of a reduced budget.
Through his research and professional findings, Tyson has published many books for the public. Tyson’s “Death by Black Hole and Other Cosmic Quandaries” has become a New York Times bestseller.
His controversial novel “The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America’s Favorite Planet” details his work with NASA and provides insight on how his findings helped lead to a stripping of the former planet’s name.
Tyson’s work has made him popular among daytime shows, including “Jeopardy,” “The Colbert Report” and “The Big Bang Theory.”
Also, he has a PBS/NOVA documentary, “The Pluto Files,” based on his book of the same name, which debuted in March 2010.
Throughout his career, Tyson has earned many awards for his work, including the prestigious NASA Distinguished Public Service Award, the highest civilian honor given by NASA.
Tyson holds the position of the Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center for the Earth and Space.